Amanda Bernowski
Westerville
Summary
Seasoned educational leader with extensive expertise in special education, professional development, staff coaching, and project management. A long-standing member of the Central Ohio community, frequently consulted by colleagues on staffing and educational leadership challenges. Engages audiences as a presenter for the Council for Exceptional Children, demonstrating a commitment to advancing best practices in education. Recognized with accolades from Bricker Graydon, Disability Rights Ohio, and Franklin County Job and Family Services for outstanding contributions to the field.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Special Education
Groveport Madison Local Schools
Groveport, Ohio
07.2025 - Current
- Conducted in-depth assessments and executed transformation initiatives to optimize service continuum model operations.
- Revamped behavior staff model to support improved service delivery.
- Designed targeted recruitment strategies to identify and secure hard-to-find educational talent.
- Assisted in developing budget reduction strategies to optimize resource allocation. Supported initiatives for classified staff reduction to enhance operational efficiency. Collaborated with teams to implement cost-saving measures effectively.
- Leveraged extensive experience in discipline to implement corrective actions effectively.
- Assisted in establishing a new school within the district through collaboration with various stakeholders. Supported team efforts to align educational goals with community needs. Facilitated communication between district officials and school staff to promote effective partnerships.
- Coordinated efforts among stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of MTSS across the district.
- Supported two office staff, two coordinators, and two behavior specialists in daily operations within a related services department. Assisted in coordinating activities and resources to enhance team efficiency. Facilitated communication among team members to promote collaboration and support.
- Provided guidance and support to building principals through structured mentorship activities.
- Oversaw comprehensive compliance management processes.
- Developed and implemented internal monitoring protocol to ensure compliance and quality assurance.
- Developed and implemented formal MDR processes and procedures.
- Led collaborative initiatives with student services, teaching and learning, transportation, and the treasurer's office to enhance interdepartmental communication. Oversaw project alignment with departmental goals to drive efficiency. Fostered partnerships that improved service delivery and operational effectiveness.
- Led initiatives within professional development and multi-tiered systems of support committees. Co-chaired special education committee to enhance program effectiveness. Participated in strategic planning as a member of district leadership team.
- Orchestrated master schedule planning across all grade bands to optimize resource allocation.
Director of Special Education
Reynoldsburg City Schools
Reynoldsburg, OH
07.2024 - 07.2025
- Managed all aspects of special education operations to ensure compliance and support student needs.
- Executed staff allocation, reallocation, and reduction strategies to optimize workforce efficiency.
- Analyzed existing services model and implemented strategic improvements for increased effectiveness.
- Revamped professional development initiatives in special education to enhance staff competencies across the district.
- Achieved improved team performance through effective evaluations of coordinators and support for staff.
- Led graduation planning efforts by coordinating with multiple committees to ensure successful event execution. Oversaw participation in district programs aimed at improving pathways to graduation. Guided the MTSS remodel committee in strategic planning and implementation.
- Analyzed student placement data to identify cost-saving opportunities within district departments.
- Oversaw resource procurement processes, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and requirements.
- Monitored adherence to compliance protocols to uphold organizational integrity.
- Oversaw the mediation facilitation process, ensuring adherence to due process standards and addressing complaints comprehensively.
- Coordinated levy campaigns to support team objectives. Assisted in organizing resources for effective campaign execution. Contributed to the successful implementation of levy initiatives.
- 2024/2025 SY ZERO ODEW findings and corrective action compliant
Secondary Special Education and 504 Coordinator
Reynoldsburg City Schools
Reynoldsburg, OH
01.2022 - 07.2023
- Oversaw compliance initiatives to align with local, state, and federal regulations. Guided teams in the execution of compliance strategies to mitigate risks. Championed the development of compliance training programs for staff.
- Led initiatives for professional development through program creation and effective presentation delivery. Guided team members in developing impactful training sessions. Fostered collaboration to improve overall presentation quality.
- Facilitated onboarding processes for new department staff.
- Conducted staff evaluations to assess performance and provide constructive feedback. Supported transition coordination for speech-language pathologists to enhance service delivery. Assisted in the implementation of best practices for staff development.
- Directed oversight of district-wide data compliance training and implementation of student Section 504 plans.
- Oversaw district-level discipline policies related to special education and Section 504 compliance.
- Oversaw coordination, monitoring, and assessment of summer school programs for all special education, 504, gifted, and English learner students.
- Oversaw the development of leadership capabilities by managing master scheduling for placements and staffing of students and staff resources. Directed hiring initiatives to align with strategic goals. Facilitated resource management to enhance operational efficiency.
- Implemented improvements to behavior focus learning centers at middle school level, ensuring effective support for students requiring assistance with emotional and mental health needs.
- Collaborated with secondary internship coordinator to realign county programming with district guidelines, enhancing resource efficiency.
- Revised and optimized district 504 policies and procedures to support equitable access for all students.
- Collaborated with educators to establish alternative graduation pathways tailored for special education, English learner, and 504 students.
- Analyzed compliance requirements and crafted detailed response plans to address regulatory obligations.
- Assisted in coordinating communication between career center and district stakeholders. Supported initiatives to enhance student career readiness. Facilitated workshops and events to connect students with local employers.
- Developed comprehensive transfer policies to streamline internal processes.
