Susan Starnes
Manassas,NV
Summary
Adept at standardized testing techniques and fostering strong relationships, I significantly enhanced student academic performance and engagement in my roles at Prince William County Public Schools and Fairfax County Public Schools. My expertise in special education support and collaborative approach with parents and educators drove noticeable improvements in learning outcomes, demonstrating my commitment to excellence and effective communication.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Level I Teacher
PWCS
Bennett Elementary School
10.2024 - Current
- Oversaw the caseload of 13-27 students, crafted Progress Reports, IEPs, and amendments, organized and conducted IEP meetings, and participated in eligibility meetings.
- Identified struggling students early on, implementing targeted interventions to help them achieve academic goals.
- Assessed and monitored student performance to evaluate effectiveness of instructional strategies.
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
- Planned and implemented daily lessons to keep students engaged and on track with learning goals.
- Implemented behavior modification techniques to improve student social and academic performance.
- Collaborated with other educators to develop instructional strategies.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance.
- Developed and implemented behavior management plans to improve student behavior.
- Worked closely with parents and guardians to address students' issues on multiple fronts.
- Collaborated in teaching within a classroom setting that included special education students.
- Helped students with special needs integrate into general classroom environments by advocating for individual requirements and helping teachers solve problems.
- Supported colleagues in developing innovative instructional methods to improve overall teaching effectiveness across the school community.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Continuously updated personal knowledge of industry trends and research-based practices, ensuring instruction remained current and effective.
- Implemented data-driven instruction approaches based on assessment results, refining lesson plans to better address gaps in student understanding.
- Enhanced literacy skills with targeted reading programs.
- Fostered positive learning environment that encouraged student curiosity and critical thinking.
ESOL Teacher
PWCS
Bennett Elementary School
08.2022 - 10.2024
- Conducted assessments to monitor student progress and used data-driven instruction for continuous improvement of learning outcomes as well as uncover performance gaps.
- Facilitated small group instruction to address individual learning needs.
- Co-taught with general education teacher, implementing accommodations for ESOL students.
- Case manager for 25 ESOL students.
- Coordinated and administered annual WIDA testing.
- Served as an advocate for ESOL students within the school community, promoting cultural awareness and inclusivity among staff and peers.
- Supported the integration of newly-arrived immigrant students into mainstream classrooms by providing resources and guidance for both teachers and learners.
- Enhanced student comprehension by incorporating visual aids and real-life examples in lesson plans.
- Contributed to a positive school climate by actively participating in staff meetings, committees, and collaborative initiatives aimed at improving overall student achievement.
- Improved classroom management by implementing clear guidelines, routines, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary lessons that reinforced key concepts across subject areas.
- Provided individualized support for students with diverse needs, tailoring instruction to accommodate varying language levels and learning styles.
- Boosted student engagement with diverse teaching methods, including group projects, hands-on activities, and technology integration.
- Facilitated small group and individual instruction to maximize student learning.
- Educated students in basics of English grammar and conversational speaking.
- Promoted critical thinking to build subject engagement and interaction.
- Supported students holistically to achieve academic success.
- Created and delivered engaging lesson plans to accommodate different learning styles.
- Modified curriculum plans with colleagues to meet changing student needs.
- Prepared students for tests by teaching relevant concepts and enforcing good test-taking skills.
- Supplemented instruction and increased student understanding with use of audio-visual equipment and other technology.
- Facilitated class discussion to help students work through questions and expand understanding.
- Reviewed course materials and student progress to identify strengths and weaknesses for future improvements.
- Used positive reinforcement and provided clear feedback to help students succeed.
- Personalized instruction based on needs, interests and capabilities of individual students.
- Enhanced professional development by attending workshops, seminars, and conferences focused on best practices in English language teaching methodologies.
Grant Funded Teacher Assistant
PWCS
Bennett Elementary School
11.2021 - 06.2022
- Facilitated small group instruction to address individual learning needs.
- Modified lessons and curriculum to accommodate diverse learners by using strategies such as peer-assisted learning and group work.
- Utilized data-driven instruction to tailor lessons for improved academic performance.
- Developed and executed formative and summative assessments to monitor student progress, adjusting teaching strategies accordingly.
- Developed strong relationships with students, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Fostered positive learning environment that encouraged student curiosity and critical thinking.
- Improved student engagement by incorporating interactive learning technologies into lesson plans.
- Designed and implemented differentiated instruction strategy to meet diverse learning needs, enhancing educational outcomes.
- Enhanced literacy skills with targeted reading programs.
- Created and developed lesson plans to meet students' academic needs.
