Amy Tasaka
Springfield,VA
Summary
Experienced administrator with a long history in education and a dedication to school performance, teacher training, and student success. Hands-on in mentoring teachers and supporting students. Possess strong communication skills, adaptability, and strategic planning abilities that have contributed to successful school operations and enhanced learning environments. Excel at communication, problem-solving, and leadership, ensuring successful educational outcomes, and fostering positive environments for both students and staff.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Principal
Fairfax County Public Schools
West Springfield High School
07.2022 - Current
- Oversee Special Education Department and Library operations
- Partner with admin team to design and execute master schedule
- Construct special education master schedule aligned with student needs and staffing allocations.
- Employ and evaluate candidates.
- Conduct classroom observations and deliver comprehensive feedback to staff.
- Engage in weekly admin collaboration team meetings
- Assess discipline incidents and apply consequences as dictated by SR&R guidelines.
- Collaborate with Special Education staff for staffings, IEP meetings, reevaluations, and LSCs.
- Oversee Sub School 5 operations, managing 2 counselors and an Administrative Assistant for approximately 570 assigned students.
- Administrator for COVID Compensatory Saturday Academy, Region 4.
- Support staff professional development through workshops and training sessions.
- Communicate with parents regarding student progress and school initiatives.
- Cultivated positive relationships with parents and staff to facilitate school operations and student success.
- Create and implement special education programs that provide support to teachers and staff while giving special needs and at-risk youth the tools necessary for student access and achievement.
Special Education Department Chair
Fairfax County Public Schools
West Springfield High School
07.2019 - 06.2022
- Lead Special Education Department of approximately 50 teacher and instructional support staff
- Hold monthly department meetings to share information and/or provide professional development to align with department needs
- Build capacity within the department to empower staff and improve best practices in order to support student achievement
- Support teachers to develop effective data collection techniques to reflect IEP progress and/or progress related to a behavior intervention plan
- Facilitate challenging parent meetings and coach teachers on approaches and strategies to make interactions with parents successful
- Mentor teachers who are either in a new position or are working with students with disabilities outside of the teacher’s experience and/or comfort level
- Train and support teachers in the use of the SEASTARS online IEP and eligibility system
- Member of the School Leadership Team representing our special education department
SPART, Special Education Administrative Resource Teacher
Fairfax County Public Schools
Various Elemetary/Secondary sites
06.2012 - 08.2021
- Served as the assistant to the special education summer school principal to support teachers and students in daily instructional best practices
- Assisted teachers with accessing materials necessary for accommodations and daily instruction
- Created behavior plans/charts for students who needed more extensive support with transition
- Created data sheets with teachers to ensure that student IEP goals were being addressed throughout the month of services
- Worked with transportation to create bus routes for every student in attendance
- Co-created classes for all summer school students
Special Education Teacher
Fairfax County Public Schools
Newington Forest
08.2017 - 07.2019
Special Education Teacher
Horry County Schools
Seacoast Youth Academy, SC
09.2015 - 01.2017
Special Education Teacher
Columbus County Schools
Guideway ES, NC
10.2014 - 09.2015
Special Education Lead Teacher
Fairfax County Public Schools
Centre Ridge
07.2013 - 08.2014
Special Education Lead Teacher
Fairfax County Public Schools
London Towne
08.2008 - 07.2013
Title I Resource Teacher
Fairfax County Public Schools
Hutchison
08.2008 - 06.2009
Exceptional Children’s Teacher/Team Leader
Granville County Schools
Oxford, NC
03.2007 - 08.2008
Special Education Teacher, Learning Disabilities
Fairfax County Public Schools
Hutchison
08.2002 - 03.2007
First Grade Teacher/Reading Recovery
Fairfax County Public Schools
Groveton ES
08.1998 - 06.2002
Education
Master’s - Administration and Supervision
University of Phoenix
Phoenix, AZ09.2018
Dual Certification - Special Education Licensure
University of Phoenix
Phoenix, AZ06.2004
Reading Recovery Certification - Fairfax, VA
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA05.2002
Bachelor's Degree - Social Work and Elementary Education
Western Maryland College
Westminster, Maryland05.1998
Skills
- Special education best practices and procedures
- Student and family relationships
- School security and safety procedures
- Educational observations
- Performance reviews
- Special education master schedule
- Special education program development
- Instructional leadership
- Professional development facilitation
- Student advocacy
- Relationship building and networking
- Parent engagement and communication
References
- Jim Patrick, Principal, WSHS, jpatrick@fcps.edu, 703-913-3806
- Mike Mukai, Principal, TJHS, MGMukai@fcps.edu, 703-474-3644
- Shannon Matheny, Assistant Principal, WSHS, SMMatheny@fcps.edu, 703-913-3922
Certification
• VA Postgraduate Professional License of Education with endorsements in Administration and Supervision PREK-12, Elementary Education PREK-6 and Special Education- General Curriculum K-12.
• MANDT Certified to help children deescalate when in crisis
• MANDT Certified to help children deescalate when in crisis
Awards
- FCPS First Class Award 2023-24
- FCPS First Year Teacher of the Year (Groveton ES), Spring 2000
- Granville County Schools, Mary Potter Intermediate Teacher of the Year Nominee, 2007-08
Leadership Experiences
- Twice Exceptional (2E) Articulation Group
- Phase 2 Inclusion Articulation Group
- Region 4 Saturday Academy Administrator
- Special Education Department Chair
- Summer SPART
- Credit Recovery Administrator
- Special Education Lead Teacher
- Co-Coordinator of Student Testing
Timeline
Assistant Principal
Fairfax County Public Schools
07.2022 - Current
Special Education Department Chair
Fairfax County Public Schools
07.2019 - 06.2022
Special Education Teacher
Fairfax County Public Schools
08.2017 - 07.2019
Special Education Teacher
Horry County Schools
09.2015 - 01.2017
Special Education Teacher
Columbus County Schools
10.2014 - 09.2015
Special Education Lead Teacher
Fairfax County Public Schools
07.2013 - 08.2014
SPART, Special Education Administrative Resource Teacher
Fairfax County Public Schools
06.2012 - 08.2021
Special Education Lead Teacher
Fairfax County Public Schools
08.2008 - 07.2013
Title I Resource Teacher
Fairfax County Public Schools
08.2008 - 06.2009
Exceptional Children’s Teacher/Team Leader
Granville County Schools
03.2007 - 08.2008
Special Education Teacher, Learning Disabilities
Fairfax County Public Schools
08.2002 - 03.2007
First Grade Teacher/Reading Recovery
Fairfax County Public Schools
08.1998 - 06.2002
Master’s - Administration and Supervision
University of Phoenix
Dual Certification - Special Education Licensure
University of Phoenix
Reading Recovery Certification - Fairfax, VA
George Mason University
Bachelor's Degree - Social Work and Elementary Education
Western Maryland College