Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Stephanie Heath

Cartersville,GA

Summary

Dynamic Lead Special Education Teacher at Cartersville City Schools, adept at fostering inclusive learning environments and enhancing student engagement through differentiated instruction. Proven success in developing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and building strong parent-teacher collaborations, resulting in improved student outcomes and increased participation in group projects. Work with teachers and paraprofessionals to ensure all students' needs are met, while utilizing professional development practices to help with teacher growth, motivation, and engagement practices.

Work with high school students to develop post-secondary plans with Vocational Rehabilitation.

Overview

28
28
years of professional experience

Work History

Lead Special Education Teacher

Cartersville City Schools
08.2003 - Current
  • Evaluated students'' progress regularly using formative assessments, adjusting instructional strategies as needed for optimal learning outcomes.
  • Boosted students'' critical thinking skills through the implementation of inquiry-based teaching methods.
  • Served as a mentor to new teachers entering the field, offering guidance, support, and sharing best practices for successful classroom management.
  • Increased student participation in group projects by fostering a collaborative and inclusive learning environment.
  • Collaborated with fellow educators to develop cross-curricular projects, enhancing students'' understanding of subject matter connections.
  • Promoted a positive classroom culture by implementing effective behavior management strategies and clear expectations for conduct.
  • Improved classroom engagement by incorporating hands-on activities and real-world examples into lesson plans.
  • Participated actively in school-wide initiatives focused on improving overall student achievement levels and school climate.
  • Developed strong relationships with parents through consistent communication, resulting in increased parent involvement in their child''s education.
  • Supported student success with personalized attention and targeted interventions for those struggling academically.
  • Provided ongoing professional development opportunities for staff members, ensuring the continued growth of educators within the school community.
  • Contributed to improved standardized test scores by providing targeted test preparation sessions and resources for students.
  • Enhanced student comprehension by utilizing differentiated instruction techniques tailored to individual learning styles.
  • 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.
  • Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
  • Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
  • Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
  • Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
  • Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
  • Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
  • Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
  • Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
  • Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
  • Partnered with standard education teachers from across academic departments.
  • Facilitated small group instruction to address individual learning needs.
  • Planned daily activities to keep students engaged and on track with learning goals.
  • Implemented behavior modification techniques to improve student social and academic performance.
  • Collaborated with other educators to develop instructional strategies.
  • Conducted assessments of students to determine individual needs.
  • Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance.
  • Monitored student performance to evaluate effectiveness of instructional strategies.
  • Developed and implemented behavior management plans to improve student behavior.
  • Coordinated regular meetings to share and analyze student performance data and success plans with colleagues and parents.
  • Designed individual education plans to encourage student growth according to different learning abilities and needs.
  • Worked closely with parents and guardians to address students' issues on multiple fronts.
  • Developed Individual Education Plans for students with special needs.
  • Provided emotional support to students and families.
  • Utilized technology to create meaningful lessons that engage students.
  • Provided professional development training to educate faculty and staff on laws and regulations governing special education.
  • Mentored new teachers on student progress monitoring and legal document preparation.
  • Applied proven strategies to improve students' sensory- and perceptual-motor skills.
  • Participated on Leadership Team for school and district

Special Education Teacher

Bellefontaine City Schools
08.2000 - 07.2003
  • 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.
  • Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
  • Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
  • Provided targeted instructional support to struggling learners, identifying specific areas for improvement and designing effective intervention plans.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support for students with special needs.

Special Education Teacher

Rome City Schools
08.1999 - 07.2000
  • Coordinated with general education teachers to develop accommodations or modifications necessary for successful inclusion of students with special needs in mainstream classrooms.
  • Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
  • Enhanced students'' communication skills by implementing group activities and collaborative projects.
  • Streamlined classroom processes by integrating technology tools such as interactive whiteboards and assistive devices designed for students with disabilities.
  • Improved reading comprehension among students with learning disabilities by designing and delivering targeted literacy activities.
  • Implemented individualized education plans for students with diverse learning needs, ensuring personalized support.
  • Coordinated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive educational and emotional support for students.

Special Education Teacher

Triad Local School District
08.1998 - 07.1999
  • Organized field trips and community-based experiences that enriched students'' understanding of real-world applications for their skills.
  • Collaborated with parents and other educators to develop comprehensive support plans, promoting student success.
  • Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet varied needs of students, enhancing educational accessibility.
  • Conducted assessments to identify students' strengths and areas for improvement, informing instructional strategies.
  • Developed and executed behavioral intervention plans, leading to decrease in disruptive behaviors and increase in classroom participation.

Special Education Teacher

Bellefontaine City Schools
08.1997 - 07.1998
  • Served as a mentor to new teachers, sharing best practices in special education instruction and classroom management techniques.
  • Advocated for rights and needs of students with special education requirements, ensuring access to appropriate resources and accommodations.
  • Created culturally responsive classroom environment, acknowledging and celebrating diversity among students.
  • Boosted student engagement in mathematics by introducing problem-solving activities that connected concepts to real-world situations.
  • Utilized data from student assessments to tailor instruction, resulting in more effective learning outcomes.
  • Integrated social skills training into curriculum, facilitating improved peer interactions and social integration.
  • Fostered positive learning environment, reducing classroom disruptions through effective behavior management strategies.
  • Helped students with special needs integrate into general classroom environments by advocating for individual requirements and helping teachers solve problems.

Education

No Degree - Special Education

Georgia State University
Atlanta, GA

Special Education With Autism Endorsement

University of West Georgia
Carrollton, GA
07-2022

Bachelor of Science - Special Education

The Ohio State University
Columbus, OH
06-1997

Skills

  • Collaborative teaching
  • Positive behavior support
  • Inclusion practices
  • Social skills training
  • Sensory integration
  • Life skills instruction
  • Functional behavior assessments
  • Parent collaboration
  • Data-driven instruction
  • Assessment strategies
  • Learning disability support
  • Math strategies
  • Individualized education plans
  • Augmentative communication
  • Assistive technology
  • Community-based instruction
  • Vocational training
  • Literacy strategies
  • Science strategies
  • History strategies
  • Emotional and behavioral disorders
  • Autism spectrum disorders
  • Transition planning
  • Individual education plans
  • Team collaboration
  • Classroom management
  • Collaborative teamwork
  • Motivating students
  • Relationship building
  • Parent-teacher collaboration
  • Social skills development
  • Lesson planning
  • Trained in Mindset

Timeline

Lead Special Education Teacher

Cartersville City Schools
08.2003 - Current

Special Education Teacher

Bellefontaine City Schools
08.2000 - 07.2003

Special Education Teacher

Rome City Schools
08.1999 - 07.2000

Special Education Teacher

Triad Local School District
08.1998 - 07.1999

Special Education Teacher

Bellefontaine City Schools
08.1997 - 07.1998

No Degree - Special Education

Georgia State University

Special Education With Autism Endorsement

University of West Georgia

Bachelor of Science - Special Education

The Ohio State University

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