Wanda Hodges
Clarksville,TN
Summary
Flexible and caring special education professional specializes in working with exceptional and general students in any environment. Customizes approaches based on individual needs and impairments. Focused on helping students build important skills for physical and mental issues impacting academic performance, social integration or physical capabilities. Compassionate in helping with struggles and adapting approaches for each students academic need.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Exceptional Education Teacher
Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools
Nashville , TN
2016.08 - 2024.05
- Developed and implemented behavior management plans for students with behavioral issues.
- Provided individualized instruction to students with special needs based on their IEPs.
- Collaborated with parents, teachers, school administrators, and other professionals to ensure best outcomes for students.
- Assisted in the development of Individual Education Plans to meet the educational needs of each student.
- Evaluated student progress through assessments and observations.
- Instructed small groups or one-on-one sessions to address specific learning needs of students.
- Conducted parent conferences to discuss student progress and challenges faced in achieving goals set forth in IEPs.
- Created a safe environment conducive to learning by fostering positive relationships between students, staff, and parents.
- Encouraged inclusion among all students by creating meaningful activities which everyone could participate in regardless of ability level.
- Worked closely with general education teachers to modify curriculum for special education students.
- Attended professional development opportunities such as workshops and seminars related to special education topics.
- Maintained accurate records of student data including assessment results, attendance records, and grades.
Exceptional Education Teacher
Hillwood High School
Nashville , TN
2006.08 - 2016.05
- Provided individualized instruction to students with special needs based on their IEPs.
- Developed and implemented behavior management plans for students with behavioral issues.
- Collaborated with parents, teachers, school administrators, and other professionals to ensure best outcomes for students.
- Assisted in the development of Individual Education Plans to meet the educational needs of each student.
- Instructed small groups or one-on-one sessions to address specific learning needs of students.
- Organized field trips that allowed students to learn about their local community outside of the classroom setting.
- Conducted parent conferences to discuss student progress and challenges faced in achieving goals set forth in IEPs.
- Created a safe environment conducive to learning by fostering positive relationships between students, staff, and parents.
- Encouraged inclusion among all students by creating meaningful activities which everyone could participate in regardless of ability level.
- Worked closely with general education teachers to modify curriculum for special education students.
- Maintained accurate records of student data including assessment results, attendance records, and grades.
- Attended professional development opportunities such as workshops and seminars related to special education topics.
- Utilized various teaching strategies such as differentiated instruction, cooperative learning, and hands-on activities when teaching content material.
- Ensured compliance with federal regulations regarding exceptional education services.
- Implemented crisis intervention techniques when needed.
- Consulted with speech therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, counselors, and other specialists on matters relating to student care.
- Integrated assistive technology into lesson plans where appropriate for use by special education students.
Paraprofessional
Hillwood High School
Nashville , TN
1997.08 - 2006.05
- Assisted teachers with planning and preparing lessons for students.
- Provided guidance to students in the classroom setting.
- Created and maintained positive relationships with students, parents, and colleagues.
- Supervised small groups of students during instruction time.
- Assisted in the implementation of educational programs for special needs children.
- Conducted one-on-one tutoring sessions with struggling students when needed.
- Attended professional development workshops related to job responsibilities.
- Supported students throughout academic instruction and assignments.
- Applied positive reinforcement to redirect negative behaviors.
Education
Master of Arts - Teaching & Learning: Teaching Literacy & Language
Kaplan College - Columbus
Columbus, OH2008-04
Bachelor of Science - Special Education
Fisk University
Nashville, TN2006-05
Skills
- Data-driven decision-making
- Social-emotional learning
- Progress Monitoring
- Instructional technology
- Group and individual instruction
- Problem-Solving
Affiliations
- Volunteer work at local Nashville Public Center (School After Care)
- Arts and Craft Activities
- Bike Riding
- Gardening
Accomplishments
- Exceptional Education Lead 2019-2023
- Teacher Of The Month Through Channel 5- 2005
- Exceptional Education Lead: August 2005- May 2006
Certification
August 2006-May 2024 (Retired)
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Exceptional Education Teacher
Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools
2016.08 - 2024.05
Exceptional Education Teacher
Hillwood High School
2006.08 - 2016.05
Paraprofessional
Hillwood High School
1997.08 - 2006.05
Master of Arts - Teaching & Learning: Teaching Literacy & Language
Kaplan College - Columbus
Bachelor of Science - Special Education
Fisk University
August 2006-May 2024 (Retired)
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