Sonia Cooper
Halls Creek
Summary
Dynamic and empathetic professional with a proven track record at Halls Creek District High School, adept in instructional support and utilizing technology to enhance learning for special needs students. Excelled in building relationships and fostering a cohesive team environment. Achieved significant improvements in student independence and academic performance through innovative lesson planning and assistive technology integration.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Education Assistant, Special Needs
Halls Creek District High School
02.2013 - Current
- Set up visual aids, equipment, and classroom displays to support teacher's lesson delivery.
- Promoted social skill development among special needs learners through targeted group activities and role-playing exercises.
- Assisted in the integration of assistive technology devices and tools, promoting accessibility and independence among students.
- Assisted with the planning and execution of school-wide events highlighting the abilities and achievements of special needs learners within the community.
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Assisted in the organization of field trips and extracurricular events that offered valuable real-world experiences for special education students, fostering skill-building opportunities outside the classroom setting.
- Coordinated with teachers to create inclusive lesson plans that addressed the diverse needs of all learners within the classroom setting.
- Utilized assistive technology tools strategically in order to facilitate increased independence among students with diverse learning needs.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive support strategies for each student, contributing to improved academic performance.
- Partnered with speech therapists, occupational therapists, and other related service providers to ensure comprehensive support for each individual student''s growth and progress.
- Supported students with various disabilities through one-on-one tutoring sessions, improving their understanding of course materials and concepts.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in special education instruction and support services.
- Developed strong rapport with students by demonstrating empathy, patience, and understanding during daily interactions both inside and outside the classroom setting.
- Collaborated with teacher to create customized classroom environment integral to students' needs.
- Maintained classroom equipment and work area to promote safe learning environment and meet mandated requirements.
- Improved communication skills by incorporating visual aids, sign language, and alternative methods in daily instruction.
- Oversaw class of students in absence of instructor.
- Monitored student classroom and outdoors activities to promote student safety.
- Facilitated small group instruction to enhance individualized learning opportunities for special needs students.
- Served as a liaison between parents, teachers, administrators, and other support staff to ensure seamless service delivery for all special needs students.
- Maintained detailed records of student performance, behavior incidents, attendance, and IEP goals for accurate reporting purposes.
- Developed creative lesson plans featuring multisensory approaches to accommodate diverse learning styles effectively.
Gallery Attendant
Atherton Regional Gallery
03.2009 - 08.2011
- Maintained gallery reputation for professionalism by adhering to strict protocols regarding artwork handling, storage and transportation.
- Maintained a clean and organized gallery environment, creating an inviting atmosphere for visitors to enjoy.
- Collaborated with gallery staff to plan and execute successful opening receptions and special events.
- Increased accessibility for diverse audiences through proactive planning of inclusive events such as artist talks or workshops.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Managed art handling tasks including packing, shipping, storage organization, and condition reports to ensure artwork safety.
- Improved visitor engagement by actively participating in community outreach programs that promoted local arts culture.
- Facilitated positive communication between exhibiting artists and potential buyers or collectors, fostering long-term relationships within the artistic community.
- Managed sales transactions for artwork purchases, efficiently processing payments and updating inventory records.
- Assisted curators in conducting research for upcoming exhibitions, providing valuable context for exhibited works of art.
- Aided in the development of marketing materials for upcoming exhibitions, attracting new visitors to the gallery.
- Contributed to increased gallery attendance by promoting exhibitions through social media platforms and marketing materials.
- Enhanced public relations efforts by effectively communicating with press contacts about upcoming shows or special projects.
- Collaborated with artists to coordinate delivery and installation of artwork for various exhibitions.
- Facilitated smooth opening receptions by coordinating event logistics such as catering services, security, and guest lists.
- Streamlined daily operations by managing front desk tasks such as answering phones and emails, scheduling appointments, and greeting visitors.
- Enhanced visitor experience by providing knowledgeable and friendly assistance during gallery tours and events.
- Maintained detailed artwork descriptions and artist biographies in central database to facilitate accurate delivery of information to visitors.
- Ensured artwork safety by diligently monitoring gallery spaces and maintaining proper environmental conditions.
