Open To Work
Dearl Stephens
Bowdon
Summary
Results-oriented leader in Special Education with expertise in curriculum development and instructional leadership. Enhanced student achievement through strategic planning and technology integration while ensuring IEP compliance and data-driven decision making. Increased student engagement through innovative teaching methodologies.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Department Chair
LANGSTON HUGES HIGH SCHOOL
Fairburn
08.2016 - Current
- Led, coordinated, and supervised Exceptional Education Department (SEC), supporting SEC teachers to enhance student achievement through strategic planning and targeted student support.
- Collaborate on behalf of the SEC department with administration and counseling department regarding master schedule, course descriptions, articulation, and student placement in various SEC department courses.
- Coordinated and led all department meetings to ensure effective communication and collaboration among team members.
- Served as resource for administration and school leadership team, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
- Reviewed gradebooks in SEC department to ensure accurate tracking of student progress and identify areas for intervention.
- Supported long and short-term substitute teachers in executing their responsibilities.
Special Education Teacher Interrelated (IRR)
LANGSTON HUGES HIGH SCHOOL
Fairburn
08.2016 - Current
- Constructed and executed lesson plans aligned with standards and individual goals, addressing diverse learning needs of students.
- Work with general education teachers to plan and implement instruction while ensuring compliance with IEP standards.
- Administered performance, formal, informal, and diagnostic assessments to effectively monitor student comprehension and progression.
- Facilitated specialized learning experiences and supervised students with disabilities to foster an inclusive and supportive classroom environment.
Special Education Teacher IRR
PALMER MIDDLE SCHOOL
Kennesaw
01.2013 - 01.2016
- Developed individualized education plans for students with diverse learning needs.
- Co-taught sixth-grade special education general curriculum math and science classes.
- Partnered with teachers and staff to foster inclusive classroom environments that promoted student participation.
- Applied behavioral management strategies that enhanced student engagement and participation.
- Facilitated diverse learning experiences for students as a special education teacher at Langston Hughes High School.
Instructional Lead Teacher
GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE JUSTICE
Marietta
01.2012 - 01.2013
- Implemented data-driven instruction to help teachers make informed instructional decisions.
- Ensured the use of effective, research-based teaching methodologies and practices.
- Conducted formal and informal observations and provided feedback to teachers.
- Facilitated program orientation and ongoing support for newly hired teachers, promoting effective integration into the instructional team.
- Assisted the instructional staff in the design and implementation of a high-quality instructional program that complements and supports state and local curriculum requirements that support student achievement.
Instructional Technology Specialist
ROCKDALE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL
Conyers
01.2007 - 01.2012
- Integrated 21st Century K-12 technology resources across all subject areas to enhance instructional practices.
- Conducted staff development workshops to implement instructional technology in classroom curriculum, promoting effective teaching strategies.
- Facilitated professional staff development sessions on district software, improving staff proficiency and technology use.
- Modeled the integration of technology in all curriculum areas.
- Led ongoing evaluation of the effectiveness of the instructional technology program.
- Provided leadership with 21st Century technology projects that directly affected instruction and reflected student achievement that facilitated the implementation of the school technology plan.
Special Education Teacher IRR
BENJAMIN BANNEKER HIGH SCHOOL
College Park
01.1999 - 01.2007
- Developed and taught Exceptional Youth and Children course, facilitating identification, remediation, and curriculum modification for exceptional children in regular classrooms, aligning with House Bill 671.
- Instructed Professional Development sessions for Fulton County, enhancing educator skills in special education.
- Delivered Power To Teach course, fulfilling Professional Standards Commission technology competency requirements for K-12 staff, focusing on technology-integrated lesson creation.
- Performed same duties as a Special Education Teacher at Langston Hughes High School.
Instructional Support Teacher
GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE JUSTICE
Lawrenceville
01.1999 - 12.1999
- Supported school personnel in enhancing teaching quality and student learning outcomes for students with disabilities, ensuring compliance with state and federal laws.
- Interpreted and implemented all state and federal special education requirements and mandates to ensure compliance in accordance with State and Federal Law.
- Collaborated with classroom teachers to design and implement IEP goals, adapting instruction and assessments to meet diverse student needs.
- Modeled and supported special education instructional staff in organizing, identifying and implementing curriculum.
- Developed and delivered professional development programs for special education and general education staff, service providers, and parents to strengthen instructional practices.
- Supervised and evaluated special education staff and programs.
Special Education Emotional Behavior Disorder Teacher
M. AGNES JONES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Atlanta
01.1998 - 12.1999
- Provided tailored instruction to students with emotional and behavior disabilities in self-contained classroom for grades K-5, enhancing learning environment.
- Developed and executed instructional program catering to emotional and behavior disabilities, fostering student engagement and growth.
- Developed engaging lesson plans to enhance student learning experiences.
- Implemented classroom management strategies to foster a positive learning environment.
- Collaborated with colleagues to design interdisciplinary projects and activities.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy - Administration of Supervision and Curriculum
AUBURN UNIVERSITY
Auburn, AL01-2027
Master of Education - Special Education
UNIVERSITY OF WEST GEORGIA
Carrollton, GA12-1998
Bachelor of Science Education - Educational Psychology
UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA
Athens, GA03-1994
Skills
- Special education
- IEP compliance
- Curriculum development
- Instructional leadership
- Assessment strategies
- Behavior management
- Data-driven decision making
- Technology integration
Certification
- Educational Leadership
- Special Education
- Social Studies
- Middle School Math
- Elementary Education
Work Preference
Job Search Status
Open to workWork Type
Full TimeLocation Preference
On-SiteRemoteHybridSalary Range
$75000/yr - $100000/yrTimeline
Special Education Department Chair
LANGSTON HUGES HIGH SCHOOL
08.2016 - Current
Special Education Teacher Interrelated (IRR)
LANGSTON HUGES HIGH SCHOOL
08.2016 - Current
Special Education Teacher IRR
PALMER MIDDLE SCHOOL
01.2013 - 01.2016
Instructional Lead Teacher
GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE JUSTICE
01.2012 - 01.2013
Instructional Technology Specialist
ROCKDALE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL
01.2007 - 01.2012
Special Education Teacher IRR
BENJAMIN BANNEKER HIGH SCHOOL
01.1999 - 01.2007
Instructional Support Teacher
GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE JUSTICE
01.1999 - 12.1999
Special Education Emotional Behavior Disorder Teacher
M. AGNES JONES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
01.1998 - 12.1999
Doctor of Philosophy - Administration of Supervision and Curriculum
AUBURN UNIVERSITY
Master of Education - Special Education
UNIVERSITY OF WEST GEORGIA
Bachelor of Science Education - Educational Psychology
UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA