Rhona Marissa Gilfillian
Port Wentworth,GA
Summary
Versatile Special Education Teacher with a focus on individual student needs across academia and emotional development. Empathetic and accommodating in the design and implementation of hands-on lessons, catering to diverse learning abilities. Proficient in employing constant communication, patience, and positive reinforcement in team efforts to deliver exceptional educational tools, fostering academic achievement.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Savannah Chatham County Public Schools
05.2021 - Current
- Enhanced students'' communication skills by implementing group activities and collaborative projects.
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
- Streamlined classroom processes by integrating technology tools such as interactive whiteboards and assistive devices designed for students with disabilities.
- Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
- Provided targeted instructional support to struggling learners, identifying specific areas for improvement and designing effective intervention plans.
- Organized field trips and community-based experiences that enriched students'' understanding of real-world applications for their skills.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Provided one-on-one support for students with learning disabilities, enabling them to excel in their coursework.
- Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Provided emotional support to students and families.
- Implemented behavior modification techniques to improve student social and academic performance.
Academic Coach
Ministry Of Education
08.2019 - 08.2021
- Collaborated with teachers to develop targeted learning strategies for individual students.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in education and coaching.
- Identified areas of growth for students, devising tailored action plans to improve skills and knowledge gaps.
- Assisted in the coordination of school programs and events that promoted academic success and engagement.
- Served as a liaison between students, parents, and teachers to facilitate communication and collaboration on academic goals.
- Offered constructive feedback on assignments, helping students hone their critical thinking skills and enhance their overall performance.
- Collaborated with teachers and administrators to discuss academic needs of students.
- Assessed student learning needs and provided relevant instruction to close knowledge gaps.
- Motivated students with accurate feedback and positive reinforcement.
- Developed methods to motivate and engage students in learning.
- Maintained records of student assessments, tutoring activities and results.
- Mentored and coached students with focus on developing independence and self-confidence.
- Conducted tutoring sessions at schools, homes and public spaces.
- Monitored student progress and provided feedback and support.
- Developed comprehensive lesson plans to address specific academic goals and challenges.
Student Teacher
Ministry Of Education
01.2019 - 04.2019
- Enhanced student comprehension by incorporating visual aids and interactive activities into lessons.
- Increased students'' critical thinking skills through the implementation of group projects and problem-solving exercises.
- Promoted a positive learning environment by establishing clear expectations, enforcing classroom rules, and fostering open communication.
- Supported diverse learners with differentiated instruction strategies tailored to individual needs and abilities.
- Implemented assessment tools to monitor student progress, adjusting lesson plans as needed to address areas of struggle or mastery.
- Utilized varied teaching techniques for different learning styles, ensuring all students had access to course material.
- Incorporated real-world applications into lessons, making content relevant and relatable for students.
Kindergarten Teacher
Foundation Preparatory Schools
09.2013 - 08.2015
- Improved student reading skills by implementing phonics-based instruction and guided reading activities.
- Enhanced classroom management by establishing clear expectations, rules, and routines.
- Increased parent involvement through regular communication, parent-teacher conferences, and workshops.
- Promoted a positive learning environment with the use of collaborative group work and hands-on activities.
- Contributed to school-wide initiatives and professional development workshops, helping improve overall educational quality at the institution.
- Organized extracurricular activities like clubs or field trips that enriched students'' educational experiences while fostering social skills and teamwork abilities.
- Led structured small group sessions targeting specific skills or concepts, enabling focused attention on areas needing improvement for individual students.
- Coordinated special events like class performances or presentations that showcased students'' talents and accomplishments while engaging families in their children''s education journey.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
Classroom Student Teacher
Ministry Of Education
10.2010 - 12.2010
- Enhanced student comprehension by incorporating visual aids and interactive activities into lessons.
- Increased students'' critical thinking skills through the implementation of group projects and problem-solving exercises.
- Promoted a positive learning environment by establishing clear expectations, enforcing classroom rules, and fostering open communication.
- Supported diverse learners with differentiated instruction strategies tailored to individual needs and abilities.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Assisted with the management of classroom rules, procedures, and expectations to instill discipline and observance of conduct code.
- Assisted in administering tests and other assessments to evaluate student progress.
Education
Master of Education - Integrated Curriculum
American College of Education
Indianapolis, IN06.2024
Bachelor of Education - Moderate And Severe Disabilities Special Education
The Mico University College
Kingston, Jamaica 09.2019
Certificate - Early Childhood Education
Human Employment And Resource Training
09.2011
Skills
- Social Skills Development
- Learning Style Assessments
- Material Selection
- Progress Evaluations
- Able to plan activities and follow through effectively
- Adhere to standards and procedures and maintain confidentiality
- Focus on continuous improvement, determined and persistent in getting things done
- Good oral and written communication skills
- Able to successfully adapt to changing situations and environment
- Excellent time management skills
- Student Records Management
- Parent Communication
- Lesson Planning
- Parent-Teacher Collaboration
- Behavior Modifications
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Savannah Chatham County Public Schools
05.2021 - Current
Academic Coach
Ministry Of Education
08.2019 - 08.2021
Student Teacher
Ministry Of Education
01.2019 - 04.2019
Kindergarten Teacher
Foundation Preparatory Schools
09.2013 - 08.2015
Classroom Student Teacher
Ministry Of Education
10.2010 - 12.2010
Master of Education - Integrated Curriculum
American College of Education
Bachelor of Education - Moderate And Severe Disabilities Special Education
The Mico University College
Certificate - Early Childhood Education
Human Employment And Resource Training
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