Sidney Jesperson
San Diego
Summary
Attentive special education paraprofessional brings solid background in neurodiverse instruction and classroom management. Supports teachers with administrative assistance, classroom documentation and supplemental instruction. Compassionate and dedicated professional with hands-on experience supporting students with diverse learning needs in inclusive and specialized classroom settings. Skilled in implementing individualized education plans (IEPs), assisting with behavioral support strategies, and fostering a positive, structured learning environment. Equally committed to animal welfare, bringing strong advocacy and care to people and animals alike. Demonstrates patience, empathy, and a deep commitment to making a meaningful impact in educational roles.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Paraprofessional
La Mesa-Spring Valley School District
La Mesa
05.2019 - Current
- Under general supervision, provides assistance to a classroom teacher, performing a variety of tasks relating to the physical and instructional needs of students in a classroom setting; assists in the implementation of instructional programs, including self-help and behavior management as well as academic instruction and related duties as required or assigned.
- Encouraged independent thinking, problem solving, and self-advocacy skills among students.
- Supervised students during lunch periods, recesses, and field trips, ensuring their safety at all times.
- Implemented behavior management strategies designed by special education staff members.
- Motivated students to achieve academic success while fostering an environment of respect and acceptance.
- Facilitated communication between home and school by providing information about student progress and activities at school.
- Provided feedback on how well a student is progressing towards meeting their IEP goals.
- Developed lesson plans for small groups or individual students that focused on academic, behavioral, and social goals established in IEPs.
- Administered assessments as directed by teachers or other school personnel.
- Supported the development of social skills through modeling appropriate behavior and interactions with peers.
- Offered emotional support during times of difficulty or crisis situations involving the student.
- Provided one-on-one instruction to students who needed extra help with learning tasks
- Observation and data collection for IEPs
Tour Administrator
The PETA Foundation
Los Angeles
08.2016 - 08.2018
- The following duties were but not limited to: overseeing daily operation from start to finish (setting up/tearing down the I, Orca booth) facilitating the I, Orca virtual reality experience.
- Managing/instructing team members
- Managing/collecting data including but not limited to number of VR views, conversations, signatures for petitions, leaflets that were passed out, etc.
- Managing/tracking expenses, writing expense reports
- Daily/weekly demo reports
- Facilitating monthly meetings with supervisors
- Volunteer coordinator
- Managing technical equipment/demo materials
- Assisted with budget preparation and tracking of expenses.
- Coordinated meetings, conferences, travel arrangements.
- Provided technical assistance with computer hardware and software issues when needed.
- Performed data entry tasks into computer databases from paper documents.
- Provided general administrative support to staff members.
- Monitored emails, sorted mail and distributed correspondence accordingly.
- Managed office supplies inventory and placed orders when necessary.
- Ensured that all paperwork was completed accurately before submission deadlines.
- Managed day-to-day office operations, ensuring efficient workflow and adherence to policies.
- Supervised administrative staff, delegating tasks and managing workload distribution.
- Analyzed operational processes and recommended improvements to enhance efficiency.
- Coordinated with IT department to resolve technical issues and maintain computer systems.
- Handled correspondence, including drafting emails, memos, and reports for senior management.
- Answered telephones to take messages or redirect calls to appropriate colleagues.
- Oversaw inventory management, including ordering office supplies and equipment maintenance.
- Facilitated communication between departments to support project completion and goal achievement.
- Monitored budget expenditures and prepared financial reports for review by management.
- Maintained positive working relationship with fellow staff and management.
Independent Contractor
Specialized Sitters
Denver
01.2014 - 12.2015
- Support families seeking care through the Specialized Sitters company, including providing in-home care or otherwise including but not limited to parks, malls, theme parks, etc. Utilizing proficient training/experience working with Developmentally disabled and autistic individuals to provide optimal childcare conducive to the families needs.
- Supported children's emotional and social development, encouraging understanding of others and positive self-concepts.
- Organized creative activities for special needs children that promoted cognitive development skills.
- Administered medications according to prescribed instructions given by physicians or nurses.
- Transported special needs children to medical appointments and other necessary outings.
- Encouraged language development by reading stories and engaging in conversations with the children.
- Promoted physical activity through outdoor playtime or adaptive sports programs.
- Created a safe and nurturing environment for special needs children during childcare hours.
- Instructed special needs children on basic hygiene practices such as hand-washing and brushing teeth.
- Assisted with feeding, bathing, diapering, and changing clothes when needed.
- Monitored the safety of special needs children while participating in recreational activities.
- Maintained a safe environment for the children at all times.
- Established and maintained safe, supportive and welcoming environments for children of all backgrounds.
Special Education Paraprofessional
Grossmont Union High School District
La Mesa
01.2008 - 04.2013
- Encouraged independent thinking, problem solving, and self-advocacy skills among students.
- Provided feedback on how well a student is progressing towards meeting their IEP goals.
- Monitored behavior of students in order to ensure a safe, positive learning environment.
- Developed lesson plans for small groups or individual students that focused on academic, behavioral, and social goals established in IEPs.
- Collaborated with therapists when necessary to assist students' development of motor skills or sensory processing abilities.
- Assisted teachers in creating and implementing Individualized Education Plans for students with special needs.
- Provided supplemental supervision in classrooms, schoolyards, and cafeterias.
- Demonstrated appropriate behaviors using behavior modeling and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Supported the development of social skills through modeling appropriate behavior and interactions with peers.
- Supported students with personalized accommodations, extra assistance and educational assessments.
- Improved behavior with modification and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Evaluated student needs to provide helpful resources and support.
- Monitored student needs and supported mobility-restricted students.
Education
Grossmont College
La Mesa, CA04-2010
Skills
- Behavior management
- Data collection
- Individualized instruction
- Communication skills
- Conflict resolution
- Team collaboration
- Crisis intervention
- Time management
- Literacy intervention
- Life skills development
- Data management
- Verbal and written communication
- Scheduling
- Operations management
- Travel coordination
- Employee supervision
- Leadership
- Expense monitoring
Timeline
Special Education Paraprofessional
La Mesa-Spring Valley School District
05.2019 - Current
Tour Administrator
The PETA Foundation
08.2016 - 08.2018
Independent Contractor
Specialized Sitters
01.2014 - 12.2015
Special Education Paraprofessional
Grossmont Union High School District
01.2008 - 04.2013
Grossmont College