Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline

Sonya Terrell

Tuscaloosa,AL

Summary

Dedicated paraprofessional with a proven track record at Kelly Educational Services, skilled in behavior management and effective communication. Successfully enhanced student engagement through tailored support for special needs, fostering a positive learning environment. Committed to collaboration and continuous improvement, ensuring all students achieve their academic goals.

Overview

2026
2026
years of professional experience

Work History

Paraprofessional

Kelly Educational Services
10.2019 - Current
  • Assisted teachers in implementing individualized education plans for diverse student needs.
  • Supported classroom management by maintaining a positive learning environment and addressing student behaviors.
  • Facilitated small group instruction, enhancing student comprehension and engagement with core subjects.
  • Collaborated with educators to develop instructional materials tailored to varied learning styles.
  • Monitored student progress, providing feedback to teachers on academic performance and social interactions.
  • Utilized educational technology tools to support lesson delivery and enhance interactive learning experiences.
  • Participated in professional development workshops, improving skills in special education practices and strategies.
  • Oversaw students in classroom and common areas to monitor, enforce rules, and support lead teacher.
  • Improved classroom management by assisting teachers with behavioral interventions and monitoring student progress.
  • Supervised students during non-instructional periods such as lunch, recess, or field trips, ensuring safety at all times.
  • Enhanced student support by delivering one-on-one and small group assistance in various subjects.
  • Supported special education teachers in implementing accommodations and modifications for students with diverse learning needs.
  • Promoted a respectful classroom culture by modeling appropriate behavior and reinforcing positive interactions among peers.
  • Kept classrooms clean, neat, and properly sanitized for student health and classroom efficiency.
  • Enhanced classroom efficiency through organizing instructional materials, managing daily schedules, and preparing resources for lessons as needed.

Substitute Teacher

Kelly Education Services
10.2019 - Current
  • Delivered lesson plans effectively, ensuring students understood key concepts and objectives.
  • Adapted instructional materials to meet diverse learning needs of students.
  • Managed classroom behavior and maintained a positive learning environment.
  • Collaborated with lead teachers to align curriculum and teaching strategies.
  • Provided support in administering assessments and evaluating student progress.
  • Communicated regularly with parents regarding student performance and classroom activities.
  • Implemented classroom management techniques to enhance student engagement and focus.
  • Assisted in developing individualized education plans for students requiring additional support.
  • Followed classroom plans left by class teacher to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
  • Upheld classroom routines to support student environments and maintain consistent schedules.
  • 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.
  • Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
  • Maintained day-to-day classroom management and discipline to promote learning initiatives.
  • Enhanced classroom management by implementing positive reinforcement strategies and maintaining clear expectations for behavior.
  • Supervised lunchroom and recess activities.
  • Boosted student engagement with interactive lessons, incorporating real-world examples and hands-on activities.
  • Promoted a collaborative learning environment through group projects and peer-to-peer activities, fostering teamwork and communication skills.
  • Provided support to special education students in inclusive classrooms, developing accommodations and modifications to meet their unique needs.

Cosmetologist

Owner of Hair Salon
09.2010 - 03.2020

Paraprofessional

Tuscaloosa City School Oakhill
08.2004 - 05.2010
  • Communicated effectively with parents regarding student progress, fostering strong home-school connections.
  • Fostered a positive learning environment by establishing strong rapport with students, parents, and faculty members.
  • Delivered personalized educational, behavioral, and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
  • Implemented behavior management techniques effectively to maintain a structured learning environment conducive to student success.
  • Prepared instruction materials, constructed bulletin boards, and set up work areas.
  • Assisted in the collection and analysis of data on student performance, contributing to ongoing progress monitoring efforts.
  • Collaborated with teachers to develop and implement individualized education plans for students with special needs.
  • Supported school initiatives by participating in professional development opportunities and collaborating with colleagues on best practices for student growth and achievement.
  • Assisted teachers in the development of engaging lesson materials aligned with curriculum standards for various subject areas.

Direct Support Professional

Arts and Autism
2004 - 05.2006
  • Advocated for clients' needs, ensuring access to necessary resources and services.
  • Developed training materials focused on improving caregiver efficiency and client outcomes.
  • Maintained clean, safe, and well-organized patient environment.
  • Assisted with crisis intervention to de-escalate challenging behavior and maintain peaceful encounters.
  • Participated in ongoing training opportunities to stay current on best practices in disability support services.
  • Provided ongoing communication between clients, families, and other service providers to enhance overall care coordination efforts.
  • Maintained a safe and inclusive environment by addressing behavioral challenges with patience and understanding.

Direct Support Professional

Brewer Porch Children Center
01.1996 - 05.2003
  • Provided individualized support to enhance daily living skills and promote independence.
  • Implemented behavior management techniques to address challenging behaviors effectively.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop and adjust personalized care plans.
  • Trained new staff on best practices for supporting individuals with developmental disabilities.
  • Monitored client progress and documented changes to inform care strategy adjustments.
  • Coordinated recreational activities to foster social interaction and community engagement.

Education

Cosmology

Shelton State Community College, Tuscaloosa, AL
05.1995

Central High School , Tuscaloosa, AL
05.1986

Skills

  • Behavior management
  • Effective communication
  • Helping students with special needs
  • Small group and individual assistance
  • Special education support
  • Calm and patient demeanor
  • Teacher support

Timeline

Paraprofessional - Kelly Educational Services
10.2019 - Current
Substitute Teacher - Kelly Education Services
10.2019 - Current
Cosmetologist - Owner of Hair Salon
09.2010 - 03.2020
Paraprofessional - Tuscaloosa City School Oakhill
08.2004 - 05.2010
Direct Support Professional - Brewer Porch Children Center
01.1996 - 05.2003
Direct Support Professional - Arts and Autism
2004 - 05.2006
Shelton State Community College - , Cosmology
Central High School - ,
Sonya Terrell