Jody Hillard
Knoxville
Summary
Dedicated Special Education Teacher with expertise in individualized education plans, behavior intervention strategies, and classroom management. Known for fostering collaboration and communication among students, parents, and staff for optimal learning outcomes.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Case Manager/Teacher (Interim)
Knox County Schools (Carter Middle)
Strawberry Plains
08.2025 - Current
- Same as listed above.
- Monitored student progress and adjusted strategies as needed.
- Maintained accurate records of student assessments and services provided.
- Facilitated meetings with families to discuss student needs and resources available.
- Developed and implemented individualized education plans for students with special needs.
- Advised teachers on ways to modify curriculum content or instructional methodology based on individual student needs.
Retired Teacher Supply Position 6th Grade Math
Knox County School @ Carter Middle
Strawberry Plains
08.2023 - 05.2024
- Developed lesson plans aligning with curriculum standards and student needs.
- Facilitated engaging classroom activities to promote student learning and participation.
- Evaluated student performance through assessments and provided constructive feedback.
- Collaborated with colleagues to enhance educational programs and share best practices.
- Maintained a positive classroom environment fostering respect and teamwork among students.
- Implemented behavior management strategies to ensure a safe learning space for all students.
- Integrated technology into lessons to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
- Built and strengthened positive relationships with students, parents, and teaching staff.
- Supervised students throughout day, both in classroom and outside during breaks.
- Provided individualized instruction to meet the needs of all students.
Retired Substitute Teacher
Knox County Schools @ various schools
Strawberry Plains
08.2021 - 12.2023
- Managed classroom behavior to maintain a positive learning environment.
- Supervised students during lunch, recess, and other non-classroom activities.
- Maintained accurate attendance records and completed necessary paperwork promptly.
- Provided classroom instruction outlined in teacher's lesson plans.
- Provided instruction and guidance to students in the absence of a regular teacher.
- Promoted a safe and secure atmosphere within the classroom setting.
- Requested as substitute teacher based on excellent referrals and trusted performance.
- Collaborated with other teachers to ensure student success.
- Provided feedback on assignments or projects given by the regular teacher.
- Administered tests and assessments according to school guidelines.
- Integrated technology into lessons whenever possible.
Special Education Teacher
Knox County Schools
Knoxville
08.2020 - 10.2020
- Managed caseloads effectively, ensuring timely documentation and reporting.
- Maintained confidentiality and adhered to professional ethics and standards.
- Utilized case management software and databases for efficient information tracking.
- Developed individualized education plans for diverse student needs.
- Implemented classroom strategies to support students with disabilities.
- Collaborated with parents and staff to enhance student learning experiences.
- Conducted assessments to monitor student progress and adjust instruction.
- Created a positive classroom environment fostering inclusion and respect.
- Participated in professional development workshops to improve teaching practices.
- Maintained accurate records of student performance and behavior interventions.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress towards IEP goals.
- Conducted assessments of student performance and provided feedback to parents.
- Conducted small group and individual classroom activities with students based on differentiated learning needs.
- Provided instruction in academic, communication, and social skills to special education students.
- Participated in professional development activities related to teaching strategies for special education students.
- Established positive relationships with students and their families.
- Collaborated with general education teachers to include students in classroom activities.
- Assisted in the development of IEP goals based on data analysis.
- Developed and maintained individualized skill-appropriate lesson plans to promote and build student confidence.
- Maintained consistent and timely contact with parents about student behavior and upcoming events.
- Identified learning needs of students with disabilities and implemented appropriate interventions.
- Attended parent-teacher conferences to discuss student progress.
- Solved student behavioral issues according to building expectations and codes of conduct.
- Instructed special education classes using evidence-based practices.
- Organized field trips or community experiences to enhance learning opportunities for special education students.
- Enhanced lessons using Smart Board technology and computers.
- Utilized technology resources such as online programs and assistive devices.
- Created and implemented compliant IEPs, progress reports and state-specific special education documentation.
- Maintained student records in accordance with district standards.
- Analyzed student data and prescribed remediation and enrichment to meet learning needs.
- Instructed students in standardized subjects as well as general learning strategies and skills for social development and character.
- Formed deep relationships with parents and students by engaging groups through conferences, emails, texts, and phone calls.
Librarian
Jefferson County Schools
Strawberry Plains
08.2018 - 05.2019
- Managed library cataloging and classification using integrated library systems.
- Assisted patrons with research inquiries and resource navigation effectively.
- Trained volunteers and interns in library procedures and customer service standards.
- Collaborated with staff to enhance user experience through improved services.
- Maintained an organized, welcoming environment for all library visitors consistently.
- Organized library equipment and collections.
- Replaced worn labels and barcodes to keep materials in good physical condition.
- Reshelved books to maintain neat and tidy reading area.
- Maintained records of patron borrowing activity with an automated system.
- Developed and maintained library collection by selecting, ordering, cataloguing, and classifying books and other materials.
- Organized book displays and coordinated special events such as author visits.
- Kept resources in clean and working fashion to maintain availability for use.
- Organized library media supplies, main catalog, special equipment and permanent records.
- Answered patrons' questions at circulation desk.
