Open to opportunities

Michelle Garcia

@michellegarcia

Special needs paraprofessional and music educator who tracks student progress and builds supportive learning environments.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I’m looking for a school and music program where I can support student growth with IEP/behavior-plan follow-through, consistent data tracking, and engaging lesson planning—working collaboratively with families and staff.

I’m a Special Needs Paraprofessional who follows the supports outlined in my student's IEP and behavior plan while tracking data. I help students build coping skills, coach social interactions, and encourage PBIS goals through consistent support and thoughtful follow-through.

Previously, I served as a Lead Teacher at The Learning Garden Academy, where I created weekly lesson plans with individual goals and accommodations compliant with state standards. I completed quarterly Teaching Strategies Gold assessments and yearly Ages and Stages screenings, and I tracked each child’s progress through portfolios while communicating and conferencing regularly with parents.

I also bring a strong music education background as a Voice and Piano Instructor, teaching personal technique-based lessons for various skill levels and ages. My students benefited from repertoire chosen through student interest and appropriate skill level, along with instruction in voice, piano, sight reading, theory, and musicianship.

From 2013–2015, I worked as an Introduction to Music for Chorus Members Teacher and as a Choral Administrator/Student Conductor for Bard College Chamber Singers and Bard College Community Chorus. I led daily and weekly rehearsals and managed the music library—creating a course syllabus, seating charts, and correspondence—while also supporting rehearsal and music distribution for the Mozart Requiem with Adam Fischer.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Substitute Music Teacher

Current

Midway School (K-6)

Jan 2025 - Present (1 year 5 months)

Provided instruction by following the lesson plans left by the classroom teacher. Planned guest-teacher lessons aligned to state standards.

Substitute Teaching State Standards K 6 Instruction Classroom Management Music instruction

Current

Special Needs Paraprofessional

Current

Midway Elementary School

Jan 2024 - Present (2 years 5 months)

Supported students by following IEP and behavior plan strategies while tracking behavior and progress data. Taught coping skills, coached social interactions, and encouraged PBIS-aligned goals.

Behavior Plans Data Tracking

Lead Teacher

The Learning Garden Academy

Jan 2022 - Jan 2024 (2 years)

Created weekly lesson plans with individual goals and state-standards-aligned accommodations. Assessed students using Teaching Strategies Gold and Ages and Stages screenings, and tracked progress through portfolios with regular parent communication.

Lesson planning State Standards Ages And Stages Assessment Student Portfolios Child Development Monitoring

Voice and Piano Instructor

Bowman Music and Creative Outlet

Jan 2018 - Jan 2019 (1 year)

Created technique-focused voice and piano lessons tailored to students of varying ages and experience. Chose repertoire to match student interests and maintain an appropriate learning level.

Piano Instruction Technique Development Repertoire Lesson planning

Voice and Piano Instructor

Cincinnati School of Music

Jan 2016 - Jan 2016 (0 months)

Set individual goals and planned lessons across different age groups and learning backgrounds, assessing learning goals monthly. Taught group voice, sight reading, theory, and musicianship classes.

Music Theory Musicianship Monthly Assessment Lesson planning

Choral Administrator & Conductor

Bard College Chamber Singers

Jan 2013 - Jan 2015 (2 years)

Led daily and weekly rehearsals while supporting choral operations for Bard College ensembles. Managed the music library and created course materials including a syllabus, seating charts, and member correspondence.

Choral Rehearsal Leadership Student Conducting Music Library Management Member Communication Ensemble Administration

Introduction to Music Teacher

Bard College

Jan 2013 - Jan 2015 (2 years)

Designed monthly lesson plans covering musicianship, music theory, beginning vocal technique, solfege, and sight reading. Evaluated student learning through weekly quizzes and tracked progress throughout the course.

Music Theory Solfege Musicianship Vocal Technique Lesson planning Student Assessment

Assistant Production Manager

Mozart Requiem (Adam Fischer)

Jan 2014 - Jan 2014 (0 months)

Prepared choral seating and orchestral charts while overseeing the music library and distribution materials. Assisted with rehearsal needs and promptly responded to questions from chorus and orchestra members.

Choral Seating Orchestral Charting Music Library Management Rehearsal Ensemble Operations

Voice and Piano Instructor

Bowman Music and Creative Outlet

Jan 2012 - Jan 2013 (1 year)

Developed technique-based voice and piano lessons for different skill levels and ages. Selected repertoire based on student interest and appropriate skill progression.

Piano Instruction Technique Development Repertoire Lesson planning