- Led initiatives to improve educational outcomes for youth in foster care. Oversaw partnerships with community organizations to expand support services. Championed collaborative strategies to address the needs of families in the foster care system.
- Assisted in implementing positive behavioral interventions and supports to enhance student behavior. Supported restorative practices to foster a collaborative school environment. Collaborated with staff to address behavioral issues effectively.
- Crafted adjustment transfer policy outlining procedures and guidelines for effective implementation and adherence.
- Assisted in conducting manifestation determination reviews and hearings. Supported teams in preparing documentation for reviews. Aided in facilitating communication between stakeholders during hearings.
Regional Instructional Specialist
Phalen Leadership Academies
Columbus, OH
05.2020 - 08.2021
- Coached staff and strengthened leadership initiatives across four charter schools in Central Ohio to foster educational excellence.
- Spearheaded design, development, implementation, and assessment of e-learning programs for all staff, ensuring compliance with professional learning standards and Ohio ORC requirements.
- Engaged with HR leadership and regional director to streamline hiring processes and attract exceptional candidates for various positions.
- Oversaw the creation of policy documents and manuals focused on state licensure requirements and the advancement of professional learning community programs in Phalen, Ohio.
- Spearheaded development and implementation of comprehensive curriculum programming focused on diversity and inclusion.
- Collaborated with national academic team to design and develop e-learning modules utilizing Canva, Instructure, and Blackboard.
- Led comprehensive instructional reviews across four sites, ensuring consistency and quality.
- Facilitated training sessions for instructional specialists on research-based best practices and programs.
- Implemented ARCS project management model to enhance national academic team’s building-level leadership assessment frameworks.
- Developed and delivered training programs for staff on data analysis to support academic improvement initiatives.
Principal and Building Leader
Northridge Local Schools
Johnstown, Ohio
07.2019 - 07.2020
- Coordinated community engagement initiatives and events to address changes in leadership and programming.
- Collaborated with Licking County principals team to establish a family assistance link between Licking County Board of Health and Licking County Sheriff’s Department.
- Assisted in new building construction team by providing input on special education needs. Supported safety planning initiatives for active shooter scenarios at high and middle schools. Contributed to the development of new CTE offerings at high school.
- Led transformation of CTE program in partnership with C-TEC. Engaged community and gathered data to inform program adjustments. Coordinated with various stakeholders to execute comprehensive programming changes.
- Supported various academic booster initiatives aimed at promoting educational excellence and community involvement.
- Facilitated successful graduation pathways by launching a credentialing program for at-risk students. Achieved student certification in scissor lift, fork lift, and CPR training.
- Developed and implemented comprehensive documentation strategies tailored to special education and 504 student requirements.
- Executed change management strategies to review and repurpose positions and policies for enhanced operational efficiency.
- Achieved improved staff competency in culturally relevant practices and mandated reporting through targeted training programs. Enhanced programming for exceptional children by implementing effective PBIS strategies. Advanced social emotional learning and curriculum development, resulting in enriched educational experiences.
- Led staff development programs to cultivate professional growth and enhance team effectiveness. Oversaw budget and finance operations to maintain fiscal responsibility. Championed safety protocols and maintenance efforts to ensure a secure learning environment. Cultivated strong community relations to promote school engagement.
Assistant Principal
Columbus City Schools
08.2011 - 07.2019
- Developed and executed targeted initiatives that boosted West High School's graduation rate by 21% in 2017, focusing on student engagement and motivation.
- Coached district personnel on master scheduling best practices, fostering improved coordination between scheduling and student services.
- Recognized by Mayor Ginther for contributions to mentoring program, earning nomination for Jefferson Award and distinction as a Central Ohio finalist.
- Developed and refined bell and master schedules to facilitate increased teacher collaboration, planning time, and daily student intervention opportunities.
- Executed comprehensive student intervention strategy at Linden McKinley STEM, focusing on re-engagement of 19 out of 20 students, with tailored approaches for special education needs.
Education
Gifted Learner Endorsement Program -
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH08-2023
Master of Education - Educational Policy and Leadership
The Ohio State University
Columbus, Ohio01.2008
Bachelor of Arts - Integrated Language Arts AYA
Ohio Dominican University
Columbus, Ohio01.2003
Skills
- Inclusive education
- Critical thinking
- Organizational skills
- Relationship building
- Professional development planning
- Continuous improvement
Affiliations
CEC - All sections
BASA
OASSA
ASCD
Certification
- Principal License - 2030
- Integrated Language Arts Education - 2030
- OPES, OTES, OCES
Timeline
Director of Special Education
Groveport Madison Local Schools
07.2025 - Current
Director of Special Education
Reynoldsburg City Schools
07.2024 - 07.2025
Secondary Special Education and 504 Coordinator
Reynoldsburg City Schools
01.2022 - 07.2023
Regional Instructional Specialist
Phalen Leadership Academies
05.2020 - 08.2021
Principal and Building Leader
Northridge Local Schools
07.2019 - 07.2020
Assistant Principal
Columbus City Schools
08.2011 - 07.2019
Master of Education - Educational Policy and Leadership
The Ohio State University
Bachelor of Arts - Integrated Language Arts AYA
Ohio Dominican University
Gifted Learner Endorsement Program -
University of Cincinnati