- Worked with staff members and teachers to design comprehensive and individualized plans to optimize student education.
- Participated in team meetings to provide input to colleagues about student achievement and improvement.
- Prepared quizzes, tests and examinations to gauge how well students were learning.
- Tracked student progress to notify teachers of strengths and areas of improvement.
- Designed detailed learning plans for struggling students based on test, homework and assignment records.
- Contributed to a positive work environment with strong interpersonal skills and proactive teamwork attitude.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress, attendance, and behavior to facilitate ongoing communication with parents about their child''s educational journey.
Teacher 3rd, 2nd, 1st Grade
PWCS
Bennett, NC
09.2008 - 11.2021
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
- Assessed student performance regularly using both formative and summative assessments to inform future lesson planning.
- Identified struggling students early on and provided additional support through tutoring sessions and modified lesson plans.
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress, attendance, and behavior to facilitate ongoing communication with parents about their child''s educational journey.
- Collaborated with other teachers to plan interdisciplinary units that connected subjects and promoted deeper understanding among students.
- Continuously pursued professional development opportunities such as workshops or conferences to stay current in educational trends.
- Integrated cultural awareness into lessons by incorporating diverse perspectives and materials into the curriculum.
- Mentored new teachers, sharing best practices and providing guidance to help them adapt to their new roles successfully.
- Served on school committees focused on curriculum development, teacher evaluations, or community outreach initiatives to contribute positively to the overall school climate.
- Collaborated with colleagues to integrate cross-disciplinary lessons, enriching students' educational experience.
- Enhanced students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills through project-based learning.
- Developed and executed formative and summative assessments to monitor student progress, adjusting teaching strategies accordingly.
- Enhanced literacy skills with targeted reading programs.
- Fostered positive learning environment that encouraged student curiosity and critical thinking.
- Utilized data-driven instruction to tailor lessons for improved academic performance.
- Created and developed lesson plans to meet students' academic needs.
- Communicated frequently with parents, students, and faculty to provide feedback and discuss instructional strategies.
- Developed and implemented classroom routines to address varying student needs.
- Worked with staff members and teachers to design comprehensive and individualized plans to optimize student education.
- Participated in department meetings to provide input to colleagues about student achievement and improvement.
- Prepared quizzes, tests and examinations to gauge how well students were learning.
- Scheduled conferences with parents to discuss students' progress and classroom behavior.
- Created lessons and online testing materials to facilitate remote learning.
- Completed student progress reports mid-term to notify students and parents of strengths and areas of improvement.
- Boosted cultural awareness by incorporating children's literature from world cultures.
K-6 Learning Disabilities Teacher
Fairfax County Public Schools
Wakefield, NE
09.1994 - 08.1998
- Chaired Special Education Eligibility Meetings for our school, efficiently scheduling and conducting each meeting.
- Conducted formal assessments and wrote eligibility reports for students for being considered for Special Education Eligibility.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Facilitated small group instruction to address individual learning needs.
- Implemented behavior modification techniques to improve student social and academic performance.
- Collaborated with other educators to develop instructional strategies.
- Conducted assessments of students to determine individual needs.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance.
- Assessed and monitored student performance to evaluate effectiveness of instructional strategies.
- Developed and implemented behavior management plans to improve student behavior.
- Worked closely with parents and guardians to address students' issues on multiple fronts.
- Helped students with special needs integrate into general classroom environments by advocating for individual requirements and helping teachers solve problems.
- Promoted memory, cognition and language development with hands-on activities and individualized instruction.
- Improved student comprehension by utilizing diverse teaching strategies and adapting instruction to meet individual needs.
- Led professional development workshops focused on inclusive education strategies, empowering fellow educators with tools for supporting all learners effectively.
- Supported colleagues in developing innovative instructional methods to improve overall teaching effectiveness across the school community.
- Developed strong relationships with parents, fostering open communication to ensure student success both inside and outside of the classroom.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Promoted a positive learning environment by establishing clear expectations and enforcing consistent classroom management practices.
- Continuously updated personal knowledge of industry trends and research-based practices, ensuring instruction remained current and effective.
- Implemented data-driven instruction approaches based on assessment results, refining lesson plans to better address gaps in student understanding.
- Collaborated with special education staff to design tailored accommodations for students with learning disabilities, facilitating their participation in mainstream classrooms successfully.
K-6 Learning Disabilities Teacher
Fairfax County Public Schools
Olde Creek Elementary School
02.1994 - 06.1994
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Facilitated small group instruction to address individual learning needs.
