Jamia Bankhead
Lancaster,CA
Summary
Dedicated education professional with over 20 years of experience supporting special education and high-risk students in academic, behavioral, and community-based employment settings. Highly experienced in implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Individual Transition Plans (ITPs), providing hands-on job coaching, and supporting students as they transition from school to gainful employment. Proven ability to collaborate with educators, transition specialists, and community employers to foster work readiness, independence, and long-term job success.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Para Professional
Antelope Valley Union High School District – Lancaster High School
09.2002 - Current
- Delivered long-term instructional, behavioral, and vocational support to special education and high-risk students, with a strong focus on transition-to-work readiness.
- Implemented Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Individual Transition Plans (ITPs), supporting students with diverse learning needs, medical considerations, and workplace accommodations.
- Provided hands-on job coaching in community-based employment settings, including local retail sites, reinforcing work ethics, professional behavior, punctuality, and communication skills.
- Assisted students with job applications, interview preparation, onboarding expectations, and strategies for maintaining employment.
- Conducted ongoing evaluations of student job performance and communicated progress and recommendations to teachers, transition specialists, and program administrators.
- Supported travel training by coaching students on safe and reliable use of public transportation to and from work sites.
- Assisted students with accurate completion of weekly work time sheets and adherence to employer policies and schedules.
- Collaborated with educators, transition specialists, and administrators to coordinate work experience placements aligned with employer needs and district guidelines.
- Collected, documented, and analyzed student performance data to support progress monitoring, reporting, and instructional adjustments.
- Trained and mentored newly hired paraprofessionals on instructional support strategies and best practices for supporting special needs students.
- Served as a liaison between students, school staff, and community employers to promote positive partnerships and successful job placements.
Education
High School Diploma -
Granada Hills High School
Granada Hills06-1987
Timeline
Para Professional
Antelope Valley Union High School District – Lancaster High School
09.2002 - Current
High School Diploma -
Granada Hills High School