Virginia Cassell
Pickens County School District
Pickens,SC
1
Certification
19
years of professional experience
Compassionate and adaptable educational assistant with a proven track record in supporting students with learning disabilities. Committed to creating inclusive learning environments and maintaining strong communication with staff, and families to promote student success.
Work History
Educational Assistant
12 Years 1 Month- Supported classroom instruction by assisting teachers with lesson plans according to IEP goals, and materials preparation.
- Collaborated with educators to develop effective strategies for managing classroom behavior.
- Implemented educational tools and resources, promoting a positive learning environment.
- Implemented educational tools and resources, promoting an inclusive and positive learning environment.
- Designed and implemented interactive activities to enhance students' physical education and life skills development.
- Monitored student progress, providing feedback to educators for tailored intervention strategies.
- Maintained regular contact with families to provide updates on student care and achievements, utilizing various communication methods.
- Developed strong rapport with students, fostering trust and mutual respect to create a positive classroom atmosphere conducive to learning.
- Supported students with special needs by adapting lessons and providing necessary accommodations in collaboration with special education staff.
- Supported student learning objectives through personalized and small group assistance.
- Oversaw students in the classroom and common areas to monitor, enforce rules, and support the lead teacher.
- Kept classrooms clean, neat, and properly sanitized for student health and classroom efficiency.
- Assisted in extracurricular activities such as clubs or sports teams, providing additional support for students outside of the classroom setting.
- Collated classroom materials to help teachers prepare for daily instruction and activities.
- Prepared instruction materials, constructed bulletin boards, and set up work areas.
- Increased parent involvement by maintaining open lines of communication and providing regular updates on student progress.
- Administered tube feedings and managed in-and-out catheter operations, employing adaptive equipment to optimize patient outcomes.
- Supported and engaged with medically fragile students from birth onward, fostering a nurturing learning environment.
- Maintained cleanliness standards by implementing effective toileting, diaper changing and pull-up protocols.
- Foster a strong work ethic that emphasizes attention to detail and quality.
Teacher
6 Years 11 Months- Collaborated with educators and specialists to create and enforce effective IEPs for students with unique learning requirements.
- Crafted and delivered personalized lesson plans aligned with the unique requirements of every student.
- Implemented engaging, experiential lessons focused on science, mathematics, culinary skills, sensory exploration, hygiene, and toileting.
- Implemented and maintained feeding schedules, diaper changing protocols, and cleanliness standards within the classroom.
- Coordinated multiple volunteer opportunities aimed at fostering parental involvement, encompassing field trips, family engagement events, and home visits.
- Facilitated student pick-up and delivery, prioritizing safety during daily commutes and field trips.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure compliance with NAEYC accreditation requirements for the program.
- Supported early childhood education by nurturing and mentoring children from age one until graduation at four or five years old.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Early Childhood Education
- Honoree of Virginia Cassell, Graduated with Honors and a 4.0 GPA
- Early Childhood Special Education Certificate
- Who's Who recognition of outstanding merit
Skills
Learning disabilities support
Autism spectrum support
Group and individual instruction
Teacher support
Family and community outreach
Special needs accommodations
Project follow-through
Adaptable to change
Trustworthiness
trustworthy and professional
quick learner
Accomplishments
- Developed course plans aimed at meeting academic, intellectual and social needs of each student.
- Supported one classroom teacher in implementing a developmentally-appropriate curriculum for a group of 14 students.
- Collaborated with team of 8 in the development of Kindness club/unified sports.
- Assisted one other coach, in creating a SC Special Olympic Gymnastics team 22 years ago.
Certification
- First Aid and CPR
- CPI
- Praxis / 466
- WorkKeys / Silver
- Early childhood
Timeline
Educational Assistant
Pickens County School District
09.2014 - CurrentRead More
Teacher
SHARE Head Start
09.2007 - 08.2014Read More
Tri-County Technical College
Associate of Applied Science from Early Childhood Education
Read More
SC Special Olympic outstanding volunteer
I received this award for providing and coaching an inclusive sport, that thrives on social interactions, as well as physical and mental endurance for over 20 years.