Lead Visual Merchandiser
David Jones
07.2001 - 06.2004
- Developed merchandising strategy to efficiently move overstock.
- Presented store update suggestions and layouts to management and stakeholders.
- Trained and mentored junior visual merchandisers, fostering a cohesive team environment focused on achieving results.
- Collaborated with retail department to create effective floor plans for regular use, seasonal lines and special sales.
- Improved store aesthetics by incorporating relevant themes into the design of displays and signage material.
- Coordinated with suppliers to secure timely delivery of display materials, ensuring promotional campaigns launched as scheduled.
- Streamlined visual merchandising process, reducing setup time for new displays by organizing materials and tools efficiently.
- Utilized space effectively by designing versatile display units that could be easily adapted for different products and promotions.
- Trained new staff on visual merchandising standards and practices, ensuring brand consistency across all departments.
- Enhanced brand visibility by integrating digital elements into traditional displays, engaging tech-savvy audience.
- Partnered with marketing team to align in-store promotions with wider advertising campaigns, creating cohesive brand experience.
- Monitored and adjusted lighting to enhance product presentation, creating inviting atmosphere that encouraged purchases.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
Workshop Facilitator
Cuxhaven Art Association
01.1996 - 01.2000
- Facilitated dialogue between participants, family, and program workers to provide best possible program and individualized program.
- Collected data on program efficacy through data analysis and implemented solutions for improvement.
- Planned and facilitated [Type] workshops in accordance with [Type] curricula, employing varied methods to maximize attendance.
- Identified areas in need of improvement and implemented solutions.
- Monitored attendee participation throughout workshops closely enough so as not only gauge comprehension levels but also adjust pacing accordingly when necessary.
- Utilized multimedia tools effectively within workshops to facilitate greater understanding of complex concepts.
- Achieved consistently high levels of participant satisfaction by maintaining a professional demeanor and providing clear, concise instruction throughout workshops.
- Remained adaptable by modifying workshop content or delivery style in response to participant feedback, ensuring maximum relevance and effectiveness.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge on industry trends and developments, incorporating relevant information into workshops as needed.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Fine Arts
Curtin University
Perth, WASkills
- Instructional support
- Patience and empathy
- Teamwork orientation
- Learning disability awareness
- Autism and spectrum disorders
- Social and group settings
- Behavioral plan management
- Relationship building skills
- Classroom management strategies
- Experienced with [technology]
- Small group support
- Self motivation
- Relationship building
- Effective communication
- Active listening
Certification
- [State] Driver's License
- [Name of Certification] [Issuing Organization] [Year Month]
- [Area of certification]
Community Art Projects
I have been actively involved in various community art projects, such as Murals, NAIDOC Week Projects and School holiday programs.
I have delivered short courses for adults in painting and lino cutting workshops.
Languages
German
Native or Bilingual
Interests
- Photography
- Passionate about balancing physical health with mental and emotional wellness
- Creative Writing
- Gardening
- I enjoy sketching and drawing, which helps improve my creativity and attention to detail
- Camping
- Yoga
Timeline
Education Assistant, Special Needs
Halls Creek District High School
02.2013 - Current
Gallery Attendant
Atherton Regional Gallery
03.2009 - 08.2011
Lead Visual Merchandiser
David Jones
07.2001 - 06.2004
Workshop Facilitator
Cuxhaven Art Association
01.1996 - 01.2000
- [State] Driver's License
- [Name of Certification] [Issuing Organization] [Year Month]
- [Area of certification]
Bachelor of Arts - Fine Arts
Curtin University
Similar Profiles
Sophie BillingtonSophie Billington
Secondary Tecaher at Halls Creek Distric High SchoolSecondary Tecaher at Halls Creek Distric High School
John JamiesonJohn Jamieson
Registered Nurse, Emergency Department at Halls Creek District HospitalRegistered Nurse, Emergency Department at Halls Creek District Hospital
Janice LukeJanice Luke
College Career Military Readiness (CCMR)/Transition Coordinator at Grape Creek High School - Grape Creek ISDCollege Career Military Readiness (CCMR)/Transition Coordinator at Grape Creek High School - Grape Creek ISD