Melissa Chow
Fredericksburg
Summary
Dedicated special education teacher skilled in crafting and executing personalized education plans for diverse students. Experienced in creating a supportive classroom environment with effective behavior management strategies. Proven track record of collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to support student achievement and growth.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Spotsylvania County Public Schools
01.2024 - Current
- Implemented behavior management strategies to enhance classroom engagement and learning outcomes.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to assess student progress and adapt instructional methodologies.
- Facilitated parent-teacher conferences to discuss student achievements and areas for improvement.
- Advocated for students' rights and ensured compliance
- Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
- Collaborated with parents and other educators to develop comprehensive support plans, promoting student success.
Substitute Teacher / Paraprofessional
Spotsylvania County Public Schools
01.2021 - Current
- Developed lesson plans to meet diverse student learning needs.
- Implemented classroom management strategies to enhance student engagement.
- Adapted instructional materials for varied educational levels and learning styles.
- Provided individualized support to students during lessons and activities.
Owner/Behaviorist
Paws of Change Training & Behavior
01.2012 - 08.2018
- Developed and implemented strategic business plans to enhance operational efficiency.
- Developed personalized training programs to address behavioral issues in various dog breeds.
- Utilized positive reinforcement techniques to enhance dog obedience and socialization skills.
- Conducted group training sessions promoting teamwork among dogs and their owners.
- Assessed individual dog behavior to tailor training methods for optimal results.
- Implemented training workshops focusing on advanced techniques for experienced handlers.
- Collaborated with pet owners to establish ongoing support plans post-training completion.
Office Manager
RDM International
01.2008 - 08.2011
- Streamlined office operations by implementing efficient administrative procedures.
- Coordinated communication between departments to enhance workflow efficiency.
- Developed and maintained operational policies to support business objectives.
- Enhanced office operations efficiency by streamlining filing systems and digitizing essential records.
- Standardized document handling procedures to enhance accessibility and retrieval times for critical information.
Investigator
Virginia Department of Corrections
04.2007 - 01.2008
- Provide full investigations for state department of corrections applicants.
- Research, retrieve, analyze, and validate offense histories.
- Identify, review, and compose reports of terminations within the department.
- Attain, process, and analyze fingerprints.
- Train and council facilities in ways to improve investigations.
Account Manager
DT Credit Corporation
05.2005 - 04.2007
- Manage loan recovery for over 100 financial loans.
- Review and monitor loan activity to assure guidelines are adhered to.
- Provide team leadership through training and coordinating programs.
Office Manager
TransWorld Financial Group, Inc.
08.1998 - 07.2005
- Manage major office functions and report productivity to company president.
- Research, record, and analyze activity of accounts.
- Initiate and pursue civil court procedures in loan recovery.
- Communicate and coordinate with outside cooperations and enforcement agencies.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice, Justice, Forensic Crime Scene Investigation
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA12.2007
Master of Arts - Education
Regent University
Virginia Beach, VA12-2025
Skills
- Computer: Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Google applications
- Differentiated instruction
- Classroom management
- Designing and managing IEPs
- Small group instruction
- Relationship building
- Lesson planning
- Collaborative teamwork
- Data management
- Inclusion strategies
- Parent-teacher collaboration
- Social skills development
- Behavior intervention plans
- Literacy intervention
Awards
Spotsylvania County Public Schools Special Education Mentee of the Month (2024)
Who's Who Among Students in American Universities (Fall 2002),
Certification
- Certified Orton-Gillingham, Classroom Teacher Training - July 2024
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Spotsylvania County Public Schools
01.2024 - Current
Substitute Teacher / Paraprofessional
Spotsylvania County Public Schools
01.2021 - Current
Owner/Behaviorist
Paws of Change Training & Behavior
01.2012 - 08.2018
Office Manager
RDM International
01.2008 - 08.2011
Investigator
Virginia Department of Corrections
04.2007 - 01.2008
Account Manager
DT Credit Corporation
05.2005 - 04.2007
Office Manager
TransWorld Financial Group, Inc.
08.1998 - 07.2005
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice, Justice, Forensic Crime Scene Investigation
Virginia Commonwealth University
Master of Arts - Education
Regent University
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