Ward Blair
Anchorage,AK
Summary
Unangax̂ (Aleut), Tsimshian, and Mojave educator with seven years of experience with ASD, including the past three years supporting Alaska Native and American Indian students with the Indigenous Education program as a Student Support Specialist. Experienced in providing culturally responsive support, academic guidance, and social-emotional development in diverse school settings. Skilled in building strong relationships with students, families, and staff, facilitating inclusive learning environments, and promoting student success. Recognized for adaptability, leadership, and creating safe, supportive spaces where students can thrive.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Student Support Specialist
Indigenous Education
Anchorage, AK
08.2023 - Current
- Created a welcoming environment for students, fostering a sense of belonging and community within the school setting.
- Coordinated partnerships with local organizations to enhance resources available for Indigenous students' education journey.
- Developed and implemented support programs tailored for Indigenous students' unique needs.
- Collaborated with educators to create inclusive learning environments fostering cultural understanding.
- Facilitated workshops on study skills, time management, and personal development for student success.
- Mentored new staff, sharing best practices in student support strategies and community outreach initiatives.
- Promoted parent engagement through regular communication and family-centered events.
- Established partnerships with local organizations providing additional resources for students in need.
- Connected struggling students with appropriate tutoring services or additional resources to facilitate their academic success.
Kindergarten Paraprofessional
Anchorage School District
Anchorage, AK
08.2019 - 05.2023
- Helped teacher prepare instructional material and lesson plans.
- Collaborated with instructors to develop engaging lesson plans.
- Developed and implemented strategies to improve student engagement.
- Assisted students in developing deeper understanding of course concepts by providing one-on-one support.
- Trained new paraprofessionals on classroom procedures and support techniques.
- Coordinated communication between teachers, parents, and support staff to address student needs.
Team Leader
FedEx Express
Anchorage, AK
12.2009 - 12.2016
- Promoted high standards through personal example to help each member understand expected behaviors and standards.
- Conducted training and mentored team members to promote productivity, accuracy, and commitment to friendly service.
- Mentored and guided employees to foster proper completion of assigned duties.
- Maintained overall safe work environment with employee training programs and enforcement of safety procedures.
- Monitored team performance and provided constructive feedback to increase productivity and maintain quality standards.
- Supervised team members to confirm compliance with set procedures and quality requirements.
- Worked with team to identify areas of improvement and devised solutions based on findings.
- Evaluated staff performance and provided coaching to address inefficiencies.
- Frequently inspected production area to verify proper equipment operation.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Education
University of Alaska Anchorage
Anchorage, AK05-2028
Skills
- Experience with Diverse Student Populations
- Classroom Inclusion
- Creating a Safe Learning Environment
- Caring and Empathetic Demeanor
- Organizational and Planning Skills
- Family Involvement
- Youth Guidance
- Positive Learning Environment
- Positive Interactions
- Emotional Support
- Enthusiasm for Students and Teaching
- Technical and Computer Proficiency
Timeline
Student Support Specialist
Indigenous Education
08.2023 - Current
Kindergarten Paraprofessional
Anchorage School District
08.2019 - 05.2023
Team Leader
FedEx Express
12.2009 - 12.2016
Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Education
University of Alaska Anchorage