Suzanne Whalen
springfield,MA
Summary
Highly adaptable professional with a strong background in supporting students with special needs. Known for effective communication and collaboration, driving positive outcomes in diverse educational settings.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Paraprofessional
Springfield Public Schools, Massachusetts
Springfield, MA
2026 - Current
- Supported individualized education plans by assisting students with daily activities and learning tasks.
- Collaborated with teachers to implement instructional strategies tailored to student needs.
- Monitored student progress and documented behavioral and academic performance for assessments.
- Facilitated communication between students, teachers, and parents to enhance educational outcomes.
- Assisted in the development of classroom materials and resources for diverse learners.
- Provided emotional support to students, fostering a positive learning environment conducive to growth.
- Participated in professional development workshops to refine skills in special education practices.
- Contributed to team meetings focused on improving instructional methods and student engagement strategies.
- Developed strong rapport with students by demonstrating empathy, patience, and understanding during daily interactions both inside and outside the classroom setting.
- Managed challenging behaviors using de-escalation techniques to maintain a safe and productive learning environment for all students involved.
- Assisted in the implementation of effective behavior management techniques, resulting in a more focused and positive classroom environment.
- Collaborated with teacher to create customized classroom environment integral to students' needs.
- Monitored student classroom and outdoors activities to promote student safety.
- Maintained positive attitude and affirmatively communicated with each student.
- Offered student support through special accommodations, extra assistance, and assessments.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in special education instruction and support services.
- Oversaw class of students in absence of instructor.
- Supported teacher in development of individual learning strategies.
- Documented student behaviors, interventions, and outcomes to enable lead teacher to address pertinent issues.
- Enhanced students'' learning experiences by implementing individualized educational plans and adapting teaching methods for special needs students.
- Responded proactively to emerging challenges by adapting instructional strategies as needed, ensuring continuous progress toward established goals for each student''s academic success and personal growth.
- Implemented evidence-based instructional strategies tailored to each student''s unique learning style, promoting greater comprehension across subject areas.
- Provided necessary accommodations for testing situations, ensuring fair opportunities for all students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills.
- Alerted instructor to student behavior or issues requiring intervention.
- Served as a liaison between general education teachers and special education professionals, fostering collaborative relationships that benefitted all students involved.
- Utilized assistive technology tools strategically in order to facilitate increased independence among students with diverse learning needs.
- Promoted a culture of inclusion within the school community by modeling respectful interactions and encouraging open communication among all stakeholders involved in the education of special needs students.
- Created positive and inclusive classroom environment by helping students develop social skills and relationships.
- Observed students' performance and recorded relevant data to assess progress.
- Responded to emergency situations to resolve immediate safety concerns or direct appropriate personnel for resolution.
Education
Associate of Science - Education
STCC
Springfield, MA05-2010
Skills
- Behavior management
- Effective communication
- Helping students with special needs
- Small group and individual assistance
- IEP compliance
- Teacher assistance
- Learning disabilities support
- Classroom organization
- Collaboration with teachers
- Progress monitoring
- Verbal and written communication
- Teaching and instruction
- Instructional support
- Lesson plan implementation
- Behavioral plan management
- Conflict resolution
- Student supervision
- Autism and spectrum disorders
- Special needs
- Skills strategies
- Reading instruction
- Assistive technology
- Decision-making
- Proficient with [technology]
- Mathematics intervention
- Relationship building skills
- Classroom management strategies
- Data collection
- Individualized instruction
- Classroom recordkeeping
- Skill building
- Autism support
- Positive behavior reinforcement
- Emotional support strategies
- IEP implementation
- Classwork oversight
- Small group support
- Excellent communication
- Multitasking Abilities
- Organizational skills
- Time management
- Multitasking
- Behavior management techniques
- Active listening
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Student engagement
- Applied behavior analysis
- Special education curriculum
- Cultural sensitivity
- Analytical thinking
- Team building
Certification
- Certified [Job Title], [Company Name] - [Timeframe]
Timeline
Paraprofessional
Springfield Public Schools, Massachusetts
2026 - Current
Associate of Science - Education
STCC