Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Sonya Dupree

Sonya Dupree

New Orleans,LA

Summary

Dedicated and results-driven educator with over 20 years of teaching experience across general and special education settings, including leadership roles at KIPP New Orleans, Divine Academy in Florida, and multiple school districts in Louisiana and Texas. Proven expertise in curriculum adaptation, IEP development, classroom management, and differentiated instruction for diverse student populations, including students with autism and significant behavioral needs. Adept at collaborating with families, paraprofessionals, and school teams to promote student growth academically, socially, and emotionally. Skilled in using a variety of instructional technologies and behavior management strategies to create inclusive, engaging, and high-achieving classroom environments. Also served as a Cheer Coach and Homecoming Court Sponsor, demonstrating a strong commitment to school culture, student leadership, and extracurricular involvement.

Overview

24
24
years of professional experience

Work History

6th Grade Social Studies Teacher

Kipp New Orleans (KBCP)
07.2022 - Current
  • Executed daily 6th grade social studies lessons following KIPP curriculum guidelines.
  • Integrated culturally relevant teaching methods to boost engagement and understanding.
  • Evaluated student performance data to direct instructional strategies toward mastery.
  • 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.
  • Mentored new teachers, sharing best practices and providing guidance to help them successfully adapt to their new roles.
  • Participated actively in grade-level teams, content planning meetings, and professional development sessions, including additional school-based and content-focused training to strengthen instructional practices and ensure curriculum alignment.
  • Uphold KIPP’s values, policies, and culture of continuous improvement.

Special Education Teacher, Autistic Population

DIVINE ACADEMY
09.2016 - 07.2022
  • Evaluated potential students academically and behaviorally for class suitability.
  • Developed and implemented individualized education programs (IEPs) for each student, ensuring compliance.
  • Provided direct instruction across various subjects, adapting to diverse group sizes and developmental levels.
  • Supported students with physical, medical, or safety needs effectively.
  • Created and executed behavior plans to address individual student challenges.
  • Managed difficult students from other classes until behavior improved for reintegration.
  • Accommodated and modified assignments in alignment with IEP requirements.
  • Collaborated with families, staff, paraprofessionals, and service providers to ensure quality education.

Special Education Teacher

RAPIDES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
08.2006 - 08.2016
  • Supervised and mentored students, paraprofessionals, and instructional staff to maintain a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
  • Adapted general education curriculum using differentiated instruction and assistive technology to meet the needs of diverse learners, including students with IEPs.
  • Developed and implemented Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) in collaboration with families and specialists to promote academic, behavioral, and social development.
  • Assessed student progress through formative and summative assessments; maintained accurate records and communicated regularly with families and staff.
  • Delivered engaging instruction in core subjects such as English, math, and social studies using a variety of teaching methods including lectures, discussions, and hands-on activities.
  • Provided students with personal development skills such as goal setting, independence, and self-advocacy.
  • Collaborated with administrators, counselors, and support staff to address behavioral and academic challenges through team-based problem solving.
  • Participated in school-based and content-specific professional development to enhance instructional effectiveness and curricular alignment.
  • Facilitated experiential learning through class projects, field trips, and guest speaker visits.
  • Served as Cheer Coach, leading student-athletes in skill development, competition preparation, and school spirit events.
  • Sponsored the Homecoming Court, organizing nominations, student elections, and event logistics in coordination with school leadership.
  • Participated in IEP and student support meetings, ensuring compliance with legal and district policies.
  • Supported student transitions and inclusion in mainstream classes; coordinated placement and instructional supports.
  • Attended staff meetings, educational workshops, and trainings to maintain professional growth and stay current with best practices.
  • Fostered a safe, respectful, and achievement-oriented classroom culture with high expectations for all students.

