Elaine Cosme
Hampton,VA
Summary
Dedicated educator with a proven track record in mentoring new teachers and fostering collaboration. Expertise in differentiated instruction and IEP development, driving positive educational outcomes and enhancing student engagement.
Professional educator adept at fostering a collaborative learning environment that encourages student growth and achievement. Skilled in classroom management, lesson planning, and adapting to diverse educational needs. Known for reliability and flexibility, ensuring smooth and effective teaching operations.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Retired Teacher Mentor
Hampton City School District
Hampton, Va
10.2025 - 06.2026
- Mentored 4 new self-contained special education teachers, to include, three K-2 classrooms and one 3-5 classroom
- Assisted with developing lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards.
- Provided support and navigational skills with developing IEPs and progress reports using Virginia IEP Program
- Facilitated classroom discussions to promote critical thinking and collaboration.
- Utilized technology tools to enhance learning and classroom management.
- Helped with designing and implementing differentiated instruction strategies to meet diverse learning needs, enhancing educational outcomes.
- Provided suggestions for classroom of management to minimize disruptions and creating a more conducive learning environment
- Assisted mentees in developing self-confidence and positive self-image.
- Offered constructive feedback on mentee progress, enabling them to refine their skills and enhance their potential.
Special Education Inclusion Teacher
Hampton City Schools
Hampton, Va.
08.2011 - 06.2025
- Developed and implemented individualized education plans (IEPs) over the course of my years to support diverse student needs.
- Collaborated with general education teachers to promote inclusive classroom environments.
- Fostered positive relationships with students, families, and staff to enhance communication and engagement.
- Monitored student progress, adjusting instructional strategies to ensure academic success.
- Advocated for resources and support services necessary for student success within school community.
- Managed a caseload of between 12-20 students annually, with varying disabilities, effectively balancing individual needs while maintaining high expectations for academic achievement.
- Coordinated services with related service providers such as speech therapists, occupational therapists, and counselors to support students'' holistic development.
- Created hands-on activities to enhance understanding of concepts among diverse learners.
- Provided ongoing feedback and guidance to general education teachers on accommodating diverse learners in their classrooms, ensuring inclusive practices.
- Continuously reviewed state standards to ensure alignment with IEP goals, maintaining compliance with federal regulations such as IDEA and FAPE requirements.
- Conducted regular progress monitoring to identify areas of improvement and adjust instructional strategies accordingly.
- Implemented behavior management techniques, promoting positive classroom culture and reducing disruptions in the learning process.
- Advocated for appropriate accommodations and modifications during standardized testing, enabling accurate assessment of special education students'' abilities.
- Collaborated with general education teachers to modify lesson plans and assessments, ensuring accessibility for all students.
- Maintained open lines of communication with parents and other stakeholders, providing regular updates on student progress and achievements.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
- Facilitated small group instruction to address individual learning needs.
- Collaborated with other educators to develop instructional strategies.
- Conducted assessments of students to determine individual needs.
- Developed and implemented behavior management plans to improve student behavior.
- Provided emotional support to students and families.
Instructional Assistant
Hampton City Schools
Hampton, Va.
10.2021 - 06.2022
- Supported kindergarten teacher in a classroom of 15 student during COVID, implementing lesson plans and classroom activities.
- Assisted in managing student behavior to promote a positive learning environment.
- Collaborated with educators to adapt instructional materials for diverse learners.
- Monitored student progress and provided feedback to enhance academic performance.
- Facilitated small group sessions to reinforce curriculum concepts and skills.
- Monitored student progress to identify areas requiring extra support and implement action plans to meet needs.
- Supervised students during non-instructional times such as lunch breaks or recess periods, maintaining safety standards at all times.
- Provided support during classes, group lessons, and classroom activities.
- Prepared instructional materials such as worksheets, visuals aids, or manipulatives according to teacher directives for effective lesson execution.
- Facilitated small group instruction sessions based on specific skill sets or subject matter, boosting overall student achievement levels.
- Maintained safety and security by overseeing students in recess environments.
- Assisted with classroom technology to prepare students with skills needed to succeed in technology-rich world.
- Provided feedback on student work samples allowing teachers to better understand strengths and areas for improvement.
- Coordinated with other instructional assistants to ensure consistent implementation of classroom procedures and expectations across all subjects.
Education
Postgraduate Professional License - Special Education - General Curriculum K-12
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA05-2011
Master of Arts - Public Administration
Troy State University
Troy, AL12-1999
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology And Speech Communication
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA06-1978
Skills
- Relationship building
- Parent-teacher communication
- Student-centered learning
- Student engagement
- Small group instruction
- Elementary education
Accomplishments
- Virginia Dept. of Education Certificate of Completion of Dyslexia Awareness Module in 2021.
- Autism Spectrum Disorders Certificate through Old Dominion University, 2018/2019
- Teacher of the Year, Asbury Elementary School, 2016
Timeline
Retired Teacher Mentor
Hampton City School District
10.2025 - 06.2026
Instructional Assistant
Hampton City Schools
10.2021 - 06.2022
Special Education Inclusion Teacher
Hampton City Schools
08.2011 - 06.2025
Postgraduate Professional License - Special Education - General Curriculum K-12
Old Dominion University
Master of Arts - Public Administration
Troy State University
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology And Speech Communication
University of Southern California
Autism Spectrum Disorders Post Graduate Certificate
It was a 12-credit-hour certificate program designed to prepare teachers and related service providers to effectively work with and provide support for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder.