- Youth Development Programs
- I enjoy cooking for friends and family gatherings
- Volunteer Work
- Working with children
- Involved in Church Activities
Debra Willis
Leesville
Summary
Dynamic Special Education Teacher with a proven track record at Pickering High School, adept at developing individualized education plans (IEPs) and fostering strong relationships with students and families. Skilled in differentiated instruction and classroom management, I have successfully motivated diverse learners to achieve their academic goals through tailored support and effective communication.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher and Facilitator
Pickering High School
08.2018 - 05.2025
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Built rapport with diverse groups of stakeholders by demonstrating empathy, active listening skills, and cultural competence during facilitated sessions.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Fostered an inclusive learning environment by addressing diverse needs and adapting facilitation techniques as needed.
Special Education Teacher PreK-2
Pickering Elementary School
08.2017 - 05.2018
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
- Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
Special Education Teacher
Pickering High School
08.2015 - 08.2017
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
- Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
- Provided targeted instructional support to struggling learners, identifying specific areas for improvement and designing effective intervention plans.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
Elementary Special Education Teacher
North Polk Elementary
08.2015 - 05.2016
- Monitored student progress closely, intervening proactively when necessary to ensure steady growth and achievement of learning goals.
- Attended professional development workshops to stay current on best practices in special education teaching methodologies.
- Provided one-on-one support for students struggling in specific areas, resulting in marked improvement in their understanding of the subject matter.
- Assessed student performance regularly using various evaluation tools, adjusting instructional strategies as needed.
Head Start Teacher
North Polk Elementary
08.2009 - 05.2015
- Participated in ongoing professional development to stay up-to-date on best practices in early childhood education.
- Improved classroom management through the use of positive reinforcement strategies and clear expectations.
- Implemented differentiated instruction techniques to accommodate diverse learning styles and abilities within the classroom.
- Developed strong relationships with students, fostering a supportive and nurturing learning environment that encouraged academic success.
Kindergarten Teacher
First Assembly Christian Academy
08.2005 - 05.2007
- Built positive relationships with students and families for safe, trusted learning support.
- Enhanced classroom management by establishing clear expectations, rules, and routines.
- Collaborated with colleagues to share resources, brainstorm ideas, and problem-solve challenges faced in the classroom environment.
- Implemented differentiated instruction strategies to meet the diverse learning needs of all students.
Education
Master of Arts - Education
Louisiana College
Pineville, LA12-2017
Bachelor of Arts - General Studies Social Sciences
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Natchitoches, LA12-2010
High School Diploma -
Pickering High Scool
Pickering, La05-2000
Skills
- Differentiated instruction
- Classroom management
- Individual education plans ieps
- Small group instruction
- Relationship building
- Lesson planning
- Group and individual instruction
- Motivating students
- Parent communication
- Verbal and nonverbal communication
- Trained in CPR
- Med Trained
Certification
- Med Training - Current 2025-2026
Interests
Timeline
Special Education Teacher and Facilitator
Pickering High School
08.2018 - 05.2025
Special Education Teacher PreK-2
Pickering Elementary School
08.2017 - 05.2018
Special Education Teacher
Pickering High School
08.2015 - 08.2017
Elementary Special Education Teacher
North Polk Elementary
08.2015 - 05.2016
Head Start Teacher
North Polk Elementary
08.2009 - 05.2015
Kindergarten Teacher
First Assembly Christian Academy
08.2005 - 05.2007
Master of Arts - Education
Louisiana College
Bachelor of Arts - General Studies Social Sciences
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
High School Diploma -
Pickering High Scool
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