KRISTEN LOPES
NEW BEDFORD
Summary
Dedicated Paraeducator at New Bedford Public Schools, skilled in classroom management and student engagement. Enhanced student independence and social skills through targeted interventions and emotional support. Collaborated effectively with teachers and families, fostering a safe, inclusive environment that promoted academic success and personal growth. Committed to continuous professional development in special education practices.
Professional with strong background in educational support, prepared to enhance learning experience for students. Demonstrates keen ability to collaborate with educators and adapt to evolving classroom needs. Skilled in fostering positive learning environment, managing classroom activities, and supporting diverse student populations. Reliable team player focused on achieving educational goals and ensuring student success.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Parapeducator
New Bedford Public Schools
08.2017 - Current
- Assisted students in achieving academic goals by providing one-on-one tutoring and small group instruction in various subjects.
- Oversaw students in classroom and common areas to monitor, enforce rules, and support lead teacher.
- Assisted teachers in managing classrooms effectively by maintaining clear expectations, enforcing rules consistently, and reinforcing positive behavior choices.
- Monitored student classroom and outdoors activities to promote student safety.
- Improved student social skills through facilitating peer interactions, modeling appropriate behaviors, and promoting empathy among classmates.
- Maintained a safe and inclusive learning environment by addressing behavioral issues promptly and following established protocols.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices within the field of special education.
- Strengthened communication between school staff, parents, and students by serving as a liaison for information sharing.
- Documented behaviors, implemented interventions, and treatment results.
- Collaborated with teachers to help with classroom and workload management.
- Assisted teachers and worked individually with students with special needs, helping each navigate education system.
- Supported teachers in managing diverse classroom populations by providing targeted interventions for students who required additional assistance or modifications.
- Encouraged student independence by teaching self-advocacy skills and fostering personal responsibility for learning outcomes.
- Coordinated with outside agencies such as speech therapists or occupational therapists when necessary to ensure comprehensive support for each student''s unique needs.
- Provided essential support during standardized testing periods, administering exams according to guidelines while accommodating individual student needs per IEPs or 504 plans.
- Fostered positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues by exhibiting a caring demeanor and maintaining open lines of communication.
- Kept classrooms clean, neat, and properly sanitized for student health and classroom efficiency.
- Monitored students on field trips, handling roll call, and group movement to keep youths safe in public settings.
- Enforced rules and instructions to maintain discipline.
- Helped teacher prepare instructional material and displays.
- Took part in professional development workshops to boost skills.
- Helped teachers manage bus loading and unloading.
Infant/ Toddler Teacher and Site Coordinator
Little People's College
09.2003 - 08.2017
- Assisted in maintaining a clean, organized classroom that met required health and safety standards according to state regulations.
- Created a safe, nurturing environment that fostered creativity, curiosity, and exploration among toddlers.
- Led small group activities designed to enhance language skills, fine motor abilities, and problem-solving techniques among toddlers.
- Provided structured daily routines that balanced physical activity, cognitive development, social-emotional growth, and rest periods.
- Developed individualized lesson plans tailored to each child''s needs, promoting overall growth and development.
- Sanitized toys and play equipment each day to maintain safety and cleanliness.
- Worked closely with fellow teachers to share ideas, exchange feedback, and collaborate on curriculum planning efforts across classrooms.
- Collaborated with parents to establish consistent routines and maintain open communication channels for optimal child support.
- Supported children during transitions between activities or environments by providing clear instructions and guidance as needed.
- Consulted with parents to build and maintain positive support networks and support continuing education strategies.
- Observed children to identify individuals in need of additional support and developed strategies to improve assistance.
- Enhanced learning experiences by incorporating age-appropriate activities and play-based teaching methods.
- Managed classroom materials and resources effectively to ensure a well-stocked learning environment at all times.
- Adapted teaching methods and materials to accommodate diverse learning styles among toddlers effectively.
- Monitored children''s progress through regular assessments and adjusted teaching approaches accordingly.
- Allowed for ample outdoor discovery time in schedule each day.
- Implemented positive discipline strategies to reinforce appropriate behavior in the classroom.
- Ensured all children felt valued, respected, and included within the classroom by fostering a culture of empathy and support.
- Maintained accurate records of children''s developmental milestones and prepared detailed reports for parent-teacher conferences.
- Established strong relationships with families, fostering trust and collaboration in supporting each child''s development.
- Instructed children in health and personal habits, such as eating, resting, and toileting.
- Taught hand washing and proper use of utensils to promote good hygiene and etiquette habits.
- Maintained tidy environment to comply with cleanliness and sanitation standards.
- Documented behavior, development and learning of children to enable tracking history and maintain accurate records.
- Actively encouraged children to develop their communication, problem-solving and social skills.
- Engaged with children on individual basis to build positive relationships and promote learning.
- Assisted in preparation of meals and snacks to provide children with proper nutrition.
- Gathered materials and resources to prepare for lessons and activities.
- Intervened in disruptive behavior, using positive reinforcement strategies to redirect and calm children.
- Implemented curriculum to enhance classes with learning-focused activities.
- Established positive relationships with students and families.
- Incorporated music, art and literature into curriculum.
- Protected children in-class, at recess and off-site with observational skills and positive reinforcement for good behavior.
- Organized activities to teach preschool children foundational learning skills such as letters and numbers.
- Developed innovative activities to engage young children in learning process.
- Organized and supervised large and small group activities.
- Created safe and nurturing learning environment for preschoolers.
- Monitored classroom to verify safe and secure environment.
- Implemented age-appropriate curricula to meet needs of young learners.
- Assessed student progress and provided feedback on educational development.
- Modeled positive behavior and communication skills for students.
- Planned and executed activities to stimulate physical, social and intellectual growth.
- Supported students in developing self-esteem and self-confidence.
- Utilized creative teaching strategies to engage students in classroom.
- Guided students to develop social, emotional and physical skills.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - History, Anthropology/Sociology
Umass Dartmouth
North Dartmouth, MA05-2025
Skills
- Classroom management
- Student engagement
- Small group instruction
- Collaborative teamwork
- Emotional support
Timeline
Parapeducator
New Bedford Public Schools
08.2017 - Current
Infant/ Toddler Teacher and Site Coordinator
Little People's College
09.2003 - 08.2017
Bachelor of Arts - History, Anthropology/Sociology
Umass Dartmouth
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