Hi, I’m
Tara Roper
Summary
I am seeking a position in educational law and policy that leverages extensive background in education, leadership, and special education, with the aim of positively impacting teachers and students. I am eager to utilize my knowledge of multiple disabilities with the aim of positively impacting teachers and students. I am eager to utilize my strong written communication skills and confident interpersonal abilities to contribute to the development and implementation of policies that enhance educational experiences and opportunities for all.
Overview
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Fulton County Schools
Fulton County Schools
5th Grade Teacher & MOID Program Teacher
08.2016 - 09.2023
Job overview
- Directed individualized instruction in various subjects to achieve educational goals and drive curriculum requirements
- Prepared daily and weekly lesson plans to help students meet learning goals
- Deployed assessment data to drive instruction and student mastery of standards
- Collaborated with faculty and staff to plan and implement curriculum.
- Built strong relationships with parents and students, driving investment in academics.
- Collected data to drive instruction for eight children with multiple and severe disabilities.
- Created lessons based on our adapted curriculum and IEP goals and objectives.
FOURTH GRADE, Wilton, School District
TEACHER & LEAD TEACHER
10.2012 - 06.2016
Job overview
- Prepared daily and weekly lesson plans to help students meet learning goals
- Built strong relationships with parents and students, driving investment in academics
- Devised lesson plans in alignment with state curriculum standards and created balanced instructional programs, demonstrations and work time to meet educational and instructional goals
- Acted as Lead Teacher in Principal's absence
- Served on Safety and Crisis Committee
- Planned District Technology PD Events as part of our Technology Committee
FOURTH GRADE GEN ED, Cobb County Schools
TEACHER
12.2009 - 01.2012
Job overview
- Designed lessons using backwards design and incorporation of state standards
- Created safe, stimulating, and fun learning environment
- Incorporated brain based teaching strategies to maximize student learning
- Participated in professional development opportunities and trainings to continue to improve instruction
- Integrated variety of educational programs to develop strong academic foundation
- Embraced and actively promoted inclusive and equitable learning environment
- Directed individualized instruction in various subjects to achieve educational goals and drive curriculum requirements.
PLAY THERAPIST, Lekotek of Georgia
10.2007 - 02.2009
Job overview
- Engaged children with disabilities in play with toys and software
- Modified and adapt toys as needed to meet specific abilities of children
- Educated parents on ways to make play more accessible for their child
- Assisted parents in accessing community resources and support systems
ORTHOPEDIC IMPAIRMENTS, DISABILITIES, Cobb County School District
INSTRUCTOR
08.2006 - 11.2006
Job overview
- Developed, planned and implemented Individualized Education Plans for students with multiple physical and mental disabilities
- Instructed students with Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, Muscular Dystrophy, visual impairments, hearing impairments, communication disorders, autism, seizure disorders, mild intellectual disabilities and physical disabilities
- Served as mentor for new Orthopedic Impairments teachers in Cobb
- County
- Data collection on all goals and objectives for students' IEPs
- Collaborated with AT, PT, OT, Adaptive PE, Nursing and Vision specialists to maintain high standards for students' education
- Devised and implemented effective assistive technology plans to accommodate students with disabilities
- Collaborated with teachers on inclusion strategies and classroom modifications.
MODERATE-SEVERE SPECIAL NEEDS TEACHER, North Andover Public Schools
09.2004 - 06.2006
Job overview
- Implemented IEP objectives in activities and lessons for children
- Coordinated lessons with specialists such as PT, OT, SLP, VI
- Communicated with parents on a daily basis to maintain consistency in instruction and care
- Modified curriculum to accommodate developmental levels spanning 10 months-5 years
- Supervised and instructed four paraprofessionals to maximize learning for my students
- Designed lessons with student modifications and accommodations in mind.
NEEDS, Malden Public Schools
SPECIAL, PRESCHOOL TEACHER
12.2003 - 06.2004
Job overview
- Instructed students with varying cognitive delays
- Implemented IEP objectives and curriculum goals into daily instruction
- Implemented behavior modification plans
- Communicated with parents and specialists to maximize learning for my students
- Assisted and supervised twelve children throughout the school day
ITINERANT ORTHOPEDIC IMPAIRMENTS INSTRUCTOR, Cherokee County School District
08.2000 - 05.2001
Job overview
- Traveled to schools daily to monitor performance of students with orthopedic impairments
- Taught small groups of students with mild intellectual disabilities and orthopedic impairments
- Collaborated with teachers on modifications and lesson planning for my students, Organized multiple specialists and staff for IEP meetings.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility
REMEDIAL TEACHER, Fulton County School District
08.1998 - 05.2000
Job overview
- Grades K-5
- Instructed children with learning disabilities in all areas of the curriculum
- Collaborated with staff on inclusion strategies
- Team taught with general education teachers to ensure modifications were made for students with learning disabilities.
Education
Fulton CohortManchester, NH
Gifted Endorsement
05.2022
Southern New Hampshire UniversityManchester, NH
M.Ed from Leadership
01.2016
Georgia State UniversityAtlanta, GA
Master's of Education from Multiple and Severe Disabilities
12.2002
Northeastern UniversityBoston, MA
Bachelors of Science from Education And Literature
06.1998
University Overview
- Awarded Co-op Award 1998
Accomplishments
Teacher of the Year-Barnwell Elementary 2019
Teacher of the Year-Awarded by Costco in Cobb County 2001
Timeline
5th Grade Teacher & MOID Program Teacher
Fulton County Schools
08.2016 - 09.2023
TEACHER & LEAD TEACHER
FOURTH GRADE, Wilton, School District
10.2012 - 06.2016
TEACHER
FOURTH GRADE GEN ED, Cobb County Schools
12.2009 - 01.2012
PLAY THERAPIST, Lekotek of Georgia
10.2007 - 02.2009
INSTRUCTOR
ORTHOPEDIC IMPAIRMENTS, DISABILITIES, Cobb County School District
08.2006 - 11.2006
MODERATE-SEVERE SPECIAL NEEDS TEACHER, North Andover Public Schools
09.2004 - 06.2006
SPECIAL, PRESCHOOL TEACHER
NEEDS, Malden Public Schools
12.2003 - 06.2004
ITINERANT ORTHOPEDIC IMPAIRMENTS INSTRUCTOR, Cherokee County School District
08.2000 - 05.2001
REMEDIAL TEACHER, Fulton County School District
08.1998 - 05.2000
Fulton County Schools
Fulton Cohort
Gifted Endorsement
Southern New Hampshire University
M.Ed from Leadership
Georgia State University
Master's of Education from Multiple and Severe Disabilities
Northeastern University
Bachelors of Science from Education And Literature
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