- Enjoy participating in hiking, running and basketball for overall physical and mental well-being
- I participate in various sports activities for physical activity, camaraderie, and personal growth
- Passionate about balancing physical health with mental and emotional wellness
- Enjoy hobbies that combine physical activity with outdoor exploration
Stephen B. Simmons
Special Education Teacher
Asheville,NC
Summary
A licensed Special Education teacher and Physical Education teacher with demonstrated achievement as an elementary Exceptional Children instructor and previously, as an elementary and middle school PE educator and 8th grade advisor. Accomplished in working collaboratively with students and teachers to foster life-long, healthy habits and in motivating students to achieve their personal best in all aspects of academics, social and emotional growth. Diligent in instructing students and collaborating with colleagues. Four years of experience teaching K-5th special education at Hall Fletcher Elementary, Asheville City Schools. Four years of experience teaching K-7th physical education and health at InterAmerican Academy. IAA is a SACS accredited international school serving students from 26 nationalities in the city of Guayaquil, Ecuador. Successfully served as head coach for varsity and JV girls’ volleyball and basketball; head coach for varsity boys’ basketball. Early education career; three years experience as an elementary school teacher’s assistant and bus driver at Asheville City Schools.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Exceptional Children (Special Education) Teacher
Hall Fletcher Elementary School, Asheville City Schools
01.2021 - Current
- Evaluating students' academic, social, emotional, and behavioral needs to determine appropriate support and accommodations.
- Creating and modifying Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) based on assessment results, outlining specific goals, services, and accommodations for each student.
- Adapting or modifying general education curriculum and materials to meet the diverse learning needs of students with disabilities.
- Teaching students essential skills, including academic, social, communication, and life skills.
- Working closely with general education teachers to ensure effective co-teaching, communication, and coordination of services.
- Maintaining regular communication with parents/guardians about student progress, IEP implementation, and any concerns or challenges.
- Collaborating with school counselors, psychologists, speech therapists, and other specialists to develop comprehensive support plans for students.
- Developed and executed behavioral intervention plans, leading to decrease in disruptive behaviors and increase in classroom participation.
Physical Educator K-7 and Middle School Health Teacher, 8th Grade Advisor
InterAmerican Academy (IAA)
07.2019 - 07.2020
- IAA is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and schools (SACs) and is recognized by the Ecuadorian Ministry of Education. The IAA community is highly diverse, with a student population of around 280 students from over 26 nationalities.
- Creating and administering a variety of lesson plans for multiple age groups and skill levels.
- Preparing lessons and leading health class with 6th and 7th grade students.
- Administering, recording and analyzing FitnessGram Fitness Testing with 3rd through 7th grade students.
- Maintaining, updating and adding units to ATLAS.
- Organizing and facilitating After School Activities (ASA), volleyball, basketball and a mixed sports program with 3rd through 5th grade students.
- Assisting IAA's Athletic Director in running and hosting school related athletic events and tournaments.
- Increased student engagement through the incorporation of interactive team-building exercises and cooperative learning strategies.
- Inspired a passion for lifelong health and fitness among students by modeling healthy habits, engaging in ongoing professional development, and continuously refining instructional practices based on research-backed techniques.
Instructional Assistant
Vance Elementary, Asheville City Schools
08.2012 - 06.2014
- Assisted in grading and evaluation of students.
- Prepared and led small group instruction in language arts, word study, and math Investigation lessons.
- One-on-one mentor to a child with Autism.
- Facilitated class field trips and manages classroom financial bookkeeping.
- Participated in Parent/Teacher Conferences.
- Provided support during classes, group lessons, and classroom activities.
Buncombe County School Bus Driver
Vance Elementary, Asheville City Schools
08.2012 - 06.2014
- Responsible for 60 elementary students and 40 middle/high school students.
- Managed bus mileage.
- Managed bus wheels.
Bar Manager
Barley's Taproom & Pizzeria
08.2002 - 06.2014
- Managed bar monies.
- Trained new bartenders.
- Created weekly work schedule and manage bartenders.
- Monitored customers’ alcohol consumption; intervene when necessary.
Education
Master’s in Special Education - General Curriculum
Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC12.2024
Bachelor of Science - Physical Education (K-12)
Mars Hill College
Mars Hill, NC12.2009
Associate in Arts - undefined
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Asheville, NC05.2006
Skills
- Differentiated instruction
- Classroom management
- Individual education plans (IEPs)
- Small group instruction
- Parent-teacher collaboration
- Motivating students
Accomplishments
- Varsity Girls’ Volleyball head coach for 4 years with a 1st and 2nd place finish at JV Tournaments. Guayaquil, Ecuador.
- Junior Varsity Girls’ Basketball head coach for 2 years with a 1st place finish at JV Tournament. Guayaquil, Ecuador.
- Varsity Boys’ Basketball head coach conference champions.
- Junior Varsity Boys’ Basketball head coach for 2 years.
- Awarded an Academic Merit Scholarship from Mars Hill College, 2008 through 2010 achieving a 3.58 GPA.
- Honored as Sociology Student of the Year - 2004, Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC.
- Attained Master’s degree in Special Education: General Curriculum, graduated from Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC with a 3.92 GPA.
Certification
Continuing Licensed Teacher (CLT) – K through 12 Exceptional Children: General Curriculum and Physical Education–North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
Interests
Timeline
Exceptional Children (Special Education) Teacher
Hall Fletcher Elementary School, Asheville City Schools
01.2021 - Current
Physical Educator K-7 and Middle School Health Teacher, 8th Grade Advisor
InterAmerican Academy (IAA)
07.2019 - 07.2020
Instructional Assistant
Vance Elementary, Asheville City Schools
08.2012 - 06.2014
Buncombe County School Bus Driver
Vance Elementary, Asheville City Schools
08.2012 - 06.2014
Bar Manager
Barley's Taproom & Pizzeria
08.2002 - 06.2014
Bachelor of Science - Physical Education (K-12)
Mars Hill College
Associate in Arts - undefined
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Master’s in Special Education - General Curriculum
Western Carolina University
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