- Planned activities for children's story time programs.
- Developed and enforced circulation policies and procedures.
- Designed and maintained the library's website and social media platforms, enhancing online engagement.
- Conducted inventory audits, ensuring accuracy in library database and physical collection.
- Helped teachers incorporate literacy skills and build love of education in students.
Special Education Teacher/Case Manager
Knox County Schools @ Carter Middle
Strawberry Plains
08.1995 - 08.2018
- Collaborated with parents and staff to address student progress and concerns.
- Adapted instructional materials to accommodate various learning styles and abilities.
- Facilitated small group instruction to enhance student engagement and understanding.
- Conducted assessments to evaluate student performance and inform teaching methods.
- Participated in professional development workshops to refine teaching practices and strategies.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress towards IEP goals.
- Adapted curriculum materials as needed to meet individualized student needs.
- Collaborated with other educators and professionals to design instructional plans.
- Developed Individual Education Plans for students with disabilities.
- Collaborated closely with related services providers such as speech therapists.
- Provided instruction in academic, communication, and social skills to special education students.
- Participated in professional development activities related to teaching strategies for special education students.
- Established positive relationships with students and their families.
- Collaborated with general education teachers to include students in classroom activities.
- Communicated regularly with parents regarding their child's progress.
- Instructed special education classes using evidence-based practices.
Special Education Teacher
Knox County School System @ Lonsdale Elementary
Knoxville
08.1994 - 05.1997
- Managed individual education plans for students with special needs.
- Collaborated with teachers and parents to develop support strategies.
- Coordinated assessments to evaluate student progress and needs.
- Facilitated meetings to discuss student interventions and resources.
- Monitored compliance with state and federal special education regulations.
- Documented case notes and maintained accurate student records.
- Developed and implemented individualized education plans for students with special needs.
- Facilitated communication among team members at IEP meetings by summarizing discussion points and providing feedback on proposed accommodations and modifications for implementation in the classroom.
- Conducted assessments of student abilities, academic achievement levels, and behavior to determine eligibility for services.
- Participated in regular reviews of student progress toward IEP goals and objectives using data collected from various sources.
- Maintained accurate records of all services provided according to district policies and procedures.
- Counseled students individually or in small groups concerning social and emotional issues which impede learning success.
- Collaborated with teachers, parents, administrators, and other professionals to develop effective strategies for meeting the individual needs of students.
- Collaborated with school psychologists to provide recommendations for specialized testing when needed.
- Provided direct instruction in basic academic skills and functional life skills to groups or individuals as needed.
- Assisted parents with understanding their rights under IDEA regulations regarding special education services.
- Advised teachers on ways to modify curriculum content or instructional methodology based on individual student needs.
Lawson McGhee Library
Knox County Government
Knoxville
01.1988 - 01.1991
- Shelved and organized library materials according to established classification systems.
- Assisted patrons in locating books and using library resources effectively.
- Monitored inventory levels and reported discrepancies to library staff.
- Maintained a clean and orderly environment throughout the library space.
- Organized book carts, maintained collections, and re-shelved books.
- Scanned barcodes on library material for check-in and check-out operations.
- Performed regular shelf reading duties to ensure accuracy of call numbers on shelves.
- Inspected returned items for damage or missing parts before checking them back in.
- Researched customer requests for specific titles or authors not found in collection.
- Assisted patrons with locating items in the stacks and on the shelves.
Education
Masters of Library And Information Science
Trevecca Nazarene University
Nashville, TN01-2010
Master of Science - Elementary Education
University of Tennessee
Knoxville, TN06-1993
Skills
- Individualized education plans
- Classroom management
- Behavior intervention strategies
- Special education regulations
- Student assessment techniques
- Curriculum modification
- Collaborative planning
- Parent engagement
- Educational technology integration
- Professional development participation
- Communication skills
- Conflict resolution
- Time management
- Critical thinking
- Inclusion strategies
- Data management
- Paraprofessional oversight
- Competent in smartboard technology
- Positive role model
- MS office proficient
- Mathematics intervention
- Literacy intervention
- Life skills instruction
- Social skills development
- Functional behavior assessment
- IEP and BIP implementation
- National education association
- Co-teaching experience
- Parent-teacher collaboration
Certification
Professional - 10 Year License - 460, 473, and 401
Affiliations
Accompianist (church and school)
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Special Education Case Manager/Teacher (Interim)
Knox County Schools (Carter Middle)
08.2025 - Current
Retired Teacher Supply Position 6th Grade Math
Knox County School @ Carter Middle
08.2023 - 05.2024
Retired Substitute Teacher
Knox County Schools @ various schools
08.2021 - 12.2023
Special Education Teacher
Knox County Schools
08.2020 - 10.2020
Librarian
Jefferson County Schools
08.2018 - 05.2019
Special Education Teacher/Case Manager
Knox County Schools @ Carter Middle
08.1995 - 08.2018
Special Education Teacher
Knox County School System @ Lonsdale Elementary
08.1994 - 05.1997
Lawson McGhee Library
Knox County Government
01.1988 - 01.1991
Masters of Library And Information Science
Trevecca Nazarene University
Master of Science - Elementary Education
University of Tennessee