Jessica Nance
Poplar Bluff
Summary
Dynamic and empathetic professional with over 10 years of experience in special education environments. Proven track record in assisting leadership with the implementation of inclusive education programs and policies. Skilled in coordinating with educators, therapists, and families to ensure the delivery of personalized education plans for students with diverse needs. Adept at managing administrative tasks, including data management and reporting, to support department objectives. Committed to fostering an environment that promotes student wellbeing and academic success. Excellent communicator with a passion for advocating for the rights and needs of students with disabilities.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Poplar Bluff R-1 School District
08.2022 - Current
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support for students with special needs.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
- Streamlined classroom processes by integrating technology tools such as interactive whiteboards and assistive devices designed for students with disabilities.
- Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
- Provided targeted instructional support to struggling learners, identifying specific areas for improvement and designing effective intervention plans.
- Coordinated with general education teachers to develop accommodations or modifications necessary for successful inclusion of students with special needs in mainstream classrooms.
- Enhanced learning experiences by incorporating specialized tools and resources tailored to the needs of special education students.
- Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Partnered with standard education teachers from across academic departments.
- Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
- Collaborated with other educators to develop instructional strategies.
- Coordinated regular meetings to share and analyze student performance data and success plans with colleagues and parents.
- Worked closely with parents and guardians to address students' issues on multiple fronts.
- Provided emotional support to students and families.
- Provided professional development training to educate faculty and staff on laws and regulations governing special education.
Special Education Teacher
Shady Grove State School For The Severely Disabled
04.2016 - 07.2022
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom
instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- Modified general education curriculum for
special-needs students using various instructional
techniques and technologies.
- Provided life skills programming for students with
moderate to severe autism.
- Worked on teams to help decorate school
- Team leader for PBIS, created presentation on
Tiers and presented to staff. Attended MO PBIS
conference each year.
- Charter member on a team to develop and
organize fundraisers, parties and decorating the
building in support of Shady Grove.
- Worked on teams to help build staff morale.
Redirected students using Positive Behavior
Support (PBS).
- Organized instruction material, constructed
bulletin boards and set up work areas.
- Created learning and content strategies to meet
needs of mentally and physically disabled
students.
- Implemented and taught life skills program,
enabling students to master such tasks as cleaning
their bedroom, making their bed and laundry.
Implemented and taught life skills such as daily
living skills to meet hygiene needs.
- Cultivated connections and strong student
rapport to foster classroom engagement, in
addition to recording student progress to inform
parents and school administration.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and
degrees of special needs.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student
learning objectives and educational strategies, in
addition to applying instructional knowledge and
methods to support goals.
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom
instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- Worked directly with MO Assistive Technology to
provide student with AAC devices that best meet
their needs.
Special Education Paraprofessional
Poplar Bluff R-1 School District
04.2010 - 04.2013
- Delivered personalized educational, behavioral
and emotional support to individual students to
enable positive learning outcomes.
- Supported teacher in development of individual
learning strategies.
- Documented student behaviors, interventions and
outcomes to enable lead teacher to address
pertinent issues.
- Offered student support through special
accommodations, extra assistance and
assessments.
- Oversaw class of students in absence of instructor.
- Monitored student classroom and outdoors
activities to promote student safety.
- Built and maintained effective communication
and relationships with students, teachers, support
staff and parents.
Education
M. Ed.: Education Administration Hannibal
Hannibal LaGrange University
01.2019
Elementary Education
Hannibal LaGrange University
04.2016
Education
Three Rivers College
05.2009
High School Dimploma
Doniphan R-1
05.2006
Skills
Certified De-escalation and Restraint Training
Lesson Planning
Differentiated instruction
Teamwork and
Collaboration
Facilitating meetings with parents and other stakeholders
Group and individual instruction
Flexible
Communication skills
Behavior Modifications
Multidisciplinary Collaboration
Sensory Integration
Data Collection
Curriculum Development
De-Escalation Techniques
Individual Education Plans IEPs
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Poplar Bluff R-1 School District
08.2022 - Current
Special Education Teacher
Shady Grove State School For The Severely Disabled
04.2016 - 07.2022
Special Education Paraprofessional
Poplar Bluff R-1 School District
04.2010 - 04.2013
M. Ed.: Education Administration Hannibal
Hannibal LaGrange University
Elementary Education
Hannibal LaGrange University
Education
Three Rivers College
High School Dimploma
Doniphan R-1
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