Tara Malia
Philadelphia,Pennsylvania
Summary
Dedicated and results-driven special education professional with extensive experience supporting students with complex needs through collaboration, advocacy, and program leadership. Proven expertise in interpreting evaluation reports, developing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and educating school personnel on individualized accommodations and supports. Adept at leading initiatives, building relationships with families and multidisciplinary teams, and driving positive outcomes for students with diverse learning needs.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Autistic Support Teacher
Upper Moreland Township School District
09.2023 - Current
- Built strong, positive relationships with families and outside agencies to create a supportive network that promotes student success both in and outside the classroom.
- Effectively communicated with general education teachers and support staff, providing targeted strategies, accommodations, and modifications to ensure students could fully access and thrive in their learning environments.
- Reviewed evaluation reports and developed comprehensive Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) focused on leveraging student strengths to address specific needs and foster academic, social, and emotional growth.
- Served as a teacher leader supporting special education initiatives, modeling best practices, facilitating professional development, and driving inclusive education strategies within the school community.
Kindergarten Teacher
Upper Moreland Township School District
08.2014 - 06.2023
- Delivered lesson plans, implemented school curriculum and used data to create, monitor, and establish personalized learning plans for students
- Modified general education curriculum, differentiated instruction, and implemented accommodations and technology to meet the individual needs of students
- Delivered structured lessons on readiness skills by emphasizing phonics, language skills, literature, and handwriting
- Applied evidence-based practices for classroom management to enhance learning results
- Served as a member of the Leadership Committee and participated in data-driven decision making and problem solving processes to improve teaching and learning
- Facilitated team meetings and professional development to general education teachers to provide support with Individualized Education Plans, differentiation, and inclusive practices
Special Education Teacher (K-2)
Upper Moreland Township School District
08.2006 - 08.2014
- Instructed students across multiple classifications and degrees of academic and behavioral needs in Kindergarten, First, and Second grade.
- Developed Individualized Education Plans for students transitioning from Early Intervention programs to school aged programs.
- Communicated effectively with parents, administrators, general education teachers, and related service providers to ensure students with Individualized Education Plans were being adequately supported and that IEP timelines were being met.
- Facilitated team meetings and professional development to general education teachers to provide support with Individualized Education Plans, differentiation, and inclusive practices.
Emotional Support Teacher (5-8)
Northwestern Lehigh School District
08.2002 - 07.2006
- Restructured the Emotional Support program at the middle school to focus more on the academic and mental health needs of students with Individualized Education Plans
- Designed and implemented Positive Behavior Support plans for students that encouraged a safe, positive learning environment
- Served as a member of the Special Education committee for Strategic Planning
Education
Supervisor of Special Educaton Certification -
Gwynedd Mercy University
Gwynedd Valley, PA05-2025
PreK-12 Administrative 1/Principal Certification - undefined
Cabrini University
Radnor, PA05.2010
Master of Science - Educational Development and Strategies
Wilkes University
Wilkes-Barre, PA09.2007
Bachelor of Science - Special Education and Elementary Education
Bloomsburg University
Bloomsburg, PA05.2002
Skills
Collaboration and Relationship Building
- Building strong partnerships with families, educators, administrators, and outside agencies
Special Education Expertise
- In-depth knowledge of special education laws (IDEA, Section 504, ADA)
- Proficiency in reviewing and interpreting evaluation reports and developing and implementing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and Positive Behavior Support Plans (PBS)
Communication and Advocacy
- Educating and coaching general education teachers and support staff on accommodations, modifications, and student needs
- Advocating for student access to appropriate resources, environments, and supports
Program Development and Implementation
- Promoting inclusive practices and developing strategies to help students access general education environments
Organizational and Leadership Skills
- Managing caseloads, documentation, and compliance with timelines and regulations
- Coordinating meetings, evaluations, and follow-up to ensure student needs are met
Timeline
Autistic Support Teacher
Upper Moreland Township School District
09.2023 - Current
Kindergarten Teacher
Upper Moreland Township School District
08.2014 - 06.2023
Special Education Teacher (K-2)
Upper Moreland Township School District
08.2006 - 08.2014
Emotional Support Teacher (5-8)
Northwestern Lehigh School District
08.2002 - 07.2006
PreK-12 Administrative 1/Principal Certification - undefined
Cabrini University
Master of Science - Educational Development and Strategies
Wilkes University
Bachelor of Science - Special Education and Elementary Education
Bloomsburg University
Supervisor of Special Educaton Certification -
Gwynedd Mercy University
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