Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Tara Todd

Tabor City

Summary

Dynamic Special Education Teacher with a proven track record at Columbus County Schools, adept at developing individualized education plans (IEPs) and fostering strong parent communication. Skilled in behavior modification and classroom management, I successfully enhanced student engagement and academic performance through tailored instructional strategies and collaborative teamwork.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience

Work History

Special Education Teacher

Columbus County Schools
04.2003 - Current
  • Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
  • Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
  • Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
  • Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
  • Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
  • Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
  • Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
  • Encouraged parent and guardian involvement in educational process, enhancing home-school connection and supporting student achievement.
  • Coordinated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive educational and emotional support for students.
  • Implemented behavior modification techniques to improve student social and academic performance.
  • Conducted assessments of students to determine individual needs.
  • Worked closely with parents and guardians to address students' issues on multiple fronts.

Certified Substance Abuse Counselor

Southeastern Regional Mental Health
08.2000 - 04.2003
  • Developed cultural competence by working with diverse populations, enabling more effective communication and understanding of unique challenges faced by various individuals.
  • Assisted clients in navigating the complex process of accessing community resources, resulting in improved overall wellbeing.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to create a supportive environment for clients, leading to better treatment outcomes.
  • Participated in quality improvement initiatives, contributing to the ongoing refinement of program offerings and ensuring the delivery of top-tier services to clients.
  • Educated family members about addiction and recovery processes, enhancing their ability to provide effective support for their loved ones.
  • Enhanced client recovery by developing comprehensive treatment plans tailored to individual needs.
  • Conducted thorough assessments to accurately identify clients'' substance abuse issues and determine appropriate levels of care.
  • Implemented crisis intervention procedures when necessary, ensuring prompt resolution of urgent situations affecting clients'' safety or wellbeing.
  • Coordinated closely with probation officers and court systems, facilitating productive collaboration between treatment providers and legal authorities for optimal client outcomes.
  • Facilitated group therapy sessions, fostering open communication and mutual support among participants.
  • Coordinated care with other professionals to provide clients with comprehensive support.
  • Supported aftercare planning for continued recovery after treatment.
  • Provided counseling and support to clients with drug and alcohol abuse issues.
  • Displayed sensitivity to cultural and linguistic needs of clients and families served.

Education

Master of Arts - School Counseling

University of West Alabama
Livingston, AL
08-2010

Bachelor of Arts - Exceptional Children General Curriculum K-12

East Carolina University
Greenville, NC
06-2005

Bachelor of Arts - Social Work

University of North Carolina At Pembroke
Pembroke, NC
08-2000

Bachelor of Arts - School Social Work

University of North Carolina At Pembroke
Pembroke, NC
08-2000

Skills

  • Differentiated instruction
  • Classroom management
  • Individual education plans IEP's
  • Small group instruction
  • Collaborative teamwork
  • Data management
  • Motivating students
  • Parent communication
  • Parent communications
  • Social skills development
  • Behavior intervention plans
  • Trained in CPI
  • Behavior modifications
  • Multidisciplinary collaboration
  • Functional behavior assessment
  • Behavior modification
  • Social skills training
  • Assessment strategies
  • Child development
  • Elementary education
  • Student counseling
  • Evidence-based assessment
  • Autism spectrum
  • IEP and BIP implementation
  • IEP implementation
  • IEP development

Timeline

Special Education Teacher

Columbus County Schools
04.2003 - Current

Certified Substance Abuse Counselor

Southeastern Regional Mental Health
08.2000 - 04.2003

Master of Arts - School Counseling

University of West Alabama

Bachelor of Arts - Exceptional Children General Curriculum K-12

East Carolina University

Bachelor of Arts - Social Work

University of North Carolina At Pembroke

Bachelor of Arts - School Social Work

University of North Carolina At Pembroke