Kirsty McDonald
McLean
Summary
Dynamic Special Education Paraprofessional with a proven track record at Hamilton County Unit 10 Schools, adept at implementing IEP compliance and fostering student engagement. Skilled in behavior management and relationship building, I effectively support diverse learners, enhancing their educational experiences through tailored strategies and compassionate guidance.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Paraprofessional
Hamilton County Unit 10 Schools
McLeansboro, IL
10.2022 - Current
- Implemented tailored educational strategies to support student growth and foster social skills.
- Supported teachers in executing lesson plans aimed at improving student engagement and educational results.
- Worked alongside special education professionals to enhance accessibility of learning resources for all students.
- Tracked student behavior and performance metrics to inform educators in developing targeted instructional approaches.
- Leveraged assistive technology resources to support effective communication and educational development for students with disabilities.
- Designed and implemented engaging classroom activities to promote inclusivity and enhance student participation.
- Managed comprehensive documentation of student performance and behavioral incidents to inform data-driven decisions.
- Participated in targeted training sessions to strengthen knowledge of special education standards and compliance.
- Fostered student engagement by demonstrating empathy, patience, and understanding during daily interactions, enhancing the learning environment.
- Implemented de-escalation strategies to ensure a safe and productive learning environment for all students.
- Supported deployment of behavior management strategies aimed at fostering a more engaged and constructive classroom atmosphere.
- Supervised classroom and outdoor activities to foster a secure learning environment for students.
- Cultivated strong relationships with students by maintaining an optimistic demeanor and engaging in affirmative dialogue.
- Engaged with students through consistent physical and verbal communication to foster a supportive educational environment.
- Facilitated positive learning outcomes by delivering personalized behavioral and emotional guidance to students.
- Pursued ongoing professional development opportunities to maintain up-to-date knowledge of best practices in special education.
- Modified teaching approaches in response to evolving challenges, ensuring consistent progress toward individual student goals.
Assistant Manager
Dairy Queen Grill & Chill
McLeansboro, IL
07.2016 - 10.2022
- Supervised daily operations to ensure efficient service delivery and customer satisfaction.
- Trained and mentored team members on operational procedures and customer service excellence.
- Managed inventory levels, reducing waste through effective stock control measures.
- Implemented training programs to enhance employee performance and operational efficiency.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly, ensuring positive experiences and repeat business.
- Supervised day-to-day operations to meet performance, quality and service expectations.
- Maintained a clean, safe, and organized store environment to enhance the customer experience.
- Developed strong working relationships with staff, fostering a positive work environment.
- Monitored cash intake and deposit records, increasing accuracy, and reducing discrepancies.
- Mentored junior staff members in their professional development by offering guidance/support in their assigned roles.
- Enforced company policies consistently while handling disciplinary actions when necessary with fairness and respect.
Education
High School Diploma - General Studies
Hamilton County Senior High School
McLeansboro, IL05-2018
Skills
- IEP compliance
- Teacher assistance
- Learning disabilities support
- Classroom organization
- Collaboration with teachers
- Progress monitoring
- Verbal and written communication
- Student advocacy
- Student supervision
- Conflict resolution
- Behavioral plan management
- Nonverbal communication
- Life skills development
- Crisis intervention
- Autism and spectrum disorders
- Physical disabilities support
- Personal hygiene assistance
- Emotional regulation
- Heavy lifting
- Sensory integration
- Seizure management
- Proficient with technology
- Emotional support strategies
- Skill building
- Toileting assistance
- IEP goals
- Executive function support
- Safety protocol adherence
- Behavior management techniques
- Relationship building
- Nonviolent crisis intervention
- Reliability
Certification
ELS-PARAPROFESSIONAL FOR ROE #20 AND ROE #17
Timeline
Special Education Paraprofessional
Hamilton County Unit 10 Schools
10.2022 - Current
Assistant Manager
Dairy Queen Grill & Chill
07.2016 - 10.2022
High School Diploma - General Studies
Hamilton County Senior High School