TAMEKA MATTHEWS
Columbus
Summary
Dedicated Special Education professional with more than a decade of experience serving students with disabilities, emotional and behavioral challenges, and diverse learning needs in public schools, alternative education programs, and residential treatment settings. Experienced in delivering individualized instruction, developing and implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), monitoring student progress, and implementing positive behavior intervention strategies for at-risk students. Skilled in collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, maintaining IDEA compliance, and building meaningful relationships that promote academic achievement, behavioral growth, and successful transitions. Committed to creating safe, structured, and supportive learning environments where every student has the opportunity to succeed.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher
West Point Consolidated School District
07.2025 - Current
- Developed and implemented Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) aligned with students' academic, behavioral, and transition goals.
- Delivered differentiated instruction and evidence-based interventions to students in a self-contained special education classroom serving middle and high school learners.
- Monitored student progress through ongoing assessment and data collection to adjust instruction and ensure compliance with IEP goals.
- Collaborated with general education teachers, related service providers, administrators, and families to support students' academic, behavioral, and social-emotional growth.
- Implemented positive behavior intervention strategies and classroom management techniques to promote student engagement and independence.
- Maintained accurate special education documentation while ensuring compliance with IDEA, state regulations, and district policies.
Special Education Supervisor
The Learning Tree
04.2022 - 05.2025
- Supervised special education services for students with significant behavioral, emotional, and learning needs in both day treatment and residential settings.
- Ensured compliance with IDEA requirements through oversight of IEP implementation, progress monitoring, and educational documentation.
- Collaborated with teachers, therapists, behavior specialists, residential staff, and school districts to develop individualized academic and behavioral supports.
- Monitored student progress through data collection and educational assessments to guide instructional and behavioral interventions.
- Provided instructional coaching and ongoing support to special education staff to ensure consistent implementation of best practices.
- Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings to develop individualized plans that promoted academic achievement, behavioral growth, and successful transitions.
- Maintained accurate educational records while ensuring compliance with state and federal special education regulations.
- Partnered with families, school districts, and outside agencies to support continuity of services and student success.
Lead Special Education Teacher
Columbus Municipal School District
08.2017 - 05.2021
- Led the planning and implementation of individualized instruction for students with disabilities in inclusion and self-contained classroom settings.
- Developed, implemented, and monitored Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) to ensure compliance with federal and state special education requirements.
- Collaborated with general education teachers, related service providers, and administrators to coordinate instructional and behavioral supports.
- Utilized assessment data and progress monitoring to adjust instruction and improve student achievement.
- Implemented positive behavior intervention strategies for students with emotional, behavioral, cognitive, and learning disabilities.
- Served as a resource and instructional leader within the special education department while supporting school-wide special education initiatives.
- Maintained accurate documentation and ensured compliance with IDEA, state regulations, and district policies.
Special Education Teacher
Ombudsman Educational Services
03.2017 - 06.2017
- Planned, prepared, and delivered individualized instruction for high school students with disabilities in an alternative education setting.
- Implemented instructional strategies aligned with students' Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
- Provided one-on-one and small-group academic support to address students' individual learning needs.
- Collaborated with the Program Director, special education leadership, and fellow teachers to support students' academic and behavioral success.
- Maintained accurate educational records and documentation in accordance with special education requirements.
- Built positive relationships with students to encourage academic engagement and personal growth.
Special Education Teacher
Columbus Municipal School District
08.2013 - 12.2016
- Planned and delivered individualized instruction for high school students receiving special education services in inclusion and resource classroom settings.
- Developed and implemented instructional strategies aligned with students' Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) to support academic achievement and access to the general education curriculum.
- Provided targeted academic interventions and individualized learning plans for students with learning disabilities, emotional disabilities, and other exceptionalities.
- Prepared students for state assessments through differentiated instruction, progress monitoring, and focused skill development.
- Collaborated with general education teachers, administrators, and families to support students' academic, behavioral, and social-emotional growth.
- Utilized data and ongoing assessment to monitor student progress and adjust instructional strategies to meet individual learning needs.nt.
Student Services Coordinator
Greenwood Public School
08.2012 - 05.2013
- Collaborated with vocational and transition specialists to prepare students with disabilities for post-secondary education, employment, and independent living.
- Worked with teachers, administrators, parents, and community partners to develop individualized transition plans that supported student success beyond high school.
- Designed and delivered technology training to improve students' proficiency with educational and workplace applications.
- Assisted students in developing academic, vocational, and independent living skills to support successful transitions into adulthood.
- Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings to coordinate services and address students' academic, behavioral, and transition needs.
Education
Graduate Certificate in Special Education - Special Education
Mississippi State University
Starkville, MS12-2011
Bachelor of Science - Environmental GeoScience
Mississippi State University
Starkville, MS05-2008
Skills
- Special Education Instruction
- IEP Development & Implementation
- IDEA Compliance
- Differentiated Instruction
- Classroom & Behavior Management
- Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies (PBIS)
- Crisis Prevention & Intervention
- Individual & Small-Group Instruction
- Alternative Education
- Autism & Behavioral Supports
- Progress Monitoring & Data Collection
- Multidisciplinary Collaboration
- Educational Technology
- Literacy Intervention
- Relationship Building
Accomplishments
- Increased Student Engagement
- Implemented interactive learning tools that boosted student participation in virtual classrooms by 30%.
- Excellence in Special Education
- Recognized for developing individualized learning plans that considerably advanced inclusive education practices and decreased classroom disruptions by 90%.
- Data-Driven
- Implemented a data tracking system resulting in 20% increase in student achievement.
Certification
- Mississippi Teacher Certification
- Special Education (K-12) | Physical Education (K-12) | Social Studies (7-12) | CTE-Special Populations (7-12)
- 07/2012 - 06/2029
- Alabama Teacher Certification
- Special Education - Collaborative (6-12)
- 06/2018 - 06/2028
- Professional Crisis Management Association (PCMA)
- PCM Practitioner 2 Certification
- American Red Cross
- First Aid/CPR/AED Certification
- Relias Academy - Alabama Department of Mental Health
- Medication Assistance Certification
PASSIONS
- Educational Technology Enthusiast
- I am deeply passionate about leveraging technology to enhance the quality and accessibility of education for all students.
- Supporting At-Risk Students
- I'm committed to creating supportive environments that help at-risk students overcome challenges and succeed academically.
- Equity in Education
- Committed to bridging the education gap by developing effective and inclusive curriculum tailored to diverse learner needs.
- Community Outreach
- Committed to connecting educational communities and families, bridging the gap between home and school learning environments.
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
West Point Consolidated School District
07.2025 - Current
Special Education Supervisor
The Learning Tree
04.2022 - 05.2025
Lead Special Education Teacher
Columbus Municipal School District
08.2017 - 05.2021
Special Education Teacher
Ombudsman Educational Services
03.2017 - 06.2017
Special Education Teacher
Columbus Municipal School District
08.2013 - 12.2016
Student Services Coordinator
Greenwood Public School
08.2012 - 05.2013
Graduate Certificate in Special Education - Special Education
Mississippi State University
Bachelor of Science - Environmental GeoScience
Mississippi State University