Tamiko N. Thornton
North Charleston,SC
Summary
Special Education Teacher with 15 years of experience in enhancing learning outcomes for special needs and at-risk students. Proven track record of improving reading and math test scores through tailored teaching methods and individualized education plans. Recognized for effective communication and behavioral management, fostering inclusive classroom environments. Committed to developing innovative educational materials and collaborating with parents and professionals to support student success.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Berkeley County School District
Goose Creek, SC
09.2023 - Current
- Monitored student educational progress in alignment with established timelines.
- Instructed special education classes utilizing evidence-based practices.
- Established safe learning environments to enhance student engagement and support.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress toward IEP goals.
- Developed and implemented individualized education plans for students with disabilities.
- Conducted assessments and provided feedback to parents regarding student performance.
- Collaborated with educators to design instructional plans tailored for diverse needs.
- Utilized technology resources, including assistive devices, to enhance learning opportunities.
Special Education Teacher
Dorchester District 4
Dorchester, SC
08.2021 - 09.2023
- Monitored educational progress of each student according to established timelines.
- Instructed special education classes utilizing evidence-based practices.
- Developed Individual Education Plans for students with disabilities, aligning with IEP goals.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress and conducted assessments for feedback.
- Created a safe and conducive learning environment for special education students.
- Implemented behavior management systems that encouraged positive behaviors.
- Collaborated with educators and professionals to design tailored instructional plans.
- Participated in professional development to enhance teaching strategies for special education.
Special Education Teacher
Mevers School od Excellence
Goose Creek, SC
10.2019 - 08.2021
- Monitored educational progress of each student according to established timelines.
- Instructed special education classes using evidence-based practices to enhance learning outcomes.
- Developed and implemented individualized education plans for students with disabilities.
- Conducted assessments of student performance, providing feedback to parents about progress.
- Created a safe and conducive learning environment for special education students.
- Collaborated with general education teachers to promote inclusion within classroom activities.
- Organized field trips to enhance experiential learning opportunities for special education students.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress towards IEP goals and district standards.
Special Education Teacher
Charleston County School District
North Charleston, SC
08.2017 - 08.2019
- Monitored educational progress of students according to established timelines.
- Instructed special education classes utilizing evidence-based practices.
- Collaborated with educational personnel to create inclusive activities for children with disabilities.
- Developed individualized education plans to promote educational and social development.
- Delivered one-on-one tutoring sessions to enhance understanding of complex concepts.
- Cultivated safe learning environments conducive to growth for special education students.
- Established strong relationships with parents through regular communication via conferences and calls.
- Adapted instructional techniques to suit various ages and skill levels of students.
Special Education Paraprofessional
Charleston County School District
North Charleston, SC
02.2014 - 08.2017
- Organized instructional materials for classroom use to enhance learning experiences.
- Motivated students to achieve academic success while cultivating respect and acceptance.
- Provided one-on-one instruction to support students needing additional help.
- Supervised students during lunch, recess, and field trips to ensure safety.
- Collaborated with teachers to modify educational materials for individual student needs.
- Encouraged independent thinking, problem-solving, and self-advocacy skills among students.
- Assisted with activity transitions throughout the day as required by students.
- Administered assessments as directed by teachers or school personnel.
Program Coordinator
BURKE COMMUNITY EXTENDED LEARNING KALIEDOSCOPE PRO
Charleston, SC
08.2011 - 08.2014
- Monitored program budgets and expenditures, providing strategic recommendations for optimization.
- Facilitated communication among team members through organized meetings and conference calls.
- Analyzed survey and focus group data to assess program effectiveness and identify improvement areas.
- Established partnerships with community organizations to enhance program reach and impact.
- Coordinated stakeholder meetings for effective implementation of program initiatives.
- Developed training materials and delivered instruction for effective usage.
- Prepared detailed reports for stakeholders, highlighting program achievements and challenges.
- Conducted research on best practices to improve program delivery efficiency.
Program Director
Charleston County First Steps
North Charleston, SC
01.2004 - 12.2010
- Created and implemented new policies and procedures for program optimization.
- Conducted needs assessments to establish clear program objectives.
- Compiled reports on program outcomes for stakeholders, both internal and external.
- Collaborated with partners to maximize resource utilization for program success.
