Valerie Baird
Summary
Dynamic Special Education Resource Teacher with a proven track record at Prescott School District, adept at implementing inclusion strategies and positive behavior supports. Skilled in developing individualized education plans that enhance student engagement and foster social skills, while maintaining compliance with IEP objectives and promoting a collaborative learning environment.
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
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Resource Teacher
Prescott School District
08.2019 - 05.2025
- 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.
- Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss students'' needs, share insights, and develop effective intervention plans aligned with their unique strengths and challenges.
- 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.
- Improved student behavior and social skills through implementation of positive reinforcement strategies and consistent classroom management techniques.
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Implemented research-based teaching methodologies that resulted in increased student engagement and improved academic outcomes.
Special Education Resource Teacher
Umatilla School District
08.2011 - 06.2019
- Established a collaborative atmosphere by working closely with paraprofessionals who provided additional support during instruction time or one-on-one sessions as needed.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
- Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Partnered with standard education teachers from across academic departments.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- Designed individual education plans to encourage student growth according to different learning abilities and needs.
- Developed Individual Education Plans for students with special needs.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance.
- Conducted assessments of students to determine individual needs.
- Improved behavior by modeling positive choices and teaching socially-acceptable options.
- Planned daily activities to keep students engaged and on track with learning goals.
- Worked closely with parents and guardians to address students' issues on multiple fronts.
- Mentored new teachers on student progress monitoring and legal document preparation.
- 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.
Education
Master of Arts - Reading/Literacy
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZMaster of Arts - Education
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZMaster of Arts - Special Education
Walden University
Minneapolis, MN06-1997
Skills
- Positive behavior supports
- Executive functioning support
- Inclusion strategies
- Emotional disorders
- Collaborative teaching
- Social skills training
Certification
- Masters in Special Education
- Masters in Reading/Literacy
Languages
Spanish
Limited Working
Timeline
Special Education Resource Teacher
Prescott School District
08.2019 - 05.2025
Special Education Resource Teacher
Umatilla School District
08.2011 - 06.2019
Master of Arts - Reading/Literacy
Grand Canyon University
Master of Arts - Education
Arizona State University
Master of Arts - Special Education
Walden University
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