Thomas Washington
Forney
Summary
Dynamic Special Education Teacher with a proven track record at W.T. White High School, adept at IEP development and behavior intervention strategies. Skilled in integrating assistive technology to enhance learning, while fostering collaboration with general education staff. Committed to promoting student success through tailored instruction and effective social-emotional learning supports.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Professional Athletic Trainer/Skilled Basketball Coach
Self-employeed
Forney
08.2025 - Current
- Coached middle school football and basketball, focusing on skill development and teamwork.
- Supported athlete development as assistant basketball coach, enhancing discipline and competitive performance.
- Integrated adaptive physical education principles to foster health and student engagement.
Special Education Teacher
W.T. White High School
Dallas
08.2023 - 05.2025
- Develop, implement, and monitor IEPs for students with diverse needs including autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, emotional/behavioral disorders, and intellectual disabilities.
- Provide small-group and one-on-one instruction using evidence-based strategies (e.g., explicit instruction, visual supports, task analysis).
- Conduct ongoing progress monitoring and adjust instruction based on data.
- Collaborate with general education teachers to ensure successful inclusion and accommodations.
- Facilitate parent meetings, conferences, and IEP team discussions to support student goals.
- Utilize assistive technology (e.g., speech-to-text, visual scheduling tools, AAC devices) to increase accessibility.
- Implement behavior intervention plans and use positive behavior supports to promote success.
- Dallas Independent School District
Special Education Teacher
Gaston Middle School
Dallas
08.2020 - 06.2023
- Supported a caseload of 10 students with individualized academic and behavioral needs.
- Adapted general education curriculum to meet students’ learning styles and instructional levels.
- Ran SEL-focused morning meetings, social-skills groups, and self-regulation activities.
- Collaborated with school psychologists, speech therapists, and occupational therapists.
- Maintained detailed documentation for compliance, assessment, and progress reporting.
- Dallas Independent School District
Education
Bachelor of Arts - General Studies
Texas A&M University Commerce
Commerce, Texas05.2018
Some College (No Degree) - Journalism And Mass Communication
University of Wyoming
Laramie, WYSkills
- IEP writing and legal compliance
- Behavior intervention strategies
- Data collection and progress monitoring
- Differentiated and multi-sensory instruction
- Collaboration with general education teachers
- Assistive technology integration
- Crisis prevention and de-escalation techniques
- Social-emotional learning supports
Certification
• State Special Education Teaching License, K-12
• CPR/First Aid
Timeline
Professional Athletic Trainer/Skilled Basketball Coach
Self-employeed
08.2025 - Current
Special Education Teacher
W.T. White High School
08.2023 - 05.2025
Special Education Teacher
Gaston Middle School
08.2020 - 06.2023
Bachelor of Arts - General Studies
Texas A&M University Commerce
Some College (No Degree) - Journalism And Mass Communication
University of Wyoming