Tracy Waits
Peachtree City,GA
Summary
Certified Special Education Teacher with 25+ years of experience in teaching diverse student populations in preschool and kindergarten transition classroom settings. Skilled in delivering effective education programs and assessment strategies. Adept in creating lesson plans that capture the diverse learning styles, interests, imagination, and abilities of all students.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Transitional Kindergarten Teacher
Oak Grove Elementary
08.2024 - Current
- Developed and implemented tailored Individual Education Plans to meet the specific needs of students.
- Designed multi-sensory activities advancing student skills.
- Drove engagement through tailored lesson plans.
- Utilized assistive technology to support and enhance the learning experiences for students with disabilities.
- Maintained detailed and accurate documentation on student progress and compliance.
- Collaborated with aides to refine learning strategies.
- Cultivated a nurturing classroom environment by applying positive reinforcement techniques, leading to notable improvements in student behavior.
- Advocated for resources and support services to meet individual student needs effectively.
- Partnered with general education to adapt lessons and materials for inclusion settings, promoting and inclusive learning environment for all students.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices, enhancing the quality of instruction provide to students.
Preschool Special Education Teacher
Fayette County Board of Education
08.2000 - 07.2024
- Designed individualized educational plans tailored to diverse learning needs of students.
- Implemented behavior management strategies to create positive learning environments.
- Developed age-appropriate curricula integrating sensory, motor, and cognitive skills training.
- Trained and mentored new educators on effective teaching techniques for special education settings.
- Advocated for resources and support services to meet individual student needs effectively.
- Incorporated sensory strategies into daily routines to promote self-regulation and increase focus during instructional time.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in special education, enhancing the quality of instruction provided to students.
- Collaborated with related service providers to ensure consistency of support for students across all areas of development.
- Utilized various assessment tools to evaluate student performance and inform instructional planning, ensuring individualized support for every learner.
- Promoted early literacy skills by incorporating phonics-based instruction into daily reading activities and exposing students to a variety of age-appropriate literature.
- Assessed student progress through ongoing observations, data collection, and analysis, ensuring timely modifications to instruction as needed.
- Partnered with general education teachers to adapt lessons and materials for inclusion settings, promoting an inclusive learning environment for all students.
- Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
- Engaged students with specialized play and educational activities to boost learning.
- Developed and taught engaging and developmentally appropriate lesson plans to differentiate needs for learners.
Education
Endorsment - ESOL
Griffin RESA
Griffin, GA05-2025
Master of Science - Curriculum, Instruction And Assessment
Nova Southeastern University
Davie, FL06-2007
Bachelor of Science - Special Education
University of West Georgia
Carrollton, GA05-2000
Associate of Arts - Science
Gordon State College
Barnesville, GA05-1997
Skills
- Individualized Education Programs
- Behavior Management
- Collaboration
- IEP Development
- Curriculum Differentiation
- Progress Monitoring
- Assistive Technology
- Classroom Management
- Parent-Teacher Communication
Timeline
Transitional Kindergarten Teacher
Oak Grove Elementary
08.2024 - Current
Preschool Special Education Teacher
Fayette County Board of Education
08.2000 - 07.2024
Endorsment - ESOL
Griffin RESA
Master of Science - Curriculum, Instruction And Assessment
Nova Southeastern University
Bachelor of Science - Special Education
University of West Georgia
Associate of Arts - Science
Gordon State College