Tracy Wilder
Hastings
Summary
Compassionate education professional with extensive experience supporting diverse learners in special education settings. Skilled in behavior management, effective communication, and monitoring student progress, contributing to positive educational outcomes and enhanced student engagement.
Overview
1
1
Certification
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
ESE Paraprofessional
St Johns County School Board
Saint Augustine, FL
08.2021 - Current
- Supported students with diverse learning needs in classroom settings.
- Assisted teachers in implementing individualized education plans (IEPs).
- Supported individualized education plans by implementing tailored instructional strategies for diverse learners.
- Facilitated small group instruction to enhance student comprehension and engagement.
- Monitored student progress and reported observations to instructional staff.
- Developed strong relationships with students by providing empathetic support during difficult transitions or challenging moments throughout their educational journey.
- Provided one-on-one support for students with disabilities, enabling them to reach their full potential in the classroom.
- Promoted independence among ESE students by encouraging self-advocacy skills and fostering a sense of ownership over personal learning goals.
- Enhanced social skills development through peer interactions and group activities, promoting inclusive classroom communities.
- Contributed to a positive school climate by actively participating in staff meetings and professional development opportunities related to supporting exceptional students'' education efforts.
- Kept classrooms clean, neat, and properly sanitized for student health and classroom efficiency.
Lead VPK Teacher
Island Prep
Saint Augustine, FL
08.2017 - 08.2021
- Designed and implemented engaging lesson plans aligned with developmental standards.
- Fostered a positive classroom environment to enhance student learning and social interactions.
- Assessed student progress through observations and tailored instruction accordingly.
- Integrated technology into the curriculum to enhance learning experiences for students.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on teaching methods and early childhood education research findings.
- Reduced disciplinary issues by establishing clear expectations and consistent consequences for behavior.
- Evaluated student performance using various assessment tools, providing targeted feedback for improvement.
- Established positive communication with parents in daily conversation and formal conferences.
- Gave one-on-one attention to children while maintaining overall focus on entire group.
- Monitored students' academic, social, and emotional progress and recorded in individual files.
- Monitored classroom to verify safe and secure environment.
- Collaborated with teachers, parents and administrators to facilitate positive outcomes for students.
VPK Teacher's Assistant
Island Prep
Saint Augustine, FL
10.2014 - 07.2017
- Assisted lead teacher in developing engaging lesson plans and classroom activities.
- Supported individual student needs through personalized attention and instructional strategies.
- Facilitated group activities to promote social skills and teamwork among students.
- Implemented behavior management techniques to ensure a positive learning environment.
- Organized classroom materials and resources for efficient daily operations.
- Implemented various teaching methodologies to accommodate diverse learning styles within the classroom setting.
- Facilitated small-group instruction for targeted skill development, increasing overall class performance levels.
- Strengthened students'' motor skills through engaging physical activities during outdoor playtime sessions.
Lead VPK Teacher
Parkside Educare
Queensburgh, South Africa
01.2011 - 11.2011
- Developed engaging lesson plans aligned with early childhood education standards.
- Fostered a nurturing classroom environment that promoted social and emotional development.
- Implemented individualized instruction strategies to meet diverse learning needs of students.
- Mentored junior teachers, sharing best practices for classroom management and curriculum delivery.
Au Pair
Self-employeed
Umhlanga, South Africa
06.2009 - 12.2009
- Provided personalized childcare, ensuring safety and well-being of children in diverse family environments.
- Facilitated communication between parents and children, addressing concerns and providing regular updates on progress.
- Managed daily schedules, balancing educational tasks, extracurricular activities, and free play for optimal child engagement.
- Adapted care strategies to meet individual needs of children with varying ages and personalities.
After-School Program Leader
Honeybeez Pre-School and Aftercare
Pinetown, South Africa
12.2008 - 05.2009
- Developed engaging after-school activities to enhance children's social and emotional skills.
- Supervised and mentored a team of staff, fostering a collaborative environment for program success.
- Implemented safety protocols ensuring a secure environment for all participants during programs.
- Coordinated scheduling and logistics for daily activities, optimizing resource allocation and participation rates.
Au Pair
Au Pair Care
Ridgewood, NJ
10.2006 - 11.2008
- Developed engaging educational activities to promote cognitive and social development in children.
- Assisted in household duties, including meal preparation and light cleaning, to support family routines.
- Collaborated closely with parents to establish consistent routines expectations promoting stability security for their children.
- Developed strong bonds with host family members resulting in lasting relationships beyond contract term.
- Transported children safely to school, activities and appointments on time.
- Evaluated children's developmental milestones, providing feedback to parents for ongoing support and improvement.
Preschool Lead Teacher
Honeybeez Preschool and Afrtercare
Queensburgh, South Africa
11.2005 - 09.2006
- Developed and implemented age-appropriate curricula for diverse learning styles.
- Fostered a nurturing environment to enhance social and emotional development.
- Collaborated with parents to support children's growth and educational goals.
- Assessed student progress and adapted teaching strategies accordingly.
Education
High School Diploma -
Pinetown Girls High School
Pinetown, South AfricaNo Degree - Early Childhood Education
Eastern Gateway Community College
Steubenville, OHNo Degree - Paraprofessional
St Johns River State College
Palatka02.2021
Skills
- Classroom support in a Special Education Setting
- Emotional support
- Visual supports including assistive technology
- Differentiated instruction with small group settings
- IEP implementation
- Computer skills
- Motor skills development
- Progress monitoring & data collection
- Effective communication
- Organization and prioritization within the classroom
- Relationship building
- Behavior management
Certification
- The Praxis series: The Parapro Assesment License - 2/15/2021
- FCCPC/CDA, Smart Horizons - 9/2020-9/2024
Timeline
ESE Paraprofessional
St Johns County School Board
08.2021 - Current
Lead VPK Teacher
Island Prep
08.2017 - 08.2021
VPK Teacher's Assistant
Island Prep
10.2014 - 07.2017
Lead VPK Teacher
Parkside Educare
01.2011 - 11.2011
Au Pair
Self-employeed
06.2009 - 12.2009
After-School Program Leader
Honeybeez Pre-School and Aftercare
12.2008 - 05.2009
Au Pair
Au Pair Care
10.2006 - 11.2008
Preschool Lead Teacher
Honeybeez Preschool and Afrtercare
11.2005 - 09.2006
High School Diploma -
Pinetown Girls High School
No Degree - Early Childhood Education
Eastern Gateway Community College
No Degree - Paraprofessional
St Johns River State College