SHALEA FINLEY-THOMPSON
Palmdale,CA
Summary
Professional educator prepared for role with strong background in fostering student development and managing classroom dynamics. Valued for ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and adapt to changing needs. Skilled in lesson planning, classroom management, and engaging diverse student populations. Known for reliability, excellent communication, and results-driven approach.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Substitute Teacher
Palmdale School District
Palmdale, CA
01.2026 - Current
- Implemented lesson plans effectively to maintain classroom continuity and student engagement.
- Adapted instructional materials to meet diverse learning needs of students in various grade levels.
- Collaborated with teachers to address behavioral issues and foster a positive learning environment.
- Monitored student progress and provided feedback to enhance academic performance and participation.
- Promoted a collaborative learning environment through group projects and peer-to-peer activities, fostering teamwork and communication skills.
- Increased student comprehension by utilizing differentiated instruction methods tailored to individual learning styles.
- Maintained accurate records of student attendance, grades, and progress reports, ensuring timely submission to administration for reporting purposes.
- Collaborated with teaching staff to share resources and strategies, enhancing overall teaching quality.
- Adapted quickly to different classroom settings and teaching assignments, demonstrating flexibility and resourcefulness.
- Provided support to special education students in inclusive classrooms, developing accommodations and modifications to meet their unique needs.
Registered Behavior Therapist (RBT)
Action Behavior Centers - ABA Therapy for Autism
Dallas, Tx
10.2023 - 07.2025
- Gathers data to provide feedback on staff trial counts, and other reports to measure fidelity of treatment
- Conducts direct therapy, models and supports behavior technicians to achieve optimal expectations of direct treatment.
- Maintains and organizes patient materials necessary for therapy treatment
- Monitors parent training goals to ensure parent involvement/generalization of skills- print and log parent participation/involvement
- Reinforce staff for correct and motivated work Plan
- Provide feedback and modeling to promote a positive work environment for all staff
- Conducted behavioral assessments to identify skill deficits and target areas for improvement.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive care for clients and families.
- Assisted clients in achieving milestones through consistent reinforcement strategies and data-driven decision making.
Substitute Teacher
Palmdale School District
Palmdale, CA
10.2022 - 06.2023
- Teach content and skills in designated subjects to elementary (PK-8) students using District approved materials.
- Establishes and maintains standards of student behavior needed to provide an organized, productive classroom environment.
- Maintain as fully as possible the established routines and procedures (including classroom management techniques) for the school and classroom to which assigned.
- Teach the lessons outlined in the substitute plans as prepared by the absent teacher.
- Assume responsibility for overseeing student behavior in class and throughout the building during supervisory times.
- Provide direction to students in case of emergency situations.
- Developed strong rapport with students through consistent encouragement and support, fostering a positive learning atmosphere conducive to academic growth.
- Repeatedly requested as substitute teacher by teachers based on excellent past referrals and trusted performance.
- Boosted student engagement with interactive lessons, incorporating real-world examples and hands-on activities.
Paraprofessional
The Stepping Stones Group
Lancaster, CA
03.2022 - 10.2022
- Serve as a guide in instructing students on proper classroom behavior
- Help teachers keep records for grading and attendance
- Get materials and equipment ready to help teachers prepare for class
- Reinforce lessons by reviewing material one-on-one and in small groups with students
- Supervise students during lunch or recess, as well as in between classes or on field trips
- Assist students who need additional help learning a specific concept
- Facilitated communication between students, parents, and staff to foster a collaborative environment.
- Developed and maintained positive relationships with students to promote engagement and motivation.
- Implemented behavior management techniques to cultivate a positive classroom atmosphere.
Student Worker
Antelope Valley College Palmdale Campus
Lancaster, CA
10.2017 - 06.2019
- Managed the receptionist area, including greeting visitors and responding to telephone and in-person requests for information.
- Designed electronic file systems and maintained electronic and paper files.
- Maintained the front desk and reception area in a neat and organization
- Assisted in office administration tasks, improving workflow efficiency and organization.
- Supported faculty and staff by coordinating schedules and managing communications effectively.
- Facilitated student onboarding processes, ensuring a smooth transition into college programs.
- Managed inventory of educational materials, optimizing resource allocation and availability for students.
- Collaborated with campus departments on events, enhancing engagement opportunities for students and faculty.
- Demonstrated strong problem-solving abilities when faced with unexpected challenges during event coordination or daily tasks.
Education
Bachelors of Science - Behavioral Health Sciences with a Specification in Children with Special Needs
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ09-2022
Associate of Psychology -
Antelope Valley College
Lancaster, CA09-2019
High School Diploma -
Cesar Chavez Learning Academies - Artes
Pacoima, CA06-2017
Skills
- Behavior management techniques
- Complex problem solving
- Self Motivated
- Clerical, record keeping
- CPR Certified
- Excellent communication skills
- Team work oriented
- Emergency Procedures
- Relationship building and management
- Classroom management
- Student engagement
Timeline
Substitute Teacher
Palmdale School District
01.2026 - Current
Registered Behavior Therapist (RBT)
Action Behavior Centers - ABA Therapy for Autism
10.2023 - 07.2025
Substitute Teacher
Palmdale School District
10.2022 - 06.2023
Paraprofessional
The Stepping Stones Group
03.2022 - 10.2022
Student Worker
Antelope Valley College Palmdale Campus
10.2017 - 06.2019
Bachelors of Science - Behavioral Health Sciences with a Specification in Children with Special Needs
Grand Canyon University
Associate of Psychology -
Antelope Valley College
High School Diploma -
Cesar Chavez Learning Academies - Artes