Whitney Fitzgerald
Summary
Dedicated Special Education Teacher with extensive experience at Rockingham County Public Schools, adept in conflict resolution and classroom management. Excelled in adapting curriculum for diverse cognitive abilities, ensuring student progress through individualized plans. Skilled in IEP creation, implementation and crisis intervention, contributing to a positive learning environment and student success.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Rockingham County Public Schools
08.2018 - Current
- Instruct students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
- Lead activities that develop students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
- Assist struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Deliver effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
Paraprofessional
Rockingham County Public Schools
11.2009 - 08.2018
- Kept classrooms clean, neat, and properly sanitized for student health and classroom efficiency.
- Monitored students on field trips, handling roll call, and group movement to keep youths safe in public settings.
- Reported on student progress, behavior, and social skills to parents.
- Oversaw students in classroom and common areas to monitor, enforce rules, and support lead teacher.
In-Home Daycare Provider
Self-employed
01.2004 - 11.2009
- Read stories, sang songs and facilitated creative play.
- Logged information regarding naps, feedings, and any medications administered.
- Responded to inquiries from parents and guardians.
- Prepared group activities to enhance socialization, communication and problem-solving skills for children.
Prospect Research Clerk
Bridgewater College
06.1999 - 05.2002
- Answered and managed incoming and outgoing calls while recording accurate messages for distribution to office staff.
- Kept office supplies well organized and sufficiently stocked, placing orders promptly to replenish materials before depleted.
- Monitored and tracked alumni successes.
- Utilized office management software to record and track alumni information.
Education
Master of Arts - Special Education/Teacher Licensure
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA12-2021
Bachelor of Science - Health Science/Athletic Training
Bridgewater College
Bridgewater, VA05-1996
High School Diploma -
Isle of Wight Academy
Smithfield, VA05-1996
Skills
- Conflict resolution techniques
- Excellent classroom management
- Motivating students
- IEP and BIP implementation
- Behavior modification
- Responding positively to challenges with students' differing needs and behaviors
- Adapting curriculum to best fit a variety of grade levels, cognitive abilities, and required instruction
- Working collaboratively with fellow special education teachers, general education teachers, and paraprofessionals to provide an optimum learning experience for our students
- Managing extended paperwork and data collection required in a Level II Special Education setting
Certification
- First Aid Certification – American Red Cross or National Safety Council.
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Rockingham County Public Schools
08.2018 - Current
Paraprofessional
Rockingham County Public Schools
11.2009 - 08.2018
In-Home Daycare Provider
Self-employed
01.2004 - 11.2009
Prospect Research Clerk
Bridgewater College
06.1999 - 05.2002
Master of Arts - Special Education/Teacher Licensure
Old Dominion University
Bachelor of Science - Health Science/Athletic Training
Bridgewater College
High School Diploma -
Isle of Wight Academy
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