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
Tabor City, NC
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
Whiteville, NC
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, AL08-2010
Bachelor of Arts - Exceptional Children General Curriculum K-12
East Carolina University
Greenville, NC06-2005
Bachelor of Arts - Social Work
University of North Carolina At Pembroke
Pembroke, NC08-2000
Bachelor of Arts - School Social Work
University of North Carolina At Pembroke
Pembroke, NC08-2000
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