Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Shelby Thomas

Portage,MI

Summary

Dedicated Autism Spectrum Disorder Teacher with expertise in fostering student engagement, behavior management, and differentiated instruction. Committed to creating inclusive environments that support diverse learners and enhance educational outcomes.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience

Work History

Autism Spectrum Disorder Teacher

Kalamazoo Regional Educ. Svc. Agcy
Portage, MI
06.2021 - Current
  • Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
  • Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
  • Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
  • Designed and implemented differentiated instruction strategy to meet diverse learning needs, enhancing educational outcomes.
  • Developed and executed formative and summative assessments to monitor student progress, adjusting teaching strategies accordingly.
  • Developed and implemented classroom routines to address varying student needs.

Special Needs Coordinator

Lutheran Church of Hope
West Des Moines, IA
07.2018 - 12.2020
  • Developed and implemented individualized education plans for diverse special needs students.
  • Coordinated training sessions for staff on best practices in special needs education.
  • Fostered collaboration between families, educators, and external service providers to enhance student support.
  • Monitored student progress and adjusted strategies to ensure educational goals were met effectively.
  • Mentored new staff on inclusion strategies and classroom management techniques tailored for special needs environments.
  • Advocated for resources and services that align with students' unique requirements within the community framework.
  • Developed strong relationships with community organizations to provide additional resources and support for students and families.
  • Created a welcoming environment where all students felt valued, respected, and included in all aspects of school life.
  • Managed caseloads effectively, ensuring timely updates and reviews of individualized education plans.
  • 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.
  • Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
  • Worked closely with parents and guardians to address students' issues on multiple fronts.

Special Education Teacher

Earlham Community School District
Earlham, IA
08.2006 - 06.2018
  • Developed individualized education plans to meet diverse student needs.
  • Implemented evidence-based instructional strategies for effective learning outcomes.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to enhance student support services.
  • Monitored and assessed student progress, adjusting interventions as necessary.
  • Trained and mentored new staff on special education best practices.
  • Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
  • Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
  • Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
  • Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
  • Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
  • Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
  • Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
  • Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
  • Partnered with standard education teachers from across academic departments.
  • Integrated social skills training into curriculum, facilitating improved peer interactions and social integration.
  • Enhanced communication skills in non-verbal students through integration of alternative and augmentative communication systems.
  • Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet varied needs of students, enhancing educational accessibility.
  • Monitored student performance to evaluate effectiveness of instructional strategies.
  • Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance.
  • Coordinated regular meetings to share and analyze student performance data and success plans with colleagues and parents.
  • Helped students with special needs integrate into general classroom environments by advocating for individual requirements and helping teachers solve problems.
  • Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
  • Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.

Education

Master of Science - ASD Teacher

Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI
12-2024

Skills

  • Relationship building
  • Task prioritization
  • Student engagement
  • Behavior management
  • Growth mindset
  • Group and individual instruction
  • Student assessment
  • Social-emotional learning training
  • Data-driven instructional best practices
  • Parent and student communication

Timeline

Autism Spectrum Disorder Teacher

Kalamazoo Regional Educ. Svc. Agcy
06.2021 - Current

Special Needs Coordinator

Lutheran Church of Hope
07.2018 - 12.2020

Special Education Teacher

Earlham Community School District
08.2006 - 06.2018

Master of Science - ASD Teacher

Central Michigan University

Similar Profiles

  • Rhonda HillRhonda Hill

    Autism Spectrum Disorder Teacher (ASD Teacher) at St. Lucie Public SchoolsAutism Spectrum Disorder Teacher (ASD Teacher) at St. Lucie Public Schools

  • Quinita OnealQuinita Oneal

    <ul><li>Delivered individualized Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy to children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and developmental disabilities.</li><li>Accurately collected, recorded, and analyzed client data to track progress and ensure fidelity to treatment plans designed by the BCBA.</li><li>Utilized evidence-based interventions to increase communication, social, and adaptive skills while decreasing maladaptive behaviors.</li><li>Supervised and trained new RBTs and staff in ABA principles, data collection, and behavior intervention strategies.</li><li>Provided mentorship, feedback, and support to RBT team members to ensure consistency and quality of services.</li><li>Collaborated closely with BCBAs to review data, implement program modifications, and ensure treatment integrity.</li><li>Partnered with parents and caregivers to reinforce ABA techniques and promote skill generalization at home and in the community.</li><li>Conducted parent training sessions and maintained strong communication to ensure family engagement and progress transparency.</li><li>Assisted in program updates and documentation, maintaining accurate session notes and data systems (e.g., Catalyst, CentralReach, Rethink).</li><li>Implemented individualized Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) using reinforcement, prompting, and de-escalation strategies.</li><li>Responded effectively to behavioral crises, prioritizing client safety and maintaining a calm therapeutic environment.</li><li>Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams including speech, occupational, and physical therapists to ensure coordinated care.</li><li>Participated in ongoing supervision, professional development, and training to uphold BACB ethical and clinical standards.</li><li>Modeled professionalism, integrity, and high ethical standards in all client and staff interactions.</li></ul> at Essential Behavior Group, LLC<ul><li>Delivered individualized Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy to children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and developmental disabilities.</li><li>Accurately collected, recorded, and analyzed client data to track progress and ensure fidelity to treatment plans designed by the BCBA.</li><li>Utilized evidence-based interventions to increase communication, social, and adaptive skills while decreasing maladaptive behaviors.</li><li>Supervised and trained new RBTs and staff in ABA principles, data collection, and behavior intervention strategies.</li><li>Provided mentorship, feedback, and support to RBT team members to ensure consistency and quality of services.</li><li>Collaborated closely with BCBAs to review data, implement program modifications, and ensure treatment integrity.</li><li>Partnered with parents and caregivers to reinforce ABA techniques and promote skill generalization at home and in the community.</li><li>Conducted parent training sessions and maintained strong communication to ensure family engagement and progress transparency.</li><li>Assisted in program updates and documentation, maintaining accurate session notes and data systems (e.g., Catalyst, CentralReach, Rethink).</li><li>Implemented individualized Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) using reinforcement, prompting, and de-escalation strategies.</li><li>Responded effectively to behavioral crises, prioritizing client safety and maintaining a calm therapeutic environment.</li><li>Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams including speech, occupational, and physical therapists to ensure coordinated care.</li><li>Participated in ongoing supervision, professional development, and training to uphold BACB ethical and clinical standards.</li><li>Modeled professionalism, integrity, and high ethical standards in all client and staff interactions.</li></ul> at Essential Behavior Group, LLC

  • Ertha Razack-StewartErtha Razack-Stewart

    Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 2 Teacher at Gwinnett County Public SchoolsAutism Spectrum Disorder Level 2 Teacher at Gwinnett County Public Schools

  • Gloria BenitezGloria Benitez

    First Grade Teacher (SPED Autism Disorder) at DR. Toni Bilbao Preparatory AcademyFirst Grade Teacher (SPED Autism Disorder) at DR. Toni Bilbao Preparatory Academy

CREATE PROFILE