Jennifer Ponder
Pittsfield
Summary
Versatile and dedicated Paraprofessional with focus on individual needs of special education students. Empathetic and accommodating in design and implementation of hands-on lessons. Exceptional skills working with teachers, parents and specialists to meet educational needs of students.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Substitute Teacher
Hillcrest Educational Centers
09.2024 - Current
- Designed and implemented lesson plans aligned with state core curriculum standards, ensuring accessibility for diverse learners.
- Delivered instruction to students with varied learning needs, utilizing differentiated teaching methods to foster engagement and academic growth.
- Managed classroom behavior and created a positive, structured learning environment tailored to students’ individual needs.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams during treatment meetings and Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings to develop and review student goals and accommodations.
- Prepared and maintained detailed IEP progress notes and contributed to the development of quarterly progress reports and report cards.
- Established open lines of communication with families, guardians, and custodial agencies to support student success and address concerns.
- Assumed responsibility for grading assignments, monitoring student progress, and maintaining accurate records in compliance with school and state guidelines.
- Adapted quickly to various classroom settings and needs, demonstrating flexibility and a commitment to fostering inclusive education.
Special Education Teacher's Assistant
Hillcrest Educational Centers
07.2023 - Current
- Maintained positive attitude and affirmatively communicated with each student.
- Offered student support through special accommodations, extra assistance, and assessments.
- Interacted physically and verbally with students throughout each day.
- Collaborated with teacher to create customized classroom environment integral to students' needs.
Personal Care Giver
Careforce
02.2022 - 10.2022
- Helped patients maintain healthy skin by checking wounds, assessing integrity, and bathing bedbound individuals.
- Planned, prepared, and served meals and snacks according to prescribed diets.
- Maximized patient satisfaction by helping individuals carry out personal tasks such as dressing and walking.
- Scheduled and accompanied clients to medical appointments.
Front Store Manager
Shoppers Drug Mart 2023, 129, 156, 136
12.2004 - 08.2021
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
- Daily operations of a busy drug store including but not limited to: scheduling, payroll, cash management, purchasing and receiving,hiring, onboarding, loss prevention, customer service, promoting corporate culture, etc
- Built a strong resilient team by identifying and onboarding strong candidates for front line and management positions.
- Managed customer experience with a close eye on customer and team member interactions, touchpoints and engagement index. Had the highest level of employee engagement provincially and ranked consistently in the top 25 nationally
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Budget control- controlling expenses, minimizing loss while maximizing profits,reading and producing reports to keep track of the business overall financial health in real time, adapting to meet targets and staying with budget.
Crew Leader
Shoppers Drug Mart Store Concepts
05.2003 - 12.2004
- Trained employees in time management and proper ways to complete job duties.
- Oversaw Operational Health & Safety
- Monitored team members to verify work quality and address concerns.
- Communicated effectively with upper management, team members, and customers to keep everyone informed.
- Discussed daily work requirements with crew and assigned skills-based tasks to enable completion of work.
Education
Diploma - Corrections
Scotia Career Academy
Sackville, NS06.2002
High School Diploma -
Annapolis West Education Center
Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia06.2000
Skills
- Verbal and Written Communication
- Time Management
- Performance Monitoring and Evaluation
- Hiring and Recruitment Knowledge
- Strong Work Ethic and Dependable
- Computer and Microsoft Office Skills
Certification
- Non Violent Crisis Intervention 2002
- Suicide Intervention 2002
- PPCT Defensive Tactics 2002
- Restorative Justice 2002
- WHMIS 2022
- Safe Handling & Mobility- Bed to Chair 2022
- Home Care Aide Certificate 2022
- Food Safety Certificate 2022
- Therapeutic Crisis Intervention 2023
- Parapro 2023
- Functional Behavioral Analysis and Behavior intervention Plans 2023
- Professional Boundaries 2023
- Medcert- Medication Administration Certificate 2024
Timeline
Special Education Substitute Teacher
Hillcrest Educational Centers
09.2024 - Current
Special Education Teacher's Assistant
Hillcrest Educational Centers
07.2023 - Current
Personal Care Giver
Careforce
02.2022 - 10.2022
Front Store Manager
Shoppers Drug Mart 2023, 129, 156, 136
12.2004 - 08.2021
Crew Leader
Shoppers Drug Mart Store Concepts
05.2003 - 12.2004
Diploma - Corrections
Scotia Career Academy
High School Diploma -
Annapolis West Education Center
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