Rita Bell
Norfolk,VA
Summary
An advocate for all students with strong foundation in behavioral and academic support. Successfully implemented interventions to tier 3 and tier 2 student leading them to improve behavior and their learning experience. Demonstrated active listening and emotional support, fostering safe and supportive environment for students. Highly collaborative team player, known for adaptability and results-driven approach. Proficient in crisis intervention and conflict resolution.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
CEIS Counselor /Student Interventionist
Norfolk Public Schools
Norfolk, VA
07.2024 - Current
- Developed and implemented individualized intervention strategies to support student learning and behavioral growth.
- Collaborated with educators to assess student needs and establish targeted improvement plans.
- Facilitated counseling sessions addressing social, academic, and behavioral issues.
- Collaborated with students to develop student success plans, set goals, and monitored progress including collecting and analyzing data.
- Collaborated with teachers and parents to enhance student support systems.
- Implemented crisis intervention strategies to ensure student safety and well-being.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to remain current on best practices in educational interventions and instructional methods.
- Provided professional development training and informational workshops for staff, parents/guardians, and families to support student.
Special Education Teacher
Norfolk Public Schools
Norfolk, VA
08.2018 - 06.2024
- Developed lesson plans and instructional material that meet the needs of the assigned students.
- Communicated and discussed student progress and provided feedback to students, teachers and parents/guardians.
- Taught social skills and conflict resolution.
- Support students in their classes to help create a supportive learning environment.
- Implemented behavior management techniques to improve classroom engagement and student outcomes.
- Assessed student progress using various evaluation tools, ensuring accurate reporting of achievements.
- Provided mentorship and training to new staff on special education best practices and compliance standards.
- Developed individualized education plans tailored to student needs and learning objectives.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to enhance instructional strategies and support services.
1st Grade Teacher
St. Matthew Catholic School
Virginia Beach, VA
08.2012 - 06.2018
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards.
- Fostered a positive classroom environment to enhance student learning and participation.
- Utilized assessment tools to monitor student progress and adjust instructional strategies accordingly.
- Collaborated with parents and guardians to support individual student needs and growth.
- Designed inclusive activities that cater to diverse learning styles and abilities within the classroom.
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning styles, ensuring all students made progress towards academic goals.
- Utilized data-driven instruction to identify areas of need for individual students and adjust teaching methods accordingly.
School Counselor and Special Education Teacher
Christ the King Catholic School
Norfolk, VA
08.2009 - 06.2012
- Developed and implemented an anti bullying policy.
- Provided classroom guidance lessons.
- Provided students with one-on-one sessions.
- Lead small group lessons.
- Worked with teachers, parents, and students to create and implemented behavior and academic plans.
- Arranged meetings between our eighth grade students and local high school programs.
- Developed and initiated an inclusion program.
- Provided teacher training in small group instruction based on differentiated learning.
- Developed individual education plans, designed to promote educational, physical and social development.
Education
M.D. - Education
Cambridge College
Chesapeake, VA05-2008
No Degree - Special Education Licensure
Cambridge College
Chesapeake, VABachelor of Arts - Criminology
St Leo University
Norfolk, Virginia01-2002
Skills
- Behavior monitoring
- Behavior modification
- Intervention planning
- Anger management
- De-escalation techniques
- Building rapport
- Communication skills
- Data collection
- Time management
Certification
National Board-Certified Teacher - Dec 31, 2025 - Dec. 31, 2030
Exceptional Needs Specialist-Early Childhood through Young Adulthood-Mild/Moderate Disabilities (ages 5-21+),
Postgraduate Professional License - July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2031
Emotional Disturbance K-12
School Counselor PREK-12
Special Ed - General Curriculum K-12
Specific Learning Disabilities K-12
Timeline
CEIS Counselor /Student Interventionist
Norfolk Public Schools
07.2024 - Current
Special Education Teacher
Norfolk Public Schools
08.2018 - 06.2024
1st Grade Teacher
St. Matthew Catholic School
08.2012 - 06.2018
School Counselor and Special Education Teacher
Christ the King Catholic School
08.2009 - 06.2012
Bachelor of Arts - Criminology
St Leo University
M.D. - Education
Cambridge College
No Degree - Special Education Licensure
Cambridge College