Vanessa Duthie
Boiling Springs,SC
Summary
Patient Special Education Paraprofessional, supportive of instructors and skilled in implementing classroom activities. Experienced in classroom safety, learning processes and individualized learning. Hands-on and ambitious. Committed to accommodating students in the learning processes. Experienced in small group instruction and student supervision. Sharp and highly trained with desire to positively impact students with learning disabilities. Offers advanced qualifications combined with understanding of autism spectrum disorder and learning disabilities. Skilled at working with diverse special education students. Successful at supporting children's unique needs. Detail-oriented with well-established knowledge of lesson planning and individual student learning strategies. Trained in behavior management and personal hygiene needs. Kind and alert individual with dedication to long-term student success.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Preschool Aide
Spartanburg District 2 Boiling Springs Elementary
Boiling Springs, SC
08.2013 - Current
- Maintained confidentiality surrounding student information.
- Assisted special education teachers in the implementation of individualized educational plans for preschool students with disabilities.
- Provided one-on-one support to children with various disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome and cerebral palsy.
- Organized materials and supplies necessary for daily activities.
- Encouraged appropriate social interaction between peers during playtime and other group activities.
- Monitored student progress and reported any changes or concerns to lead teacher.
- Assisted in developing behavior management plans for individual students.
- Transported students to related services as needed, such as speech therapy or occupational therapy appointments.
- Administered assessments and evaluations as directed by lead teacher.
- Adapted instruction methods based on individual student needs and abilities.
- Implemented positive reinforcement strategies when working with students who have challenging behaviors.
- Demonstrated knowledge of specialized equipment used by students with physical disabilities.
- Collaborated with parents, teachers, administrators and outside agencies to provide comprehensive support to students with special needs.
- Assisted in designing differentiated lessons that meet the needs of diverse learners.
- Supported communication efforts between school personnel, families and community resources.
- Helped maintain a safe learning environment both inside the classroom and outdoors on school grounds.
- Escorted students to restroom cafeteria, outside to playground and on field trips.
- Managed class of special education students in absence of lead teacher.
- Instructed small groups of students in alphabet, shapes and color recognition.
- Advised instructor on student behavior or issues requiring immediate attention.
- Demonstrated appropriate behaviors using behavior modeling and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Provided supplemental supervision in classrooms, schoolyards and cafeterias.
- Motivated students using feedback and encouragement.
- Prepared handouts, study materials and other teaching aids.
- Oversaw classroom and teaching materials and requisitioned low-stock items.
- Supervised activities in the classroom and on the playground to ensure safety of all students.
- Communicated affirmatively and promoted positive attitudes with every student.
- Improved behavior with modification and positive reinforcement techniques.
Yearbook Editor-in-Chief
Boiling Springs Elementary
Boiling Springs, SC
08.2023 - 05.2024
- Developed and implemented a plan to ensure all deadlines were met.
- Conducted meetings with staff members to assign tasks and coordinate workflow.
- Edited copy for accuracy, readability, grammar, punctuation, clarity and consistency.
- Organized and supervised the production of the yearbook from concept to completion.
- Ensured quality control through proofreading prior to publication deadline.
- Coordinated distribution of yearbooks with school administrators.
- Advised staff members on design principles including typography, color theory and page layout techniques.
- Provided training sessions for new staff members on how to use software programs such as Adobe InDesign or Photoshop.
- Read copy or proof to detect and correct errors in spelling, punctuation and syntax.
- Uploaded digital images for editing, archiving and electronic transmission.
- Edited digital images lightly or with advanced techniques to create desired effects.
- Managed digital archives of photographs, organized files and protected against loss.
Yearbook Editor
Boiling Springs Elementary
Boiling Springs, SC
08.2016 - 08.2023
- Developed a comprehensive plan for the yearbook staff to create, design and distribute the yearbook in an efficient manner.
- Conducted interviews with students, faculty and staff for feature stories for the yearbook.
- Created a timeline of deadlines for staff members to ensure all content was submitted on time.
- Edited photos and captions to ensure they fit within the organization's guidelines.
- Provided guidance and support to staff members when needed throughout the entire production process.
- Solicited feedback from teachers, administrators and other stakeholders in order to make improvements or changes where necessary.
- Ensured compliance with copyright laws when using any images or text from outside sources.
- Encouraged creativity among staff members by providing them opportunities to contribute ideas throughout production process.
- Edited digital images lightly or with advanced techniques to create desired effects.
- Uploaded digital images for editing, archiving and electronic transmission.
- Proofread copy to detect and correct errors in spelling, punctuation and syntax.
Lead Teacher, Toddler Room
Mary Black Children's Corner
Spartanburg, SC
01.2004 - 08.2013
- Lead Toddler Room Teachers to ensure a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment for children.
- Developed age appropriate lesson plans that incorporate creative activities such as art, music, dramatic play and outdoor exploration.
- Provided guidance to assistant teachers on classroom management techniques.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress and development.
- Observed and evaluated children's performance, behavior, social development and physical health.
- Planned and implemented activities to stimulate growth in language, motor and social skills.
- Assisted with potty training of toddlers in the classroom setting.
- Organized field trips to local parks or other educational facilities to enhance learning experiences.
- Responded promptly to parent inquiries regarding their child's well-being or academic progress.
- Promoted positive relationships between students by providing individual attention when needed.
- Taught basic life skills such as toileting, dressing, eating habits.
- Fostered an environment that encourages creativity while maintaining an orderly atmosphere.
- Provided emotional support for young children who are adjusting to being away from home.
- Implemented daily routines that promote independence and self-help skills.
- Participated in professional development opportunities related to early childhood education topics.
- Adhered strictly to safety guidelines established by state regulations including proper storage of hazardous materials.
- Supervised indoor and outdoor playground activities ensuring safety standards were met at all times.
- Supervised circle time, free play, outside play and learning and developmental activities.
- Communicated with children's parents and guardians about daily activities, behaviors and problems.
- Taught children foundational skills in colors, shapes and letters.
- Controlled classroom environments with clearly outlined rules and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Implemented hands-on, play-based strategies for experiential learning.
- Identified early signs of emotional and developmental problems in children to bring concerns to parents' attention.
Education
High School Diploma -
Jacksonville High School
Jacksonville, AL05-2001
Some College (No Degree) - Early Childhood Education
Spartanburg Technical College
Spartanburg, SCSkills
- Verbal And Written Communication
- Group And Individual Instruction
- Classroom Adaptation
- Time Management
- Special Needs
- Tech-Savvy
- Classroom Monitoring
- Play-Based Learning
Timeline
Yearbook Editor-in-Chief
Boiling Springs Elementary
08.2023 - 05.2024
Yearbook Editor
Boiling Springs Elementary
08.2016 - 08.2023
Special Education Preschool Aide
Spartanburg District 2 Boiling Springs Elementary
08.2013 - Current
Lead Teacher, Toddler Room
Mary Black Children's Corner
01.2004 - 08.2013
High School Diploma -
Jacksonville High School
Some College (No Degree) - Early Childhood Education
Spartanburg Technical College
References
References available upon request.
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