Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Theresa Ambris

Brownstown,MI

Summary

Dynamic Special Education Resource Teacher with a proven track record at Dearborn Public Schools, skilled in implementing individualized education plans and fostering inclusive learning environments. Adept at utilizing positive behavior supports and enhancing student engagement through tailored reading interventions, while maintaining strong parent-teacher communication to drive student success.

Special Education Professional with strong focus on team collaboration and achieving results. Skilled in individualized instruction, behavioral management, and creating inclusive classroom environments. Reliable, adaptable, and ready to meet changing needs to support student success.

Overview

29
29
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Special Education Resource Teacher ELA

Dearborn Public Schools
01.2024 - Current
  • Coordinated with general education teachers to modify curriculum materials, ensuring accessibility for all learners in an inclusive setting.
  • Maintained accurate records of student performance, attendance, and IEP objectives to ensure compliance with federal regulations and school district policies.
  • Taught students in self-contained and resource environments.
  • Enhanced student comprehension by utilizing differentiated instruction tailored to individual needs.
  • Developed strong relationships with students, fostering trust and creating a safe learning environment where they could thrive academically and emotionally.
  • Utilized various assistive technology tools to augment the learning experience for students with diverse abilities while promoting independence in the classroom setting.
  • Conducted comprehensive assessments, analyzed data, and monitored progress to inform instructional decisions and guide interventions.
  • Provided ongoing communication with parents/guardians regarding students'' progress, goals, and achievements in a timely manner.
  • Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).

Special Education Paraprofessional

Dearborn Public Schools
09.2016 - 09.2023
  • Developed strong rapport with students by demonstrating empathy, patience, and understanding during daily interactions both inside and outside a classroom setting.
  • Managed challenging behaviors using de-escalation techniques to maintain a safe and productive learning environment for all students involved.
  • Assisted in the implementation of effective behavior management techniques, resulting in a more focused and positive classroom environment.
  • Collaborated with a teacher to create a customized classroom environment integral to students' needs.
  • Maintained a positive attitude and affirmatively communicated with each student.
  • Offered student support through special accommodations, extra assistance, and assessments.
  • Delivered personalized educational, behavioral, and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in special education instruction and support services.
  • Oversaw a class of students in the absence of the instructor.
  • Documented student behaviors, interventions, and outcomes to enable a lead teacher to address pertinent issues.
  • Supported teacher in the development of individual learning strategies.
  • Partnered with speech therapists, occupational therapists, and other related service providers to ensure comprehensive support for each student's growth and progress.
  • Responded proactively to emerging challenges by adapting instructional strategies as needed, ensuring continuous progress toward established goals for each student's academic success and personal growth.
  • Set up visual aids, equipment, and classroom displays to support the teacher's lesson delivery.
  • Encouraged students to participate in school activities and programs to promote well-roundedness and increase confidence.
  • Implemented evidence-based instructional strategies tailored to each student's unique learning style, promoting greater comprehension across subject areas.
  • Utilized assistive technology tools strategically to facilitate increased independence among students with diverse learning needs.
  • Promoted a culture of inclusion within the school community by modeling respectful interactions and encouraging open communication among all stakeholders involved in the education of special needs students.

Student Teaching Session One General Education

Hedke Elemntary/ Grand Canyon University
09.2023 - 11.2023
  • Followed school and classroom policies, regulations, dress codes, and schedules.
  • Collaborated on group projects to complete professional deliverables.
  • Enhanced classroom experience by utilizing multimedia presentations and interactive learning tools.
  • Completed rigorous readings as directed to support unit learning goals.
  • Increased student participation by incorporating group activities and peer feedback sessions.
  • Improved student engagement with interactive learning techniques.

Student Teaching Special Education /Session Two

Willam Ford Elemenatry/ GCU
11.2023 - 01.2024
  • Championed a growth mindset culture within the classroom, inspiring students to embrace challenges and persevere through obstacles in pursuit of their academic goals.
  • Developed strong relationships with parents and guardians through consistent communication about student progress and goals.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to share best practices and improve overall teaching effectiveness in the department.
  • Led academic projects to completion, ensuring thorough research and timely presentation.
  • Enhanced classroom experience by utilizing multimedia presentations and interactive learning tools.
  • Improved student engagement with interactive learning techniques.

Teacher Assistant

Montessori Children's Center
08.2014 - 08.2016
  • Supervised students during lunch breaks, recess, field trips, and other school-related events, maintaining a positive atmosphere conducive to learning.
  • Assisted lead teacher in managing classroom behavior, ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment for all students.
  • Fostered a positive learning environment by modeling enthusiasm, empathy, and respect for all members of the school community.
  • Collaborated with fellow educators to share best practices, resources, and ideas for continuous improvement in teaching methodologies.
  • Built relationships and communicated with parents to provide best learning environment for children.
  • Collaborated with adults and children to provide safe and educational experience.
  • Facilitated student-led, inquiry-based activities in classroom to enhance learning experience.

