Sonda Sperzel
Waycross
Summary
Resilient Special Education Teacher familiar with challenges associated with teaching special needs children. Remains positive under times of stress or conflict. Works well with classroom teachers to develop accommodations and special techniques for mainstream classroom inclusion.
Special Education Teacher equipped with positive attitude and patience vital to teaching children with special needs. Extensive experience creating innovative lesson plans and comfortable learning environments.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
High School Special Education Teacher
Brantley County High School
05.2023 - Current
- Increased parent engagement through regular communication, building strong relationships and fostering a supportive learning environment at home.
- Supported social-emotional growth by incorporating SEL activities into daily routines, fostering a positive classroom climate conducive to learning.
- Improved student comprehension by implementing differentiated instruction strategies tailored to individual learning needs.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop and integrate interdisciplinary lesson plans, broadening student understanding of various subjects.
- Enhanced classroom management by establishing clear expectations and consistently enforcing rules and consequences.
- Empowered students with self-advocacy skills through targeted lessons on communication, problem-solving, and goal-setting techniques.
- Promoted a culture of inclusion by adapting lessons for diverse learners, ensuring equal access to educational opportunities for all students.
- Promoted collaboration among peers by designing group projects that encouraged teamwork, compromise, and shared responsibility for academic success.
- Facilitated successful transitions for students entering high school or transitioning between grade levels by coordinating orientation programs and creating personalized transition plans.
- Evaluated student progress using formative assessments, adjusting instructional strategies as needed to maximize learning outcomes.
- Contributed to IEP development and implementation, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to provide appropriate accommodations and modifications for special education students.
- Reduced behavior issues by implementing proactive intervention strategies such as check-in/check-out systems and individualized behavior plans.
- Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
- Partnered with standard education teachers from across academic departments.
- 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.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Maintained accurate and complete student records to prepare reports on children and activities.
Counselor
Unison Behavioral Health
05.2005 - 04.2023
- Assisted clients in setting realistic goals, developing action plans, and monitoring progress towards achievement.
- Maintained accurate documentation of client interactions, assessments, and progress notes for effective case management.
- Educated clients on available community resources, fostering a sense of empowerment and selfsufficiency.
- Improved client satisfaction through consistent communication, empathy, and understanding of their unique challenges.
- Guided clients in developing skills and strategies for dealing with problems.
- Implemented behavioral modification strategies to help clients develop healthier coping mechanisms.
- Contributed to a supportive work environment by sharing knowledge, resources, and new findings within the counseling field.
- Conducted assessments to determine progress and performance and report findings to relevant authorities.
- Conducted thorough assessments to identify client needs and appropriate intervention strategies.
- Used cognitive behavior therapy to assist clients in recognizing and redirecting poor habits.
- Developed individualized counseling plans for clients to incorporate short-term and long-term goals.
- Utilized motivational interviewing techniques to encourage positive change in clients'' lives.
- Implemented evidence-based therapeutic interventions to promote positive behavior change.
- Established trusting therapeutic alliances with clients through empathetic listening, validation, and unconditional positive regard.
- Worked closely with families to support clients in their recovery process and strengthen relationships among family members.
- Participated in ongoing professional development trainings to remain current on best practices within the counseling field.
- Developed and facilitated group therapy sessions for increased social support and skill-building opportunities.
Education
Master of Science - Counseling And Psychology
Troy University
Brunswick, GA05-2008
Bachelor of Science - Human Services
Mercer University
Macon, GA05-2000
Skills
- Classroom organization
- Emotional support
- Collaborative teaching
- Student engagement
- Teaching strategies
- Social skills training
- Instructional technology
- IEP implementation
- Transition planning
- Individual education plans ieps
- Classroom management
Certification
- Professional Counseling License Georgia - 4/20/2015-present
- Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner credential (CPRP) 2012
Timeline
High School Special Education Teacher
Brantley County High School
05.2023 - Current
Counselor
Unison Behavioral Health
05.2005 - 04.2023
Master of Science - Counseling And Psychology
Troy University
Bachelor of Science - Human Services
Mercer University
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