Vannessa Smith
Marina
Summary
Skilled educator with strong expertise in special education. Adept at developing tailored learning plans, employing effective instructional strategies, and fostering inclusive classroom environments. Known for collaboration, adaptability, and delivering measurable results. Proficient in behavior management, individualized education plans, and student assessments.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Teacher for Mild/Moderate students
Salinas City Elementary School District
01.2019 - Current
- Identify and implement goals tailored to the student's individual needs and abilities
- Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Exercised flexibility within the classroom addressing students’ needs through special accommodations
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Actively involved in students' behavioral, social, and academic development, aiding students in developing emotionally, feeling comfortable in social situations, and awareness of socially acceptable behavior
- Upheld a solid classroom management plan in which students were provided with clear and consistent direction and follow-through; fostered a work-oriented and stress-free learning environment
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Coordinated with general education teachers to develop accommodations or modifications necessary for successful inclusion of students with special needs in mainstream classrooms.
- Fostered positive learning environment, reducing classroom disruptions through effective behavior management strategies.
Behavior Technician
Monterey Peninsula Unified School District
01.2009 - 01.2019
- Implements individualized instructional program (such as discrete trial training, social skills development, and behavior plan) developed by the Behavior specialist
- Data entry, Data collection, behavior summaries, and behavior emergency reports
- Preparing and implementing materials for classrooms such as Math, English, and Social Studies and implementing a token economy system
- Support students in transition to general education through inclusion support techniques such as shadow prompting
- Consult with IEP team members and other appropriate staff regularly
- Reason for leaving: To explore a different career field
- Implemented crisis intervention strategies when necessary to maintain a safe environment for both staff and clients alike during high-stress situations.
- Provided one-on-one support to clients with autism spectrum disorders, addressing unique behavioral needs.
- Provided direct support during community outings, facilitating appropriate social interactions among peers while practicing newly acquired skills within real-world contexts.
Education
Master of Education - MAE Ed Specialist Credential
Alliant International University
San Diego, CA01.2025
MA Degree - Applied Behavior Analysis
National University
01.2021
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology With A Concentration in Child & Adolesc
Southern New Hampshire University
Hooksett, NH08-2018
Skills
- Computer Application- Excel, Windows, PowerPoint
- Safety Care Training, Behavior Modification, Prevention, and Intervention Training
- Data-data entries, data collection, data summaries, Implement Behavior Support Plans, Behavior emergency reports
- Administer Woodcock-Johnson IV Assessment
- Behavior intervention plans
- Small group instruction
- Classroom management
- Differentiated instruction
- Functional behavior assessment
- IEP implementation
- Lesson planning
- Individual education plans ieps
Timeline
Special Education Teacher for Mild/Moderate students
Salinas City Elementary School District
01.2019 - Current
Behavior Technician
Monterey Peninsula Unified School District
01.2009 - 01.2019
Master of Education - MAE Ed Specialist Credential
Alliant International University
MA Degree - Applied Behavior Analysis
National University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology With A Concentration in Child & Adolesc
Southern New Hampshire University
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