Special Education Social Worker

Thelma “Gail” Denham, LMSW

Royse City, TX *****

214-***-**** txd9083gmail.com Professional Summary

A highly dedicated and dual-certified Special Education Teacher and Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) with over 30 years of experience serving students, families, and communities. Proven expertise in developing and implementing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), fostering positive behavioral management systems, and providing therapeutic counseling. A collaborative leader adept at program coordination, stakeholder communication, and delivering professional development to enhance educational and developmental outcomes.Core Competencies

●Special Education & IEP Development: Differentiated Instruction, ARD/IEP Process Management, Formal & Informal Assessment, Student Progress Monitoring, EC-12 Special Education & ESL Endorsements.

●Behavioral Management & Intervention: Positive Behavior Support Systems, Intervention Strategies, Student Code of Conduct Training, Classroom Management.

●Counseling & Family Support: Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), Individual & Group Therapy, Family Counseling, Intake Assessments.

●Program Coordination & Development: Stakeholder & Community Liaison, Professional Development & Training, Program Coordination, Community Outreach, Multidisciplinary Team Leadership.

●Professional Experience

SPED Teacher FISD, TX 8/2022 – 5/2024

●Spearheaded collaborative efforts with students, parents, and staff to architect and implement Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) through the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) process.

●Designed and deployed differentiated instructional strategies and materials aligned with diverse learning styles and student needs.

●Administered and analyzed formal and informal assessments to monitor student progress and inform instructional adjustments.

●Fostered a positive and inclusive classroom environment conducive to the physical, social, and emotional development of students.

Special Education Teacher DISD, TX 3/2012 – 5/2022

●Led the development of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) by collaborating with students, parents, and staff within the ARD Committee framework.

●Implemented specialized instructional and therapeutic programs designed to meet the unique needs of each student.

●Employed a variety of instructional methodologies and media to effectively meet the diverse needs and capabilities of every student.

●Conducted continuous formal and informal assessments to track and analyze student achievement.

AEP Program Specialist III DISD, TX 3/1996 – 4/2011

●Partnered with faculty and students to engineer and implement a positive behavior management system that enhanced the overall school climate.

●Served as the primary liaison between students' home campuses, parents, AEP staff, the Office of Student Discipline, and district administrators.

●Developed and executed strategic transition plans and intervention strategies to facilitate successful student reintegration to their home campuses.

●Delivered district-wide professional development on the Student Code of Conduct and advanced behavioral management techniques.

Youth and Family Therapist Spruce, TX 9/1999 – 8/2003

●Performed comprehensive intake assessments and delivered individual and group therapy to families referred by district schools.

●Collaborated with clients to establish actionable goals and formulate treatment plans aimed at enhancing coping mechanisms, communication, and overall functioning.

Foster Care Case Manager Buckner Children’s Home, TX 3/1991 – 6/1994

●Conducted thorough intake histories and provided targeted individual and group counseling for families within the foster care system.

●Assisted clients in developing strategic goals and treatment plans to improve functionality and build essential coping and communication skills.

Education & Certifications

●Master of Social Work (MSW) University of Southern Mississippi

●MAT Teacher Texas Woman's University

●B.S. Sociology & Child Development University of Southern Mississippi

●Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

●Texas Educator Certificate: Generalist EC-8, Special Education EC-12, ESL EC-12

Contact this candidate