TERRY-ANN TAYLOR-BECKFORD
Kissimmee
Summary
Award-winning Special Education professional with over 15 years of experience providing individualized instruction and educational support to students with disabilities across elementary, middle, and high school settings. Recognized as Staff of the Year 2026 for outstanding leadership, student advocacy, and commitment to educational excellence. Extensive experience developing and implementing IEPs, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, conducting educational assessments, and supporting students with complex academic, behavioral, medical, and emotional needs. Experienced in Home and Hospital Instruction, ensuring continuity of education for students unable to attend school due to illness, injury, or hospitalization. Passionate about advocating for children and partnering with families, schools, and community agencies to promote student success.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Coordinator
NEW DIMENSIONS HIGH SCHOOL
Kissimmee
01.2025 - Current
- Lead development and implementation of 50+ Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) ensuring compliance with IDEA and Florida Department of Education regulations.
- Coordinate multidisciplinary meetings involving parents, teachers, therapists, administrators, and community partners.
- Monitor student performance data and implement targeted interventions to improve academic outcomes.
- Deliver professional development to instructional staff on special education compliance, accommodations, and inclusive practices.
- Serve as liaison between school, district personnel, families, and service providers to ensure continuity of services.
- Supervise compliance documentation and student records.
- Achievement: Staff of the Year 2026
Instructional Support Teacher (ESE)
OSCEOLA COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Kissimmee
01.2024 - 01.2025
- Provided specialized instruction in reading and mathematics to students with exceptionalities.
- Developed differentiated lesson plans aligned to student needs and state standards.
- Facilitated IEP meetings and collaborated with general education teachers to support inclusion.
- Maintained educational records and progress monitoring documentation.
- Analyzed assessment data to guide instructional decisions.
Exceptional Student Education Teacher
POLK COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Haines City
01.2021 - 01.2024
- Delivered individualized instruction to students with disabilities in various educational settings.
- Adapted curriculum and instructional strategies to meet diverse learning needs.
- Utilized assistive technology and accommodations to support student success.
- Collaborated with families and support staff to ensure implementation of intervention strategies.
- Monitored student progress and adjusted instructional plans based on data.
Pupil Support Tutor (Home & Hospital Program)
YONKERS PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Yonkers
09.2015 - 09.2021
- Provided one-on-one instruction to students unable to attend school due to medical conditions, injuries, surgeries, chronic illnesses, and extended hospitalizations.
- Delivered instruction in students' homes and hospital settings to ensure continuity of education.
- Collaborated with classroom teachers to obtain assignments, instructional materials, and grading requirements.
- Adapted lessons and learning activities to accommodate medical limitations and individual student needs.
- Maintained communication with families, school staff, and support personnel regarding student progress.
- Assisted students in maintaining academic progress during periods of illness and recovery.
- Advocated for students' educational needs while facilitating successful transitions back to school.
Special Education Teacher
YONKERS PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Yonkers
01.2010 - 01.2021
- Developed and implemented individualized instructional programs for students with disabilities.
- Designed differentiated instruction to support academic growth across multiple grade levels.
- Conducted educational assessments and monitored progress toward IEP goals.
- Maintained strong communication with families and support personnel.
- Provided both classroom and virtual instruction.
Substitute Teacher, Pre-K - Grade 12
YONKERS PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Yonkers
09.2008 - 06.2013
- Managed classrooms across multiple grade levels and subject areas.
- Implemented lesson plans and maintained productive learning environments.
- Supported students with varying academic and behavioral needs.
- Ensured continuity of instruction during teacher absences.
Teaching Assistant
CEDAR PLACE SCHOOL
Yonkers
01.2008 - 01.2010
- Assisted classroom teachers in delivering differentiated instruction.
- Supported students with disabilities in academic and behavioral interventions.
- Implemented behavior management strategies and monitored student progress.
Digital Camera Expert Sales Representative & Customer Service Representative
BEST BUY
Yonkers
01.2004 - 01.2008
- Achieved sales targets and maintained high customer satisfaction ratings through effective service.
- Educated customers on technology products and features, facilitating informed purchasing decisions.
- Provided tailored customer service and comprehensive product education to enhance user experience.
Education
Master of Science - Childhood Education
Mercy College
Dobbs Ferry, New YorkBachelor of Arts - English Language Arts
Hunter College
New York, New YorkSkills
- Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
- Homebound & Hospital Instruction
- Educational Planning and Instruction
- Curriculum Adaptation
- Student Advocacy
- Transition Planning
- Progress Monitoring
- Educational Assessments
- Family Collaboration
- Medical and Educational Documentation
- Multidisciplinary Team Collaboration
- Special Education Compliance
- Behavioral Intervention Strategies
- Professional Development Training
- Data Analysis & Reporting
- Assistive Technology
- Inclusive Education Practices
Certification
- Florida Professional Educator Certificate - Exceptional Student Education (K-12)
- Florida Elementary Education Certification Grades K-6
- Florida English for Speakers of Other Languages
- Florida Preschool Education Birth-4
- New York State General Education Certification K-6
- New York State Student with Disabilities Certification
Professional Affiliations And Interests
- Special Education Advocacy
- Curriculum Development
- Educational Leadership
- Inclusive Education
- Family Engagement
- Student Transition Planning
Timeline
Special Education Coordinator
NEW DIMENSIONS HIGH SCHOOL
01.2025 - Current
Instructional Support Teacher (ESE)
OSCEOLA COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT
01.2024 - 01.2025
Exceptional Student Education Teacher
POLK COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
01.2021 - 01.2024
Pupil Support Tutor (Home & Hospital Program)
YONKERS PUBLIC SCHOOLS
09.2015 - 09.2021
Special Education Teacher
YONKERS PUBLIC SCHOOLS
01.2010 - 01.2021
Substitute Teacher, Pre-K - Grade 12
YONKERS PUBLIC SCHOOLS
09.2008 - 06.2013
Teaching Assistant
CEDAR PLACE SCHOOL
01.2008 - 01.2010
Digital Camera Expert Sales Representative & Customer Service Representative
BEST BUY
01.2004 - 01.2008
Master of Science - Childhood Education
Mercy College
Bachelor of Arts - English Language Arts
Hunter College