Karissa Harrell
Colorado Springs
Summary
I’m looking for employment within a position that’s in line with my history in special needs education and caregiving. Dedicated, caring and assertive teaching assistant with experience in early childhood education. With a great ability to develop effective and successful working relationships with school staff, parents and students. Always striving to ensure young children are supported and encouraged to achieve their full potential. With a strong understanding of the primary school national curriculum as well as knowledgeable of key child development practices and child learning procedures.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Paraprofessional
D11
08.2022 - Current
- Developed strong rapport with students by demonstrating empathy, patience, and understanding during daily interactions both inside and outside the classroom setting.
- Managed challenging behaviors using de-escalation techniques to maintain a safe and productive learning environment for all students involved.
- Assisted in the implementation of effective behavior management techniques, resulting in a more focused and positive classroom environment.
- Collaborated with teacher to create customized classroom environment integral to students' needs.
- Monitored student classroom and outdoors activities to promote student safety.
- Maintained positive attitude and affirmatively communicated with each student.
- Interacted physically and verbally with students throughout each day.
- Offered student support through special accommodations, extra assistance, and assessments.
- Delivered personalized educational, behavioral, and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in special education instruction and support services.
- Supported students with various disabilities through one-on-one tutoring sessions, improving their understanding of course materials and concepts.
- Oversaw class of students in absence of instructor.
- Supported teacher in development of individual learning strategies.
- Documented student behaviors, interventions, and outcomes to enable lead teacher to address pertinent issues.
- Responded proactively to emerging challenges by adapting instructional strategies as needed, ensuring continuous progress toward established goals for each student''s academic success and personal growth.
- Encouraged students to participate in school activities and programs to promote well-roundedness and increase confidence.
- Implemented evidence-based instructional strategies tailored to each student''s unique learning style, promoting greater comprehension across subject areas.
- Provided necessary accommodations for testing situations, ensuring fair opportunities for all students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills.
- Responded to emergency situations to resolve immediate safety concerns or direct appropriate personnel for resolution.
- Provided individualized reading, writing and math instruction to support student development.
- Worked with students to promote learning and pro-social development.
- Promoted good study habits and student independence to improve quality of student outcomes.
Home Health Aide
Visiting Angels
03.2021 - 07.2021
- Meal planning and preparation
- Help patients take medications and keep a detailed record
- Assist patients with mobility, hygiene, rehabilitation, and more
- Offer emotional support when needed and a positive attitude throughout the day
- Ensure a safe and clean environment for patients both in their rooms and communal areas
- Organize communal activities for seniors affected by dementia
Special Education transportation safety monitor
Lauderdale Co Schools
09.2007 - 03.2016
- Monitored students on public school transportation to and from school.
- Provided basic safety and first aid in case of an emergency or incident.
- Aided the Teachers and bus drivers in maintaining a calm environment for the students during their commute time.
Special education Teaching assistant
Lauderdale Co Schools
05.2000 - 12.2002
- Worked one-on-one with children to help improve their challenging behavior
- Maintained clean, safe, and orderly classroom environment
- Developed strong and positive relationships with students their parents and/or guardians
- Was responsible for conducting the classroom during the head teacher’s absence
- Assisted with the behavior management of students
- Provided classroom assistance and implemented curriculum based group lessons
- Contributed with the classroom teacher in preparing and delivering daily lesson plans
Education
High school diploma -
Ripley High School
Ripley, TN05.1997
Medical Assistant certification - undefined
Jackson State Community College
Jackson, TN01.2014
First aid and CPR certification -
American Heart Association
Colorado Springs, CO06-2023
CPI
D1111-2024
Skills
- Classroom experience
- Time management
- Teamwork
- Problem-Solving
- Classroom management
- Organization
- Conflict Management
- 15 years Special Education experience
- IEP compliance
- Teacher assistance
- Learning disabilities support
- Classroom organization
- Collaboration with teachers
- Progress monitoring
- Verbal and written communication
- Student advocacy
- Instructional support
- Student supervision
- Behavioral plan management
- Life skills development
- Crisis intervention
- Conflict resolution
- Feeding assistance
- Personal hygiene assistance
- Physical disabilities support
- Autism and spectrum disorders
- Emotional regulation
- Visual schedules
- Activity management
- Reading instruction
- Cultural awareness
- Mobility assistance
- Decision-making
- IEP goals
- Small group support
- Emotional support strategies
- Transition planning
- Learning environment management
- Specialized instructional methods
- Positive behavior reinforcement
- IEP implementation
- Toileting assistance
- Safety protocol adherence
- Multitasking
- Behavior management techniques
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Student engagement
- Active listening
- Nonviolent crisis intervention
- Team building
- Problem-solving
Timeline
Special Education Paraprofessional
D11
08.2022 - Current
Home Health Aide
Visiting Angels
03.2021 - 07.2021
Special Education transportation safety monitor
Lauderdale Co Schools
09.2007 - 03.2016
Special education Teaching assistant
Lauderdale Co Schools
05.2000 - 12.2002
Medical Assistant certification - undefined
Jackson State Community College
High school diploma -
Ripley High School
First aid and CPR certification -
American Heart Association
CPI
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