- Provided leadership in developing innovative strategies to achieve program goals.
- Organized team meetings, workshops, and events to enhance collaboration.
- Ensured compliance with organizational standards and relevant regulations.
- Monitored operations for adherence to policies and quality assurance protocols.
Education
Gifted and Talented Endorsement -
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
Columbia, SC04.2022
Doctor of Education - Curriculum and Instruction
UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX
Phoenix, AZ05.2019
Master of Arts - Special Education
UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX
Phoenix, AZ05.2017
Masters of Arts - Business Administration
WEBSTER UNIVERSITY
Charleston, SC05.2013
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
THE COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON
Charleston, SC12.2003
Bachelor of Science - Biology
THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA
Columbia, SC05.1997
Skills
- Able to Run Well-Organized Classrooms
- Focused on Classroom Success and Achieving Individual Student Goals
- Skilled in Functional and Life Skills Curriculum
- Experience Working with Students with Autism
- Experience Working with Students with Multi-Categorical
- Experience Working with Students with Speech Impairments
- Experience Working with Students with Physical Disabilities
- Behavior management
- Individualized education plans
- Assistive technology
- Student assessment
- Collaborative teaching
- Curriculum development
- Parent communication
- Inclusion strategies
- Professional development
- Student engagement
- Problem solving
- Team collaboration
- Conflict resolution
- Progress evaluations
- Visual supports
- Transition planning
- Child development
- Job readiness training
- Non-violent crisis intervention
- Student counseling
- Learning style assessment
- De-escalation techniques
- Augmentative communication
- Sensory integration
- Special education
- Competent in smartboard technology
- Positive role model
- Student records management
- Trained in CPI
- Social skills development
- Skills development
- Instructional strategies
- Instructional adaptation
- Classroom integration
- Parent communications
- Behavior modifications
- Literacy intervention
- Verbal and nonverbal communication
- Excellent classroom management
- Data management
- Relationship building
- Behavior intervention plans
- Mathematics intervention
- IEP implementation
- Multidisciplinary collaboration
- SCEA education association
- Cognitive and behavioral development
- Paraprofessional oversight
- Parent-teacher collaboration
- Autism spectrum
- Small group instruction
- Elementary education
- Life skills instruction
- Group and individual instruction
- Head teacher support
- Assessment strategies
Certifications And Skills
- South Carolina Teaching Credential
- Special Education Certified
- Certified Parent Educator
- Certified Trainer for the Center for Childcare Career and Development
- Gifted and Talented Endorsement
- Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Certification
- School Improvement Council
- Instructional Lead
- Grade Level Chair
Affiliations
South Carolina Teaching Credential • Special Education Certified • Certified Parent Educator
Certified Trainer for the Center for Childcare Career and Development • Gifted and Talented Endorsement • Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Certification •School Improvement Council • Instructional Lead • Grade Level Chair
Accomplishments
South Carolina Teaching Credential • Special Education Certified • Certified Parent Educator
Certified Trainer for the Center for Childcare Career and Development • Gifted and Talented Endorsement • Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Certification •School Improvement Council • Instructional Lead • Grade Level Chair
Certification
South Carolina Teaching Credential • Special Education Certified • Certified Parent Educator
Certified Trainer for the Center for Childcare Career and Development • Gifted and Talented Endorsement • Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Certification •SCEA Member
Languages
English
Professional
Spanish
Elementary
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Berkeley County School District
09.2023 - Current
Special Education Teacher
Dorchester District 4
08.2021 - 09.2023
Special Education Teacher
Mevers School od Excellence
10.2019 - 08.2021
Special Education Teacher
Charleston County School District
08.2017 - 08.2019
Special Education Paraprofessional
Charleston County School District
02.2014 - 08.2017
Program Coordinator
BURKE COMMUNITY EXTENDED LEARNING KALIEDOSCOPE PRO
08.2011 - 08.2014
Program Director
Charleston County First Steps
01.2004 - 12.2010
Gifted and Talented Endorsement -
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
Doctor of Education - Curriculum and Instruction
UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX
Master of Arts - Special Education
UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX
Masters of Arts - Business Administration
WEBSTER UNIVERSITY
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
THE COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON
Bachelor of Science - Biology
THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA
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