Jan Chastain
Marietta
Summary
Dynamic educator with extensive experience at Cobb County School District, specializing in differentiated instruction and inclusive education. Proven track record of fostering strong relationships with students and parents, enhancing engagement through technology integration. Committed to promoting social-emotional learning and achieving academic success for all learners.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
4th Grade Teacher
Cobb County School District
08.2023 - 01.2025
- Collaborated with fellow teachers to design interdisciplinary lesson plans, reinforcing key concepts across subjects.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively, establishing clear expectations and consequences while fostering a respectful learning environment.
- Implemented differentiated instruction strategies, addressing the unique needs of each student in the classroom.
- Utilized assessment data to inform instructional decisions, tailoring lesson plans to target areas needing improvement.
- Enhanced classroom dynamics by creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all students to thrive.
1st Grade Virtual Teacher
Cobb County School District
08.2021 - 07.2023
- Identified struggling students early on and provided additional support through tutoring sessions and modified lesson plans.
- Continuously pursued professional development opportunities such as workshops or conferences to stay current in educational trends.
- Promoted digital literacy by integrating technology into curriculum.
- Improved student engagement by incorporating interactive learning technologies into lesson plans.
- Created lessons and online testing materials to facilitate remote learning.
2nd Grade Teacher
Cobb County School District
08.2020 - 07.2021
- Created a welcoming classroom atmosphere by establishing clear expectations and routines, promoting a sense of belonging among students.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop cross-curricular projects, fostering critical thinking skills and interdisciplinary learning.
- Built positive relationships with parents to involve families in educational process.
- Differentiated instruction to meet the unique learning needs of each student, ensuring all students were able to access the curriculum successfully.
- Utilized data-driven instruction to identify areas of growth for students, implementing targeted interventions to close achievement gaps.
5th Grade Teacher
Cobb County School District
07.2014 - 07.2020
- Participated actively in professional development opportunities to stay current on educational trends and best practices in teaching 5th grade students.
- Assessed student progress regularly using formative and summative assessments, modifying instruction as needed for optimal learning outcomes.
- Developed strong rapport with students, fostering a positive and supportive learning environment.
- Incorporated differentiated instruction techniques to meet the diverse needs of all learners within the classroom.
- Promoted literacy skills through guided reading sessions, literature circles, and writing workshops.
- Enhanced student comprehension by incorporating diverse teaching methods, including visual aids, group activities, and hands-on experiences.
- Established open communication and positive relationships with students, parents, peers, and administrative staff.
- Adapted lessons to differentiate instruction and meet students' diverse learning needs and abilities.
5th Grade Special Education Teacher
Cobb County School District
07.2013 - 07.2014
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- 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.
4th and 5th Grade Special Education Teacher
Marietta City Schools
07.2012 - 07.2013
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, applying instructional knowledge and methods to maximize the success of at-risk students.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Coordinated with general education teachers to develop accommodations or modifications necessary for successful inclusion of students with special needs in mainstream classrooms.
- Reduced feelings of isolation among students with special needs by implementing inclusive classroom practices.
K-3 Special Education Teacher
Cobb County School District
04.2003 - 07.2007
- 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.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Implemented individualized education plans for students with diverse learning needs, ensuring personalized support.
- Developed and executed behavioral intervention plans, leading to decrease in disruptive behaviors and increase in classroom participation.
- Facilitated small group instruction to address individual learning needs.
- Coordinated regular meetings to share and analyze student performance data and success plans with colleagues and parents.
- Developed Individual Education Plans for students with special needs.
- Mentored new teachers on student progress monitoring and legal document preparation.
Education
Master of Education - Special Education
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA05-2006
Bachelor of Science - Computer Information Management
Life University
Marietta06-2002
Skills
- Parent-teacher communication
- Growth mindset
- Inclusive education
- Differentiated instruction
- Relationship building
- Team collaboration
- Social-emotional learning
- Technology integration
- Group and individual instruction
- Lesson planning
- Classroom management
- Special education
Timeline
4th Grade Teacher
Cobb County School District
08.2023 - 01.2025
1st Grade Virtual Teacher
Cobb County School District
08.2021 - 07.2023
2nd Grade Teacher
Cobb County School District
08.2020 - 07.2021
5th Grade Teacher
Cobb County School District
07.2014 - 07.2020
5th Grade Special Education Teacher
Cobb County School District
07.2013 - 07.2014
4th and 5th Grade Special Education Teacher
Marietta City Schools
07.2012 - 07.2013
K-3 Special Education Teacher
Cobb County School District
04.2003 - 07.2007
Master of Education - Special Education
Liberty University
Bachelor of Science - Computer Information Management
Life University
Similar Profiles
Trebla GrayTrebla Gray
Interrelated Special Education Teacher at Cobb County School District, South Cobb High SchooInterrelated Special Education Teacher at Cobb County School District, South Cobb High Schoo
Lauren BosticLauren Bostic
Interim English Department Chair Consultant at Cobb County School District, South Cobb HighInterim English Department Chair Consultant at Cobb County School District, South Cobb High
Alicia HalicksAlicia Halicks
General Education Teacher (Inclusion) at Cobb County School District, Tapp Middle SchoolGeneral Education Teacher (Inclusion) at Cobb County School District, Tapp Middle School