PATRICIA COOKS
Shreveport
Summary
Special education professional with strong focus on individualized instruction and inclusive classroom environments. Adept at collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to create tailored educational plans that foster student growth and achievement. Reliable, adaptable, and skilled in behavior management, differentiated instruction, and IEP development. Known for fostering positive relationships with students, parents, and colleagues to ensure supportive and effective learning atmosphere.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Inclusion Teacher
Waskom ISD
Waskom, TX
08.2025 - 05.2026
- Developed and implemented individualized education plans (IEPs) to support diverse learning needs.
- Collaborated with general education teachers to integrate inclusive teaching strategies across curricula.
- Facilitated small group instruction to address individual learning needs.
- Implemented behavior management techniques, promoting positive classroom culture and reducing disruptions in the learning process.
- Conducted regular progress monitoring to identify areas of improvement and adjust instructional strategies accordingly.
Special Education Teacher, Autism Classroom
University Elementary Caddo Parish Public Schools
Shreveport, Louisiana
08.2021 - 08.2025
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to enhance student outcomes.
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- 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.
- Integrated social skills training into curriculum, facilitating improved peer interactions and social integration.
- Enhanced communication skills in non-verbal students through integration of alternative and augmentative communication systems.
Paraprofessional
Riverside Elementary Caddo Parish Public Schools
Shreveport, Louisiana
12.2006 - 05.2021
- Supported classroom activities by assisting teachers with lesson preparation and student engagement.
- Facilitated small group instruction, enhancing individualized learning experiences for students.
- Implemented behavior management strategies to promote a positive classroom environment.
- Fostered a positive learning environment by establishing strong rapport with students, parents, and faculty members.
- Utilized technology in classroom to enhance learning experiences.
- Provided feedback to teachers on student progress, aiding in adjustment of teaching strategies.
Education
Masters - Special Education
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, Arizona05-2018
Bachelor - Criminal Justice
Louisiana State University in Shreveport
Shreveport, Louisiana05-2011
Skills
- IEP development
- Trauma-informed practices
- Collaborative teaching
- Competent in smartboard technology
- Social skills training
- Communication strategies
- Autism spectrum support
- Progress monitoring
- Parent communications
- Verbal and nonverbal communication
- Small group instruction
- Excellent classroom management
Timeline
Special Education Inclusion Teacher
Waskom ISD
08.2025 - 05.2026
Special Education Teacher, Autism Classroom
University Elementary Caddo Parish Public Schools
08.2021 - 08.2025
Paraprofessional
Riverside Elementary Caddo Parish Public Schools
12.2006 - 05.2021
Bachelor - Criminal Justice
Louisiana State University in Shreveport
Masters - Special Education
Grand Canyon University