Samantha Opalka
Amsterdam,NY
Summary
Enthusiastic educator with communication and interpersonal skills necessary to lead classrooms and execute lesson plans. Provides instruction and guidance to students of all ages. Creates positive classroom environments and effectively manages student behavior.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Teacher Substitute
Wildwood School
11.2022 - Current
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Developed and implemented lesson plans based on individual student needs.
- 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.
- Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
- Implemented classroom management techniques to maintain a positive learning environment for all students.
Teaching Assistant
Wildwood School
01.2022 - 11.2022
- Work with children on the Autism Spectrum
- Perform Discrete Trails
- Implement ABA techniques
- Work with children and implement behavior strategies to reduce maladaptive behaviors
- Correctly records raw data into the ACE Program
- Assisted instructional staff with implementing lessons and activities for full classes and small groups
- Supported classroom teachers by managing files, preparing materials, and updating records
- Assisted teachers with lesson preparation and curriculum implementation
- Prepared lesson materials and visual aids to reinforce lesson concepts
- Participated in meetings with parents concerning child's progress and areas of concern during parent-teacher conferences.
Teacher's Aide
HFM BOCES
04.2015 - 01.2022
- Work with children on the Autism Spectrum
- Perform Discrete Trails
- Implement ABA techniques
- Work with children and implement behavior strategies to reduce maladaptive behaviors
- Correctly records raw data into the Bridges ABA program
- Assisted instructional staff with implementing lessons and activities for full classes and small groups
- Supported classroom teachers by managing files, preparing materials, and updating records
- Assisted teachers with lesson preparation and curriculum implementation
- Prepared lesson materials and visual aids to reinforce lesson concepts
- Participated in meetings with parents concerning child's progress and areas of concern during parent-teacher conferences.
Direct Care Coordinator
Lexington Center, Fulton Co ARC
10.2001 - 06.2014
- Consulted with specialists and referred patients for more advanced support based on individual needs
- Communicated with patients with compassion while keeping medical information private
- Maintained daily living standards by assisting clients with personal hygiene needs
- Helped clients with personal needs from exercise to bathing and personal grooming
- Assisted with client personal care needs to foster independence and well-being
- Followed care plan and directions to administer medications
- Engaged with patients and families to provide emotional support and daily living instruction
- Transported patients to medical, dental and personal care appointments
- Planned and prepared nutritious meals and snacks to meet diabetic, low sodium and high protein diets.
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Psychology With A Minor Adolescent Development
Southern New Hampshire University
Some College (No Degree) - Special Education
Grand Canyon University
Skills
- Special needs education
- Child development knowledge
- Valid NY driver's license
- Computer savvy
- Parent-Teacher Communication
- Student Engagement
- Collaborative learning
- Classroom Management
- Classroom Organization
- Lesson Plan Implementation
- Behavior Management
- Positive Reinforcement
- Group and individual instruction
- IEP documentation
State
NY
Zip
12010
City
Amsterdam
Certification
- Certified Teaching Assistant Level 1 (waiting approval for Level 3 certification)
- CALM Trained
Timeline
Teacher Substitute
Wildwood School
11.2022 - Current
Teaching Assistant
Wildwood School
01.2022 - 11.2022
Teacher's Aide
HFM BOCES
04.2015 - 01.2022
Direct Care Coordinator
Lexington Center, Fulton Co ARC
10.2001 - 06.2014
Some College (No Degree) - Psychology With A Minor Adolescent Development
Southern New Hampshire University
Some College (No Degree) - Special Education
Grand Canyon University
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