Alicia Podlaha
Bohemia,N.Y.
Summary
Dynamic and compassionate leader with proven success in Roosevelt School District, specializing in disability awareness and parent collaboration. Led the development of special education programs that elevated compliance and enhanced student support, demonstrating expertise in curriculum adaptation and Individualized Education Plans. Recognized for exceptional productivity in education administration, with strong capabilities in strategic planning, curriculum development, and staff management. Adept at fostering positive environments through effective communication and problem-solving skills to achieve outstanding educational outcomes.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Director of Special Education
Roosevelt District Office
Roosevelt, N.Y.
08.2021 - Current
- Administer supervise, and coordinate special education services and programs for students with disabilities
- Serve as Chairperson for the Committee on Special Education,Committee on Preschool Special Education
- Acts as a District Liaison in designated meetings and conferences
- Organize special education classes in compliance with New York State regulations making the district eligible to receive state funding
- Conducts site visits
- Conduct annual reviews of students with disabilities that are placed in special education programs within the district and outside the district
- Supervise the individual education process in compliance with New York State recommendations of students with disabilities
- Assume responsibility for the accuracy, validity, and interpretation of results from use of testing programs
- Devise forms and procedures to expedite pupil referrals by teachers and principals to service personnel such as psychologists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, health professionals, etc
- Oversee and coordinate special education services conducted by the district and assignment of pupils to special education programs conducted outside the district
- Participate actively in curriculum and program planning for in-district special education programs
- Oversee the administrative tasks related to pupil transfers to other school districts and pupil withdrawals as well as follow-up studies of post high school pupils
- Assist with compiling statistical reports required by law, which are relevant to State Aid Programs
- Coordinate orientation programs for pupils moving from one school level, both public and non-public, to another
- Handle all pupil referrals to community agencies, such as a mental health clinic
- Work with the Administrative Assistant in planning pupil transportation services for special education students
- Oversee the district’s programs of home tutoring for eligible students
- Act as a consultant to building principals in all areas of Special Education Services
- Confer with parents and/or special education personnel, at their request, on acute problems of individual pupils
- Conduct in-service workshops and training development programs for members of the department and for selected teachers
- Assist in the design and writing of proposals for Special Education
- Monitor the special education student record system to ensure that approved information is kept current in the students’ Individual Education Plan (IEP) cumulative record folders
- Assists with the supervision of the PPS department clerical and clinical staff
- Conduct observations of special education teachers, related service providers and clinicians
- Establish effective working relationships with other institutions of the town, region and state that may be of use to teachers, parents, or students
- Check and approve invoices from approved private and public providers and outside service providers
- Assume responsibility for non-professional development, for keeping current with the literature, for new research findings, for improved techniques in specialized area and for attending appropriate professional meetings
Lead Teacher of Special Education Department
Roosevelt High School
Roosevelt, N.Y.
09.2019 - 06.2021
- Conducts departmental meetings
- Liaison between staff and administration
- Collaborates with lead teachers of other departments and administration
- Attends and participates in lead teacher meetings
- Coordinates and executes Regents exams and Scholastic Aptitude Test for Students with Disabilities
- Mentors staff on educational testing, Specially Designed Instruction, development and implementation of IEPs
Special Education Teacher
Roosevelt, N.Y.
09.2005 - 06.2021
- Conducts annual educational evaluations
- Reviews referral data, history and assessment data to develop appropriate goals and objectives for each student
- Consults with general education teachers on educational, social, emotional, physical needs and objectives of students
- Plans, develops and implements individualized learning plans and Specially Designed Instruction for each student
- Reviews IEPs with parents, school administrators and general education teachers
- Monitors, evaluates and documents each student's progress utilizing measurements and assessment devices
- Prepares timely progress reports for each student
- Develops and implements necessary interventions and strategies to promote achievement of student objectives
- Collaborates with general education teachers regarding the implementation of the IEPs and special educational services
- Modifies and adapts conventional educational programs and curriculum to meet the requirements of students
- Maintains regular communication with parents by means of email, phone calls, conferences and progress reports
- Assists parents to understand and support educational objectives, learning expectations and behavioral standards
- Develops and implements Behavioral Intervention Plans (BIPs) where necessary
Summer Enrichment Coordinator
Roosevelt High School
Roosevelt, N.Y.
07.2019 - 08.2019
- Supervised and monitored students and staff
- Collaborated with staff to ensure alignment of program goals and objectives
- Collected and reviewed weekly lesson plans
- Conducted daily observations/walkthroughs
- Maintained accurate records of attendance, transportation, student information and incident reports
- Conducted weekly morning meetings
- Planned and executed 2 fire drills
- Coordinated and implemented culminating celebration
Education
New York State, Initial Certification: School Building Leader -
New York01.2020
New York State, Professional Certification: School District Leader -
New York01.2020
Educational Leadership & Administration -
College of Saint Rose
Albany, New York01.2019
New York State, Professional Teaching Certification: English for Speakers of Other Languages -
Molloy College
Rockville Center, New York01.2009
New York State, Professional Teaching Certification: Business & Distributive Education Grades K-12 -
New York01.2009
New York State, Professional Teaching Certification: Elementary Education Grades K-6 -
New York01.2004
New York State, Professional Teaching Certification: Special Education Pre-K-21 -
New York01.2004
Master of Science in Education -
Dowling College
Oakdale, New York01.2004
Bachelor of Science in Business Management -
Hofstra University
Hempstead, New York01.2000
Associate of Arts in Business Administration -
Hofstra University
Hempstead, New York01.1996
Skills
- Inclusive education
- Individualized education plans
- Special education law
- Educational leadership
- Transition planning
- Disability awareness
- Collaboration
- Communication and transparency
Timeline
Assistant Director of Special Education
Roosevelt District Office
08.2021 - Current
Lead Teacher of Special Education Department
Roosevelt High School
09.2019 - 06.2021
Summer Enrichment Coordinator
Roosevelt High School
07.2019 - 08.2019
Special Education Teacher
09.2005 - 06.2021
New York State, Initial Certification: School Building Leader -
New York State, Professional Certification: School District Leader -
Educational Leadership & Administration -
College of Saint Rose
New York State, Professional Teaching Certification: English for Speakers of Other Languages -
Molloy College
New York State, Professional Teaching Certification: Business & Distributive Education Grades K-12 -
New York State, Professional Teaching Certification: Elementary Education Grades K-6 -
New York State, Professional Teaching Certification: Special Education Pre-K-21 -
Master of Science in Education -
Dowling College
Bachelor of Science in Business Management -
Hofstra University
Associate of Arts in Business Administration -
Hofstra University