Implemented behavior modification techniques to improve student social and academic performance. - Collaborated with other educators to develop instructional strategies.
Conducted assessments of students to determine individual needs. - Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance.
- Assessed and monitored student performance to evaluate effectiveness of instructional strategies.
- Developed and implemented behavior management plans to improve student behavior.
- Worked closely with parents and guardians to address students' issues on multiple fronts.
- Helped students with special needs integrate into general classroom environments by advocating for individual requirements and helping teachers solve problems.
- Promoted memory, cognition and language development with hands-on activities and individualized instruction.
- Improved student comprehension by utilizing diverse teaching strategies and adapting instruction to meet individual needs.
- Supported colleagues in developing innovative instructional methods to improve overall teaching effectiveness across the school community.
- Developed strong relationships with parents, fostering open communication to ensure student success both inside and outside of the classroom.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Promoted a positive learning environment by establishing clear expectations and enforcing consistent classroom management practices.
- Continuously updated personal knowledge of industry trends and research-based practices, ensuring instruction remained current and effective.
- Implemented data-driven instruction approaches based on assessment results, refining lesson plans to better address gaps in student understanding.
- Collaborated with special education staff to design tailored accommodations for students with learning disabilities, facilitating their participation in mainstream classrooms successfully.
Office Manager
Northern Virginia Hand Therapy Clinic
Arlington, VA
12.1991 - 01.1994
- Welcomed patients and managed their check-in and check-out process in a professional manner.
- Handled sensitive information with discretion, maintaining confidentiality of patient and company documents.
- Provided exceptional customer service when addressing client inquiries or concerns via phone calls or email correspondence.
- Managed all aspects of medical billing, including insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid claims.
- Facilitated communication between Orthopedic surgeons and the Hand Clinic to obtain accurate information for appropriate patient treatment.
Human Resource Specialist
Erol's Video Clubs
Springfield, VA
07.1987 - 12.1991
- Handled recruitment for 800 positions at the headquarters facility.
- Partnered with departmental managers to ascertain hiring needs and subsequently provide candidate recommendations.
- Assisted with writing job postings and job descriptions for boards.
Pre-screened resumes prior to sending to corporate hiring managers for consideration. - Managed the recruitment process for managerial positions at video stores across two districts.
- Facilitated smooth onboarding processes for new hires, leading to faster integration into the workplace culture.
- Ensured compliance with federal, state, and local labor laws through regular audits and policy updates.
- Enhanced employee satisfaction by implementing streamlined HR policies and procedures.
- Developed and maintained up-to-date database of employee records, ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
- Oversaw compliance with labor laws and regulations, minimizing risk of legal issues.
- Resolved employee disputes with empathy and professionalism, maintaining harmonious work environment.
- Conducted comprehensive training sessions, equipping staff with necessary skills for optimal performance.
- Streamlined exit interview processes, gathering insights to improve employee satisfaction and retention strategies.
- Collaborated with managers to identify and address employee relations issues.
- Maintained personnel records and statistical data to establish accuracy and compliance with applicable regulations.
- Improved organizational filing systems for confidential employee records, resulting in improved accessibility and efficiency.
Education
Master of Science - Specific Learning Disabilities
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA12.1993
Bachelor of Science - Speech Communication
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA06.1987
No Degree - Liberal Arts
University of Mary Washington
Fredericksburg, VASkills
- Standardized testing techniques
- Clear oral/written communication
- Workload management
- Parent and student communication
- Reporting and documentation
- Special education support
- Peer collaboration
- Administrative tasks
- Progress monitoring
- Data evaluation
- Academic support
Certification
Specific Learning Disabilities K-12 Certification
Elementary Pre k - 3 Certification
English as a Second Language Pre k - 12 Certification
Timeline
Special Education Level I Teacher
PWCS
10.2024 - Current
ESOL Teacher
PWCS
08.2022 - 10.2024
Grant Funded Teacher Assistant
PWCS
11.2021 - 06.2022
Teacher 3rd, 2nd, 1st Grade
PWCS
09.2008 - 11.2021
K-6 Learning Disabilities Teacher
Fairfax County Public Schools
09.1994 - 08.1998
K-6 Learning Disabilities Teacher
Fairfax County Public Schools
02.1994 - 06.1994
Office Manager
Northern Virginia Hand Therapy Clinic
12.1991 - 01.1994
Human Resource Specialist
Erol's Video Clubs
07.1987 - 12.1991
Master of Science - Specific Learning Disabilities
George Mason University
Bachelor of Science - Speech Communication
George Mason University
No Degree - Liberal Arts
University of Mary Washington