SARA SMITH
Tacoma,WA
Summary
I am an organized planner, classroom manager and educational support professional with more than seventeen years of related experience. I will bring a strong desire to positively impact students' lives. I am Knowledgeable about school processes and improvement strategies focused on special needs learners. I am a friendly and energetic Paraprofessional with expertise in assisting teachers and students in a public classroom environment. I am motivated to help students learn in a happy, healthy and positive environment. I am Calm and effective at mediating student conflicts.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
In-Home Caretaker
CDWA-DSHS
Tacoma , WA
2021.09 - 2024.01
- Organized and monitored medication schedules according to physician instructions.
- Developed individual care plans in coordination with family members and other healthcare professionals.
- Transported clients to medical appointments or social activities as needed.
- Monitored vital signs such as temperature, pulse rate, respiration rate, blood pressure.
- Assisted with light housekeeping tasks including laundry, vacuuming, dusting and meal preparation.
- Responded promptly to any medical emergencies that may arise.
- Supported clients who were physically disabled by providing assistance with mobility needs.
- Assisted patients in maintaining personal hygiene through showering and bathing assistance, toileting assistance and incontinence care management.
- Successfully sought out patient/client resources within the community and healthcare field. I.E. in-home medical beds, food pantries, pharmacy delivery, medical insurance coverages etc.
- Collaborated with other healthcare professionals to ensure quality of care is maintained.
- Attended regular meetings with supervisors and staff members to discuss patient care or issues.
- Provided patients and families with emotional support and instruction.
- Observed patients for changes in physical, emotional, mental or behavioral condition and injuries.
- Examined and treated patient lacerations, contusions and physical symptoms and referred patients to other medical professionals.
- Maintained records of patient care, progress or problems to report and discuss observations.
On Time Graduation Assistant/Paraprofessional
Chief Leschi Schools
Puyallup , WA
2017.02 - 2021.03
- Communicated and collaborated well with educators from various grade levels.
- Assisted teacher in monitoring students' progress and by reviewing test scores and classwork.
- Attended in-services, workshops and seminars. Education based and Native American culturally based workshops.
- Consulted regularly with administrators and specialists to coordinate individualized support for struggling students.
- Promoted parent and teacher partnerships and communications to support students educational goals of on time graduation.
- Organized and scheduled grades k-12 for state mandated testing and school district testing per grade level.
- Ran multiple reports per teacher, grade, gender, subject and/or score from each test based on administrations needs using various Microsoft programs.
- Supervised and set up for each grade level on their individual class/ grade testing time.
- Ensured all grades and students completed testing within the legal limits with a ninety-eight percent completion rate for elementary.
- Monitored High School students closely to ensure all mandatory testing and graduation requirements were being met within their four years of high school.
- Made individual family/student educational contracts based on students credits, grades and graduation requirements that had already been met or needed student attention.
- Verbally interacted with students on a daily basis to help build and maintain a safe positive learning and testing environment.
Peer Inclusion Preschool-autism Para
Tacoma Public Schools- Whitman Elem
Tacoma , WA
2014.09 - 2018.01
- Conducted small group and individual classroom activities with students based on different learning needs and abilities.
- Used interesting and interactive learning methods to help students with individual needs.
- Instructed students individually and in groups using various teaching methods.
- Formed deep relationships with parents and students by engaging groups through conferences, emails and phone calls.
- Prepared, administered and graded daily work to monitor and evaluate student's progress.
- Worked with students with special needs to accomplish tasks and help them build up everyday life skills such as, positive social-emotional and behavioral & self awareness.
- Collaborated with primary teachers across multiple departments to optimize student learning.
- Fostered positive and trusting relationships with students to increase engagement.
K-5 Adjustment/Autism Paraprofessional
Tacoma School District- Whitman Elem
Tacoma , WA
2013.09 - 2014.08
- Taught students with learning disabilities and special needs, including ADHD, ADD and autism.
- Worked with individual and small groups of students on daily lessons based on their learning levels and IEP needs, using a variety of curriculums in each of the core subjects.
- Worked closely with classroom teacher and specialists to create lesson plans for students with special needs and accomodations.
- Modeled acceptable behavior while utilizing behavior modification techniques or positive reinforcement.
- Provided supplemental supervision in classrooms, schoolyards and cafeterias.
- Physically and verbally interacted with students throughout the day to keep them positively engaged in learning.
- Helped supervise various class and state standardized tests. Worked 1:1 with students during testing based on their individual learning needs.
Peer Based Autism Preschool/Autism Paraprofessional
Tacoma School District- Jefferson Ele
Tacoma , WA
2009.09 - 2013.09
- Supported lead teacher with daily classroom activities and lessons.
- Monitored students to reinforce positive behavior and maintain safety.
- Supervised students outside classroom during recess, lunch and breaks.
- Set up for special events, including parent teacher conferences and in home parent meetings.
- Prepared instructional materials such as small group lessons and individual 1:1 lessons.
- Helped maintain a tidy and clean classroom consistent with a safe and healthy learning environment.
- Organized and led activities to promote physical, mental and social development.
- Tracked each child's progress and reported progress to classroom teacher and parents.
- Enhanced sensory abilities by giving children access to numerous peer based play set ups.
1:1 Para Educator/ Autism Para
Tac Pub Sc- Whitman El- Stewart MS
Tacoma , WA
2004.09 - 2009.08
- Served as classroom aide when available to teachers and worked one-on-one with special needs student.
- Completed documentation on individual students behavior, interventions and results.
- Promoted compliance with IEP standards in both curriculum development and daily classroom lessons.
- Applied positive reinforcement to redirect negative behaviors.
- Supervised students and maintained security throughout school buildings and on field trips.
- Modeled and taught basic and advanced social skills, conflict resolution techniques and student communications.
- Worked with a wide variety of teaching staff in various grade levels and multiple subjects.
- Verbally interacted with students throughout the day to help keep them engaged and to have a positive outlook and attitude while learning in a safe environment.
Education
Tacoma Public School in Person Training
Skills
- State Approved Paraprofessional
- Patient
- knowledgeable in enrichment activities
- IEP familiarity
- Educational support
- knowledgeable in Crisis intervention
- Activity oversight
- Safety understanding
- strong, clear communicator
- Easily adaptable to changing environments
Timeline
In-Home Caretaker
CDWA-DSHS
2021.09 - 2024.01
On Time Graduation Assistant/Paraprofessional
Chief Leschi Schools
2017.02 - 2021.03
Peer Inclusion Preschool-autism Para
Tacoma Public Schools- Whitman Elem
2014.09 - 2018.01
K-5 Adjustment/Autism Paraprofessional
Tacoma School District- Whitman Elem
2013.09 - 2014.08
Peer Based Autism Preschool/Autism Paraprofessional
Tacoma School District- Jefferson Ele
2009.09 - 2013.09
1:1 Para Educator/ Autism Para
Tac Pub Sc- Whitman El- Stewart MS
2004.09 - 2009.08
Tacoma Public School in Person Training
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