Cynthia Barnes
OLIVE BRANCH
Summary
Dedicated educator with extensive experience in inclusion practices and IEP development. Proven ability to foster positive classroom environments and advocate for student needs, ensuring tailored educational experiences.
Overview
40
40
years of professional experience
Work History
Met chair, 8th grade Math inclusion
Desoto County Schools
Olive Branch
08.2012 - 05.2026
- Collaborated with educators to align teaching strategies with district objectives.
- Advocated for student needs, influencing district strategic planning to better address diverse learning requirements.
- Facilitated training sessions for staff on inclusion practices and adaptive techniques.
- Monitored student progress, delivering tailored support that improved individual learning outcomes.
- Advocated for students' rights and needs within school policies and practices.
- Actively participated in IEP meetings, providing input regarding appropriate goals and services for students with special needs.
- Created inclusive classroom climate through proactive activities that fostered peer acceptance and respect.
- Collaborated with general education teachers, counselors, administrators and parents to develop Individual Education Plans.
3rd, 4th, 5th grade Reading pull-out teacher
Desoto County Schools
Horn Lake
08.2009 - 05.2012
- Developed lesson plans that enhanced student engagement and aligned with state educational standards.
- Implemented classroom management strategies that created a supportive and focused learning environment.
- Communicated regularly with parents to keep them informed of student progress and encourage family involvement.
- Adapted instructional materials for diverse student learning needs and abilities.
5th/6th grade Special Education teacher
North Point Christian School
Southaven
08.2001 - 05.2009
- Developed engaging lesson plans for diverse student needs and learning styles.
- Facilitated classroom discussions to promote critical thinking and collaboration among students.
- Implemented assessment tools to evaluate student progress and understanding effectively.
Pre-school Special Education teacher
Memphis City Schools/Collierville
Collierville
08.2001 - 05.2002
- Developed individualized education plans addressing specific needs of each student.
- Created and executed engaging learning activities tailored to enhance special education student participation.
- Delivered behavioral support and intervention techniques to foster positive classroom environments.
Kindergarten Teacher
Forrest City Public Schools
Forrest City
08.1997 - 05.2001
- Fostered positive classroom environment, enhancing student engagement and learning through effective behavior management strategies.
- Assessed student progress with various evaluation tools, tailoring instruction to meet individual learning needs and improve outcomes.
- Organized classroom activities that developed social skills and teamwork, leading to improved peer interactions and collaboration among students.
Preschool Special Education Teacher
Great Rivers Educational Coop
Helena, AR
08.1993 - 05.1997
- Tailored and implemented adaptive teaching strategies to meet each child's unique needs, enhancing individualized learning.
- Conducted assessments to monitor progress and adjust educational approaches, ensuring alignment with each student's learning goals.
- Developed and implemented Individual Education Plans to address specific needs of students with special requirements, promoting educational accessibility.
First Grade Teacher
Bay Public Schools
Bay
08.1991 - 05.1993
- Implemented classroom management strategies that enhanced student engagement and created a supportive learning environment.
- Collaborated with parents to promote student development and effectively address individual concerns.
- Assessed student progress through diverse evaluation tools, informing targeted instructional adjustments.
Kindergarten Teacher
Forrest City Public Schools
Forrest City
08.1987 - 05.1991
- Fostered positive classroom environment, enhancing student engagement and collaboration.
- Established and upheld safe learning environment, promoting student well-being and focus.
- Planned and implemented engaging lessons, addressing individual learning needs to support student growth.
Kindergarten Teacher
Parkin Public Schools/Wynne Public Schools
Wynne
08.1986 - 05.1987
- Established and upheld a safe learning environment, ensuring students felt secure and supported.
- Facilitated classroom activities that enhanced social skills and fostered teamwork among students.
- Assessed student progress using various evaluation tools and techniques.
Education
Master of Science - Early Childhood Education
Arkansas State University
Jonesboro, AR12-1990
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Arkansas State University
Jonesboro, AR05-1986
Associate of Arts - General Studies
East Arkansas Community College
Forrest City, AR05-1984
Calvary Christian High School
Forrest City, ARSkills
- IEP development
- Inclusion practices
- Lesson planning
- Curriculum alignment
- Classroom management
- Instructional leadership
- Student advocacy
- Parent communication
- Management team leadership
- Team collaboration
- Professionalism
Timeline
Met chair, 8th grade Math inclusion
Desoto County Schools
08.2012 - 05.2026
3rd, 4th, 5th grade Reading pull-out teacher
Desoto County Schools
08.2009 - 05.2012
5th/6th grade Special Education teacher
North Point Christian School
08.2001 - 05.2009
Pre-school Special Education teacher
Memphis City Schools/Collierville
08.2001 - 05.2002
Kindergarten Teacher
Forrest City Public Schools
08.1997 - 05.2001
Preschool Special Education Teacher
Great Rivers Educational Coop
08.1993 - 05.1997
First Grade Teacher
Bay Public Schools
08.1991 - 05.1993
Kindergarten Teacher
Forrest City Public Schools
08.1987 - 05.1991
Kindergarten Teacher
Parkin Public Schools/Wynne Public Schools
08.1986 - 05.1987
Master of Science - Early Childhood Education
Arkansas State University
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Arkansas State University
Associate of Arts - General Studies
East Arkansas Community College
Calvary Christian High School