Otis Marie Norful
Pine Bluff
Summary
Dedicated educator with a proven track record in classroom management and developing engaging lesson plans. Skilled in individualized education plans and fostering strong communication with parents to support diverse learners.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Long-Term Substitute Teacher
ESS
Pine Bluff
11.2024 - 06.2025
- Implemented lesson plans assigned by classroom teacher to educate students about key concepts.
- Educated students in various subjects to provide seamless transition during absence of head teacher.
- Monitored student progress, providing constructive feedback to enhance learning outcomes.
- Participated in parent-teacher conferences, facilitating discussions that supported student development.
- Implemented classroom management strategies to maintain a positive learning environment.
- Established and enforced rules for behavior and procedures to maintain order among students.
- Enforced classroom routines to keep students on schedule and operating at a consistent level.
- Provided classroom instruction following regular teacher's lesson plans.
- Explained assignments and relayed information from lead teacher.
- Managed student attendance records accurately according to district policy and guidelines.
- Documented key observations and incidents for head teacher review, highlighting notable student events and issues.
Special Education Teacher
Watson Chapel School District
Pine Bluff
08.2024 - 11.2024
- Developed and implemented individualized education plans for students with special needs.
- Developed individualized education plans for students with diverse learning needs.
- Facilitated small group instruction to address specific learning goals and skills.
- Provided instruction in academic, communication, and social skills to special education students.
- Developed engaging lesson plans to cater to diverse learning styles and promote student participation. that accommodate various learning styles and abilities.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress towards IEP goals.
- Monitored the educational progress of each student according to established timelines.
- Communicated effectively with parents about student development and challenges.
- Established positive relationships with students and their families.
- Engaged in parent-teacher conferences to provide updates on student development and strategies for support. to discuss student progress.
- Collaborated closely with related services providers such as speech therapists.
- Participated in professional development activities related to teaching strategies for special education students.
- Participated in professional development workshops to enhance teaching practices.
- Offered hands-on learning opportunities to develop student self-esteem and life skills.
Special Populations Teacher/Special Education Teacher
Friendship Aspire Academy
Pine Bluff
08.2023 - 06.2024
- Developed and implemented individualized education plans for students with special needs.
- Developed Individual Education Plans for students with disabilities.
- Created and enforced child-based, hands-on curriculum to promote student interest and receptive learning.
- Instructed students in academic subjects such as math, science, language arts, social studies, and history.
- Created engaging lesson plans tailored to various learning styles.
- Established classroom rules to manage student behavior effectively. in the classroom by establishing and enforcing rules and procedures.
- Evaluated student behavior to implement appropriate interventions. and implemented positive reinforcement techniques.
- Monitored the educational progress of each student according to established timelines.
- Developed individualized education plans for diverse student needs.
- Collaborated with parents and guardians to discuss student progress and support.
- Communicated regularly with parents about student progress and classroom activities.
- Attended professional development workshops focused on teaching methods and curriculum changes.
- Participated in professional development activities related to teaching strategies for special education students.
Self-Contained Special Education Teacher
Pine Bluff School District
Pine Bluff
08.2020 - 06.2023
- Developed and implemented individualized education plans for students with special needs.
- Created and implemented compliant IEPs, progress reports and state-specific special education documentation.
- Assessed student progress on IEP goals and objectives through data collection, observation, and informal testing.
- Attended IEP meetings to discuss student progress towards meeting IEP goals.
- Developed lesson plans that incorporate a variety of instructional techniques tailored to meet the individual learning styles of each student.
- Conducted small group and individual classroom activities with students based on differentiated learning needs.
- Incorporated interactive visual aids into student lesson plans to support learning objectives.
- Facilitated transition planning efforts from elementary school into middle school or high school settings.
School Bus Driver
Watson Chapel School District
Pine Bluff
08.2001 - 05.2019
- Operated school bus safely during daily routes for students.
- Transported students to school in a timely manner while keeping assigned route schedule.
- Monitored student behavior to promote a safe and respectful environment.
- Followed all safety protocols when transporting students with special needs or disabilities.
- Assisted in emergency drills and ensured compliance with safety regulations.
- Completed pre-trip inspections to identify potential mechanical issues promptly.
- Inspected vehicle tires, brakes, windshield wipers, lights and fluids to verify safe operation.
- Communicated details of bus issues to ensure timely repairs.
Special Needs Bus Monitor
Watson Chapel School District
Pine Bluff
09.1992 - 05.2001
- Maintained a safe and respectful environment while traveling to and from school.
- Monitored students for compliance with safety regulations, promoting a secure environment during transit.
- Supervised student behavior on the bus during daily transportation.
- Assisted students with boarding by providing a friendly greeting and ensuring a safe transition. at designated stops, ensuring safe and smooth transitions off the bus.
- Ensured proper use of wheelchairs, lifts, and other mobility devices.
- Secured students in seats with seatbelts and harnesses for safety during transit. and secured seatbelts, harnesses or other protective devices.
- Loaded and unloaded individuals in wheelchairs using motorized lift and securing wheelchair in place.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - General Studies
University of Arkansas At Pine Bluff
Pine Bluff, AR05-2012
Associate of Arts - General Studies
Southeast Arkansas College
Pine Bluff, AR12-2008
Master of Arts - Master of Arts in Teaching Special Education K-12
University of Arkansas At Monticello
Monticello, AR08-2026
Skills
- Individualized education plans
- Curriculum development
- Student assessment
- Data collection
- Classroom management
- Parent engagement
- Effective communication
Timeline
Long-Term Substitute Teacher
ESS
11.2024 - 06.2025
Special Education Teacher
Watson Chapel School District
08.2024 - 11.2024
Special Populations Teacher/Special Education Teacher
Friendship Aspire Academy
08.2023 - 06.2024
Self-Contained Special Education Teacher
Pine Bluff School District
08.2020 - 06.2023
School Bus Driver
Watson Chapel School District
08.2001 - 05.2019
Special Needs Bus Monitor
Watson Chapel School District
09.1992 - 05.2001
Bachelor of Arts - General Studies
University of Arkansas At Pine Bluff
Associate of Arts - General Studies
Southeast Arkansas College
Master of Arts - Master of Arts in Teaching Special Education K-12
University of Arkansas At Monticello