Zane Samarasinghe
Menlo Park,CA
Summary
I am passionate in working with children of varying abilities and learning differences. I have the ability to establish and build rapport with a variety of people. I am also able to master new challenges as they arise and successfully convert new ideas and concepts into meaningful concrete results. I am punctual, reliable, and possess the skills to communicate effectively. I pride myself on being able to generate a positive atmosphere of cooperation, participation, and productivity between myself and other professionals at all levels, which I look forward to applying to my own classroom environment for both staff and students.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Education Specialist
Menlo Park City School District
Menlo Park, CA
07.2023 - Current
- Provided individualized instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners.
- Observed teachers to assist with planning and classroom instruction methodologies.
- Participated in workshops, trainings and conferences to improve educational skills.
- Built and strengthened positive relationships with students, parents and teaching staff.
- Attended IEP meetings, parent conferences, and professional development workshops.
- Collaborated with service providers, general education teachers, and administrators to ensure progress on students' goals.
- Collaborated with supervisors to examine effectiveness of program and instruction.
- Met with parents to discuss students' progress and review areas requiring improvement.
- Recruited, trained, and evaluated paraprofessionals; directed professional development activities.
- Incorporated a variety of teaching methods into lessons to meet diverse learning styles.
- Educated parents and caregivers to drive cooperation, learning achievement, performance and classroom behavior.
- Met with administrators and department team members to work on curriculum planning and assessment methods.
- Maintained accurate records of student performance and progress data.
- Created lesson plans and chose supporting materials to promote positive learning experiences.
Skateboard Instructor
The Skate Connection
02.2011 - Current
- Helped found the non-profit organization
- Promote inclusion for individuals with disabilities through skateboarding
- Work 1:1 as skateboard instructor, teaching individuals basic skateboarding skills
PARAEDUCATOR
MENLO PARK CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
06.2021 - 06.2023
- Assists in the instruction of students with emotional, educational, physical and/or behavioral problems - Assists a certificated teacher by providing individual assistance to students in academic areas - Observes behavior of students to assure safety; assists in resolving student disputes; assists in the development and management of appropriate student behavior using positive reinforcement techniques
- Monitors children on the playground - Confers with teachers concerning programs and materials to meet students’ needs as necessary
RECREATION LEADER
CAMPBELL UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT
08.2018 - 01.2021
- Run classroom of 12-25 students ranging in age from 5-11 - Provide snack/lunch for students - Foster a safe and productive learning extensions environment - Create lesson plans around SEL, theme days, and STEAM - Maintain student discipline - Supervise outdoor free play for all students in program with assistance from other adults 2 - Plan and conduct outdoor activities/games, both small and large group - Collaborate with other recreation leaders to create indoor crafts and activities for students - Maintain and log student attendance - Connect with parents to strengthen student relationships - Implement behavior management strategies
INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT II
PUENTE HILLS SELPA
02.2017 - 06.2018
- Provide support to the special education classroom teacher - Assist students in special education program classes who have a variety of physical handicaps, learning disabilities, emotional or behavioral problems - Work with students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing mild to profound hearing loss on a one-to-one or small group instruction at the direction of the teacher - Assists students in mainstreaming classrooms - Maintains student discipline - Implement behavior management strategies - Performs classroom support activities - Maintains records and student data - Assists with personal care of students – feeding, diapering, and toileting - Playground and lunch supervision of students
Education
Master of Arts - Special Education
San Jose State University
San Jose, CA05-2023
BA - CHILD DEVELOPMENT
TEACHER PREP, JOSE STATE UNIVERSITY
05.2021
Skills
- Individualized instruction
- IEP implementation
- Data analysis
- Teaching methodologies
- Curriculum planning
- Behavior management
- Team collaboration
Timeline
Education Specialist
Menlo Park City School District
07.2023 - Current
PARAEDUCATOR
MENLO PARK CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
06.2021 - 06.2023
RECREATION LEADER
CAMPBELL UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT
08.2018 - 01.2021
INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT II
PUENTE HILLS SELPA
02.2017 - 06.2018
Skateboard Instructor
The Skate Connection
02.2011 - Current
Master of Arts - Special Education
San Jose State University
BA - CHILD DEVELOPMENT
TEACHER PREP, JOSE STATE UNIVERSITY
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