With a proven track record at Fort Bend Independent School District, I've led initiatives that enhanced inclusive education and streamlined IEP processes, demonstrating strong collaborative leadership and proficiency in data-driven decision-making. My expertise in special education, coupled with effective communication skills, has significantly improved student outcomes and fostered a supportive learning environment.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Department Chair
Fort Bend Independent School District
08.2016 - Current
Championed an inclusive school culture by advocating for the needs of special education students during administrative discussions.
Collaborated closely with other department chairs to establish interdisciplinary connections in curriculum planning.
Strengthened team cohesion among special education teachers, fostering a collaborative work environment.
Optimized data collection methods to track student progress more accurately and inform instructional decisions.
Mentored new special education teachers, providing guidance on best practices and classroom management techniques.
Increased parent involvement through effective communication and collaboration on student progress.
Reviewed assessment results regularly, adjusting instruction as needed based on data-driven insights into student performance trends.
Streamlined processes for IEP development, ensuring timely completion and compliance with state regulations.
Enhanced individualized learning by developing and implementing tailored IEPs for each student.
Allocated resources effectively, prioritizing specialized materials and tools for students'' unique needs.
Promoted inclusion by collaborating with general education teachers to adapt lesson plans for students with disabilities.
Improved classroom management by consistently implementing behavioral strategies and interventions.
Contributed to school-wide initiatives that supported a positive culture of learning for all students.
Boosted student confidence by providing consistent support and encouragement in the classroom setting.
Continuously refined instructional approaches, staying current with best practices in special education through ongoing professional development.
Led professional learning communities focused on sharing expertise in special education teaching strategies among staff members.
Developed meaningful relationships with students'' families through regular meetings and thorough updates on academic progress.
Allocated special education staff and addressed requests for additional allocations throughout school year.
Monitored overhead, prepared budgets and directed spending and resources to support fiscal efficiency.
Established and updated objectives and tools for overall program and each department to enhance operations.
Conferred and resolved education-related issues and problems with students, parents and school officials.
Implemented program-level departmental policies and procedures and managed budgets to support educational program and curriculum.
Evaluated programs and monitored implementation and compliance with regulations to achieve objectives.
Evaluated and supervised itinerant teachers and support staff based on student needs.
Coordinated special education services through frequent principal collaboration and consultation.
Drove professional development within the department by organizing trainings and conferences for staff members.
Organized and allocated resources required to meet needs of 180+ students and 21 instructors and educational staff.
Coordinated with school counselors and other support staff to connect students with appropriate resources and services tailored to their unique needs.
Developed collaborative partnerships with general education teachers, working together to create inclusive classrooms that met the needs of all learners.
Partnered with standard education teachers from across academic departments.
Helped modify general education curriculum to accommodate students with mild to moderate learning disabilities.
Middle School Special Education Teacher
Fort Bend Independent School District
08.2013 - Current
Established strong relationships with parents, conducting regular communication to provide updates on student progress and address any concerns.
Designed lesson materials specifically targeted at reinforcing key concepts for struggling learners, boosting comprehension levels among those facing academic challenges.
Assisted students in developing self-advocacy skills, empowering them to take ownership of their educational experience and achieve success both academically and socially.
Managed classroom behavior effectively, implementing positive reinforcement strategies to foster a safe and inclusive learning environment.
Monitored student progress through regular assessments, analyzing results to inform instructional adjustments and improve outcomes.
Enhanced student learning experiences by incorporating project-based and hands-on activities into the curriculum.
Mentored new special education teachers, sharing best practices in pedagogy and classroom management to support their professional development.
Implemented differentiated instruction techniques, accommodating diverse learning styles and abilities of students within the classroom.
Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
Tailored education and development goals to match individual student abilities and needs.
Designed and implemented Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for students with special needs.
Prepared classrooms for class activities and provided variety of materials and resources for children to explore, manipulate and use throughout day.
Worked with specialized equipment and education software to promote lesson interaction.
Developed transition plan to outline steps necessary to prepare student for move to high school.
Evaluated the effectiveness of curricular offerings within the special education program regularly, recommending changes as needed to optimize student achievement outcomes while adhering to state guidelines for content standards.
Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities, staying current on research and trends in special education teaching methods.
Utilized data-driven decision making to ensure instructional approaches aligned with individual student goals and objectives set forth in IEPs.
Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
Maintained accurate and complete student records to prepare reports on children and activities.
Special Education Paraprofessional
Fort Bend Independent School District
11.2010 - 08.2013
Developed strong rapport with students by demonstrating empathy, patience, and understanding during daily interactions both inside and outside the classroom setting.
Collaborated with teacher to create customized classroom environment integral to students' needs.
Monitored student classroom and outdoors activities to promote student safety.
Maintained positive attitude and affirmatively communicated with each student.
Interacted physically and verbally with students throughout each day.
Offered student support through special accommodations, extra assistance, and assessments.
Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in special education instruction and support services.
Oversaw class of students in absence of instructor.
Supported teacher in development of individual learning strategies.
Enhanced students'' learning experiences by implementing individualized educational plans and adapting teaching methods for special needs students.
Partnered with speech therapists, occupational therapists, and other related service providers to ensure comprehensive support for each individual student''s growth and progress.
Collaborated with teachers and specialists to assess student progress.
Helped feeding and daily living skills to support physical and emotional well-being.
Maintained classroom equipment and work area to promote safe learning environment and meet mandated requirements.
Observed individuals or groups of students in variety of settings to maintain safe and positive learning environment.
Adapted equipment and technology, boosting student engagement and motivation.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Interdisciplinary Studies
LeTourneau University
Longview, TX
05-2009
Skills
Special Education Certification EC-12, Generalist 4-8 certification, Core EC-6 Certification
De-escalation and Restraint Certification (CPI) provided through the district
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) training provided through the district
Inclusive education/ knowledgeable in best practices