Michelle Forbis
Gray,TN
Summary
Dedicated educational professional with extensive experience supporting at-risk youth, students with disabilities, and diverse learners in alternative education, inclusion, and intervention settings. Skilled in behavior intervention, trauma-informed practices, classroom management, academic support, progress monitoring, and implementation of individualized educational plans (IEPs). Proven ability to build positive relationships with students, families, and staff while creating safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environments. Bilingual in English and Spanish with strong communication, instructional, and student advocacy skills.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Alternative Program Instructional Assistant
Jhonson City Schools
Johnson City, TN
11.2025 - Current
- Assisted in implementing individualized education plans (IEPs) for diverse learners, ensuring compliance with educational standards as well as Safety Plans that promote safe environment for our students when in crisis.
- Oversaw student progress and delivered actionable feedback to educators regarding academic performance and behavioral concerns.
- Collaboration with multiple departments for student support.
- Supported implementation of behavioral intervention plans for student behavior management. Applied trauma-informed practices and restorative techniques to support students effectively. Utilized evidence-based intervention strategies to enhance student engagement.
- Assist students with emotional regulation, coping skills, conflict resolution, and social skills development.
- Reinforce positive behaviors through structure behavior support.
- Crisis prevention and De-escalation.
- Data collection and Documentation.
- Direct Supervisor: Dr. Kelsey Walker.
RTI Instructional Assistant
Liberty Bell Middle School
Johnson City, TN
02.2018 - 11.2025
- Provide direct instruction to academically struggling student community.
- Use data and progress monitoring to help identify deficits and need for further support.
- Help teachers develop and implement classroom-based, developmentally appropriate interventions for individual children and groups of children to enhance their acquisition of social/emotional and cognitive skills
- Data tracking through standardized testing, Identify the GAP using universal screening techniques.
- Use Evidence based academics as well as explicit instruction and systematic progression.
- Design collaborative systems to support the sharing of RtI best practices.
- Supervisor: Sarah Taylor Ph: 423-323-2192
Inclusion Instructional Assistant
Dobbyns Bennett High School
Kingsport, TN
03.2020 - 06.2021
- Works directly with students within regular education and special education classrooms providing special assistance and/or instruction.
- Assists students, under supervision of special education and/or regular education teachers, in working toward meeting IEP objectives and goals.
- Assists in administering, scoring, and recording diagnostic tests as recommended for individual students.
- Assists in designing/utilizing appropriate materials for individual students in the regular or special education classrooms.
- Assists regular and special education teachers in facilitating modifications and/or adaptations in the educational environment, instructional materials and/or equipment for special education students.
- May be required to ride school bus with students in special education classes in order to monitor conduct of students, maintain discipline and safety and prevent altercations between students and damage to the bus. Participates in school bus safety drills.
- Assists students, individually or in small groups, with lesson in order to practice and/or reinforce learning concepts and assist students in reaching academic goals and grade level standards.
- Adapts classroom activities, assignments, and/or materials under the direction of the supervising teacher.
- Supervisor: Richard Brown Ph: 423.378.8564
Bi-Lingual Paraprofessional
JR Arnold High School
Panama City Beach, FL
02.2017 - 01.2018
- Assist the Newcomer community in academic, behavioral,and social emotional development accommodating students with diverse learning abilities, including special education services.
- Implemented individualized supports and interventions aligned with students goals and educational plan.
- Collaborated with teachers, administrators, and families to promote student success and positive learning environments.
- Collected and analyzed student performance data to support instructional planning and intervention efforts
- Supported Newcomer students' learning by providing one-on-one tutoring and small group instruction to reinforce academic progress.
- Developed study materials that improved comprehension of complex topics for diverse learning styles.
- Supervisor: Vicki Gilmore Ph: 850-767-3739
Child and Youth Lead
San Diego Navy Fleet and Family Readiness Programs
San Diego, CA
10.2015 - 10.2017
- Provide training, mentoring, role-modeling and professional development to CYP Teacher Assistants under the leader supervision.
- Provided Leadership, mentoring and professional development support to Child and Youth program staff.
- Assisted in maintaining compliance with Department of Defense and national accreditation standards.
- Incorporates special instructions for the individual needs of each special needs child.
- Acts as an intermediate between Teacher Assistant and Parent in special situations.
- Coordinated developmentally appropriate curriculum and classroom activities for children of varying ages, stages and abilities.
- Supported classroom operations, safety procedures, training requirements, and program quality initiatives.
- Supervisor: Gisselle Ph: 858-577-4144
- Trained new staff on standard operating procedures, fostering a culture of teamwork and collaboration.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
Education
A.A. - Child Development
Southwestern College
Chula Vista, CA05.2010
A.A. - Child Development Teacher
Southwestern College
Chula Vista, CA05.2010
Certification - Family Child Care Program
Southwestern College
Chula Vista, CA03.2010
High School Diploma -
Tuscarawas Central Catholic
New Philadelphia, OH 05.1999
Skills
- Staff Training and Mentoring
- Curriculum Implementation
- Child Development and Developmentally Appropriate Practices
- Family Engagement and Communication
- Classroom Management
- Child Assessment and Progress Monitoring
- Behavior Management and Positive Guidance
- Team Building and Collaboration
- Crisis Prevention and De-escalation
- Lesson Planning and Instructional Support
- Record Keeping and Documentation
- Special education support
Certification
- Handle with Care- Training /5 years
- Wyman's TOP Outreach Program/2 years
- Motivational Interviewing
- CPR
- First Aide
- Suicide prevention
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual
Italian
Limited Working
Portuguese
Limited Working
Timeline
Alternative Program Instructional Assistant
Jhonson City Schools
11.2025 - Current
Inclusion Instructional Assistant
Dobbyns Bennett High School
03.2020 - 06.2021
RTI Instructional Assistant
Liberty Bell Middle School
02.2018 - 11.2025
Bi-Lingual Paraprofessional
JR Arnold High School
02.2017 - 01.2018
Child and Youth Lead
San Diego Navy Fleet and Family Readiness Programs
10.2015 - 10.2017
A.A. - Child Development
Southwestern College
A.A. - Child Development Teacher
Southwestern College
Certification - Family Child Care Program
Southwestern College
High School Diploma -
Tuscarawas Central Catholic