Jennifer Shelton
Clarksville
Summary
Special education professional with proven track record of fostering inclusive learning environments and implementing effective instructional strategies. Strong emphasis on team collaboration and achieving positive educational outcomes, adaptable to changing classroom dynamics. Skilled in behavior management, curriculum development, and student advocacy, bringing reliability and flexibility to role.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
High School Life Skills Special Education Teacher
Cheatham County Schools
08.2024 - Current
- Provided targeted instructional support to struggling learners, identifying specific areas for improvement and designing effective intervention plans.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support for students with special needs.
- Coordinated with general education teachers to develop accommodations or modifications necessary for successful inclusion of students with special needs in mainstream classrooms.
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
- Partnered with standard education teachers from across academic departments.
- Organized field trips and community-based experiences that enriched students'' understanding of real-world applications for their skills.
- Encouraged parent and guardian involvement in educational process, enhancing home-school connection and supporting student achievement.
- Implemented individualized education plans for students with diverse learning needs, ensuring personalized support.
Elementary Life Skills Special Education Teacher
Cheatham County Schools
08.2022 - 05.2024
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
- Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
- Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
Middle School Intervention Specialist
Cheatham County Schools
09.2021 - 05.2022
- Enhanced student performance by implementing targeted intervention strategies for struggling learners.
- Increased student comprehension by using differentiated instructional techniques tailored to individual needs.
- Contributed to the creation of a positive school culture by actively participating in team meetings, committees, and extracurricular activities as needed.
- Effectively addressed behavioral challenges by implementing proactive classroom management strategies, fostering improved focus on learning tasks.
K-5 Art Teacher
Oakland Elementary School
08.2014 - 05.2021
- Taught Art to approximately 1200 students at Oakland Elementary School. I see each student twice a month for 45 minutes at a time. I also lead an Art Club and make props and backgrounds for musical performances at the school.
- Managed art room supplies, equipment and resources to maintain consistent supply for projects.
- Managed a diverse range of learners, adapting lesson plans to accommodate different abilities and interests.
- Enhanced student creativity by incorporating various art mediums and techniques into lessons.
- Implemented effective classroom management strategies, maintaining discipline while fostering creativity and individuality in student work.
- Established a positive and inclusive classroom environment that encouraged open communication and collaboration among students.
- Communicated effectively with parents about their child''s progress in the arts program, addressing any concerns or suggestions for improvement as needed.
- Organized school-wide art exhibits showcasing student talent and promoting the importance of visual arts in education.
Elementary Life Skills Special Education Teacher
Cheatham County Schools
08.2008 - 05.2014
- Taught students with severe disabilities life skills curriculum at Ashland City Elementary in Ashland City, Tn and at Glenellen Elementary School in Clarksville, Tn.
- Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
- Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Enhanced students'' communication skills by implementing group activities and collaborative projects.
- Streamlined classroom processes by integrating technology tools such as interactive whiteboards and assistive devices designed for students with disabilities.
- Served as a mentor to new teachers, sharing best practices in special education instruction and classroom management techniques.
- Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
- Advocated for rights and needs of students with special education requirements, ensuring access to appropriate resources and accommodations.
- Utilized data from student assessments to tailor instruction, resulting in more effective learning outcomes.
Social Worker
RHA Behavioral Health Services
01.2014 - 01.2012
- Worked as a service provider for RHA Behavioral Health Services in Asheville, NC. Provided counseling services to women and men with mental health issues.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Special Education Endorsement
University of Tennessee
Martin, Tn01.2012
Licensure - Visual Art K-12
Mount Union University
Alliance, OH01.2004
Fine Arts
Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green, OH01.2000
Bachelor’s degree - Women’s Studies
Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green, OH01.1997
Skills
- Differentiated instruction
- Classroom management
- Individual education plans- ieps
- Small group instruction
- Collaborative teamwork
- Inclusion strategies
- Group and individual instruction
- Motivating students
- Parent-teacher collaboration
- Parent communication
- IEP implementation
Affiliations
- Tennessee Arts Education Association joined 2014.
- Tennessee Education Association joined 2011.
- Tennessee Arts Academy Association joined 2019.
Awards
Distinguished Educator Award, CMCSS Clarksville, TN, 2017., Point of Pride Award from the Board of Education for CMCSS for being nominated for the Teacher of the Year award for the state of TN, 2014.
Timeline
High School Life Skills Special Education Teacher
Cheatham County Schools
08.2024 - Current
Elementary Life Skills Special Education Teacher
Cheatham County Schools
08.2022 - 05.2024
Middle School Intervention Specialist
Cheatham County Schools
09.2021 - 05.2022
K-5 Art Teacher
Oakland Elementary School
08.2014 - 05.2021
Social Worker
RHA Behavioral Health Services
01.2014 - 01.2012
Elementary Life Skills Special Education Teacher
Cheatham County Schools
08.2008 - 05.2014
Fine Arts
Bowling Green State University
Bachelor of Science - Special Education Endorsement
University of Tennessee
Licensure - Visual Art K-12
Mount Union University
Bachelor’s degree - Women’s Studies
Bowling Green State University
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