Special Education LifeSkills Teacher

EAST CHAMBERS INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
01.2004 - 05.2006
  • Developed and implemented IEPs to support students’ academic, behavioral, social, and life skills growth.
  • Delivered differentiated instruction using phonics, multisensory strategies, and individualized supports aligned to IEP goals.
  • Adapted general education and Life Skills curriculum to include functional academics, daily living, and job readiness skills.
  • Assessed student progress using standardized tests and informal data to guide instruction and interventions.
  • Collaborated with families, counselors, and specialists to address student needs and support transitions.
  • Promoted student independence and engagement through structured routines, visual supports, and hands-on activities.
  • Maintained accurate, compliant documentation and supervised teacher assistants to ensure instructional consistency.
  • Reinforced positive behavior and social skills through evidence-based strategies and individualized behavior plans.
  • Participated in professional development to strengthen instructional practices and stay current with special education trends.


Special Education Teacher

EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
08.2001 - 05.2002
  • Developed and implemented Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) to support students’ academic, behavioral, and social growth.
  • Delivered differentiated instruction using phonics, multisensory strategies, and individualized supports for diverse learning needs.
  • Modified general education curriculum to align with each student’s IEP goals and state standards.
  • Administered and interpreted standardized ability and achievement tests to assess student progress and inform instruction.
  • Collaborated with parents, counselors, and specialists to address student challenges and plan effective interventions.
  • Encouraged perseverance, independence, and engagement through structured and supportive classroom routines.
  • Maintained accurate student records in compliance with district policies and legal requirements.
  • Supervised teacher assistants and ensured fidelity to special education program guidelines.
  • Taught and reinforced socially appropriate behavior using positive reinforcement and behavior management techniques.
  • Attended professional development workshops and training to improve instructional practices and stay current on special education standards.

Education

FULLSAIL UNIVERSITY, WINTER PARK, FL
Completed coursework towards Masters/ Creative Writing

LAMAR UNIVERSITY, BEAUMONT, LA
08.2001
  • Completed coursework towards Special Education
  • Alternative Certification Program - Completed

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SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY, BATON ROUGE, LA
07.2002
  • Completed coursework towards Education
  • Pursuing Certification in Special Education

B.S - Psychology

SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY, BATON ROUGE, LA
12.1998

High School Diploma - undefined

SHADY GROVE HIGH, ROSEDALE, LA
05.1989

Skills

    Instructional & Special Education Skills
  • IEP Development & Implementation
  • Differentiated Instruction & Curriculum Adaptation
  • Functional & Life Skills Instruction
  • Data-Driven Instruction & Assessment
  • Inclusion Support & Co-Teaching
  • Academic & Social-Emotional Support
  • Behavioral Intervention & Student Support
  • Behavior Management (PBIS, FBA, Tiered Interventions)
  • Positive Reinforcement & Behavior Modification
  • Crisis Prevention & De-escalation
  • Social Skills & Emotional Regulation Training
  • Conflict Resolution & Problem-Solving
    Leadership & School Engagement
  • Cheerleading Coach & Team Management
  • Homecoming & Event Planning
  • Student Mentorship & Leadership Development
  • School Spirit & Culture Building
  • Staff Supervision (Aides, Volunteers)
  • Family & Community Engagement
  • Professional & Technical Skills
  • Classroom Management & Routine Building
  • Strong Communication & Interpersonal Skills
  • Organization, Planning & Time Management
  • Technology Integration in Instruction
  • Continuous Professional Development

Timeline

6th Grade Social Studies Teacher - Kipp New Orleans (KBCP)
07.2022 - Current
Special Education Teacher, Autistic Population - DIVINE ACADEMY
09.2016 - 07.2022
Special Education Teacher - RAPIDES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
08.2006 - 08.2016
Special Education LifeSkills Teacher - EAST CHAMBERS INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
01.2004 - 05.2006
Special Education Teacher - EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
08.2001 - 05.2002
SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY - ,
SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY - B.S, Psychology
SHADY GROVE HIGH - High School Diploma,
FULLSAIL UNIVERSITY - ,
LAMAR UNIVERSITY - ,
Sonya Dupree