Teacher Assistant

Tutor Time Learning Center
09.2012 - 08.2014
  • Promoted a growth mindset among students by encouraging perseverance and resilience in overcoming challenges.
  • Assisted in developing effective classroom management strategies that fostered an inclusive community where all students felt valued and respected.
  • Enhanced classroom environment by implementing various teaching methods and strategies, catering to diverse learning styles.
  • Actively participated in professional development opportunities to stay current with emerging trends in education and improve instructional effectiveness.
  • Assisted lead teacher in the monitoring of student progress and updating required documentation, ensuring accurate records for each learner.
  • Prepared supplementary lesson materials such as visuals aids, hands-on manipulatives, or interactive games that enhanced student understanding of complex concepts.
  • Increased student participation with engaging activities and group projects that promoted collaboration and teamwork.
  • Assisted lead teacher in managing classroom behavior, ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment for all students.

Preschool Teacher's Assistant

Animal Crackers Learning Center
01.2005 - 09.2012
  • Contributed to a safe and inclusive learning environment by closely monitoring student behavior and addressing concerns promptly.
  • Served as an empathetic listener when comforting upset or frustrated children while fostering resilience in handling challenging situations.
  • Promoted language development among students using interactive storytelling techniques.
  • Participated actively in professional development opportunities such as workshops or conferences to stay current on early childhood education trends.
  • Collaborated with lead teacher to develop engaging lesson plans tailored to individual student needs.
  • Improved preschoolers'' fine motor skills through art-based projects involving cutting, pasting, painting, and drawing exercises.
  • Supervised indoor and outdoor playtime activities, ensuring student safety at all times.
  • Maintained regular communication with parents regarding students'' achievements, challenges, and progress.
  • Mentored new teaching assistants joining the team by offering guidance on best practices within our specific classroom setting.
  • Enhanced learning experiences by incorporating hands-on activities and creative projects.
  • Communicated with parents to inform about child's progress and classroom behavior.
  • Organized snack time and nap hours.
  • Assisted teacher by developing lesson plans to meet educational goals for each child.
  • Enforced rules and instructions to maintain discipline.
  • Helped teacher prepare instructional material and displays.
  • Took part in professional development workshops to boost skills.

Lead Preschool Teacher

Rainbow Child Development Center
09.1999 - 01.2005
  • Assisted and supervised 15 children through entire school day.
  • Utilized positive reinforcement techniques when addressing behavioral issues, maintaining a respectful and orderly classroom environment conducive to learning.
  • Enhanced preschoolers'' learning experiences by incorporating creative and interactive teaching methods in daily lessons.
  • Sanitized toys and play equipment each day to maintain safety and cleanliness.
  • Submitted weekly lesson plans.
  • Established strong relationships with parents through regular communication regarding their child''s progress, fostering increased parental involvement in the educational process.
  • Conducted regular parent-teacher conferences to discuss student progress and areas of improvement, encouraging a collaborative approach to education.
  • Incorporated play-based learning opportunities into daily routines, allowing students to explore new concepts while developing critical thinking skills through hands-on experiences.

Childcare Assistant

First Friends Home DayCare
09.1996 - 08.1999
  • Supervised free play and other activities to keep children safe.
  • Supervised outdoor playtime, ensuring safety while encouraging physical activity and exploration.
  • Ensured a safe and nurturing environment by maintaining clean and organized spaces for daily use.
  • Assisted with meal preparation and feeding to meet children's dietary needs.

Education

Eelemnatry Education & Special Education

Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ
01-2024

Associate of Arts - Early Childhood Education

Henry Ford College
Dearborn, MI
05-2002

High School Diploma -

Taylor Center High School
Taylor, MI
06-1995

Skills

    Positive behavior supports

  • Inclusion strategies
  • Parent-teacher communication
  • Progress monitoring
  • Functional behavior assessments
  • Learning disability support
  • Co-teaching models
  • Individualized education plans
  • Reading interventions

Affiliations

  • Alphi Chi National Honor Society (AX)

Certification

  • Commercial Driver's License (CDL) -October 2012-Current

Timeline

Special Education Resource Teacher ELA

Dearborn Public Schools
01.2024 - Current

Student Teaching Special Education /Session Two

Willam Ford Elemenatry/ GCU
11.2023 - 01.2024

Student Teaching Session One General Education

Hedke Elemntary/ Grand Canyon University
09.2023 - 11.2023

Special Education Paraprofessional

Dearborn Public Schools
09.2016 - 09.2023

Teacher Assistant

Montessori Children's Center
08.2014 - 08.2016

Teacher Assistant

Tutor Time Learning Center
09.2012 - 08.2014

Preschool Teacher's Assistant

Animal Crackers Learning Center
01.2005 - 09.2012

Lead Preschool Teacher

Rainbow Child Development Center
09.1999 - 01.2005

Childcare Assistant

First Friends Home DayCare
09.1996 - 08.1999

Eelemnatry Education & Special Education

Grand Canyon University

Associate of Arts - Early Childhood Education

Henry Ford College

High School Diploma -

Taylor Center High School