Angela (Ciufo) Zuniga
Carlsbad,CA
Summary
Education professional focused on creating inclusive environments through effective collaboration with staff and administration. Skilled in enhancing IEP management and developing tailored strategies that support student success and engagement for diverse learning needs.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Education Specialist
San Dieguito Union High School District
Encinitas, California
01.2008 - Current
- Schedule, coordinate, and manage IEP meetings with parents, administration, and advocates.
- Collaborated with General Education teachers to develop tailored strategies for supporting students' learning needs.
- Communicated with parents to update them on students’ progress toward IEP goals and academic performance.
- Earned VPSS supplemental credential in Math to enhance support for students and foster collaboration with the math department.
Lead Teacher Social-Emotional Program
San Dieguito Academy
Encinitas, CA
08.2020 - 05.2023
- Developed trauma-informed curriculum and instructional strategies through team collaboration.
- Fostered a safe environment for student engagement and support.
- Ensured adherence to best practices by collaborating with school administrators and counselors.
- Provided departmental updates during weekly faculty meetings to align on goals.
- Resolved disciplinary issues according to district protocols through collaboration with administration.
- Strengthened relationships with students, parents, and teaching staff to enhance community engagement.
Special Education Department Chair
Canyon Crest Academy
San Diego, CA
01.2009 - 05.2019
- Developed two service models tailored to diverse student needs, enhancing accessibility and engagement.
- Collaborated with administration to support staff and student needs, fostering an inclusive educational environment.
- Assisted in creating the master schedule by collaborating with faculty and administration.
- Coordinate and run department meetings
- Present to site staff during site meetings
- Communicated regularly with campus staff and district administration, ensuring alignment on student services and departmental goals.
Instructor for the Human Services Academy
Los Angeles Valley College
Valley Glen, CA
01.2014 - 06.2015
- Prepared adults for careers supporting individuals with disabilities across diverse settings
- Developed curriculum to effectively educate students on best practices in human services
- Facilitated engaging classroom discussions and activities.
Special Education Common Core Committee member
Canyon Crest Academy
San Diego, CA
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Selected by district leaders to contribute to educational committee focused on enhancing special education practices.
- Collaborated with Education Specialists and district administration to evaluate and address implications of Common Core on special education services.
- Presented and trained all Education Specialists in the district on updated information.
- Participated in targeted trainings to deepen understanding of SBAC testing and its impact on special education.
Education Specialist
Cathedral City High School
Cathedral City, CA
01.2006 - 01.2008
- Led the school to work program to prepare students with disabilities to obtain jobs after high school.
- Designated to train department on new IEP system the district adopted.
- Absorbed another caseload of a teacher that left mid year to assist the department.
- Team taught Science and Algebra 1 classes
- Head JV and assistant Varsity softball coach
Education Specialist
Clairemont High School
San Diego, CA
01.2005 - 01.2006
- Advocated for students to be better integrated into the school.
- Advocated for improved student integration into school programs, enhancing overall student experience.
- Collaborated with general education teachers and staff to develop strategies supporting diverse student needs.
Education
M.A. - Education (Special Education)
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA12-2011
Credential - Education
Cal State University, Northridge
Northridge, CA05-2004
B.A. - Psychology
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA12-2002
Skills
- Curriculum development
- Instructional design
- IEP coordination
- Special ed strategies
- Educational technology
- Program management
- Career guidance
- Team collaboration
- Critical thinking
- Mentorship
- Student advocacy
- Cultural sensitivity
- Communication skills
Awards and Accomplishments
- Teacher of the Year nominee, 2023
- Teacher of the Year, 2013
- JV and Varsity Softball Coach, 1999-2012
Timeline
Lead Teacher Social-Emotional Program
San Dieguito Academy
08.2020 - 05.2023
Instructor for the Human Services Academy
Los Angeles Valley College
01.2014 - 06.2015
Special Education Common Core Committee member
Canyon Crest Academy
01.2013 - 01.2015
Special Education Department Chair
Canyon Crest Academy
01.2009 - 05.2019
Education Specialist
San Dieguito Union High School District
01.2008 - Current
Education Specialist
Cathedral City High School
01.2006 - 01.2008
Education Specialist
Clairemont High School
01.2005 - 01.2006
M.A. - Education (Special Education)
San Diego State University
Credential - Education
Cal State University, Northridge
B.A. - Psychology
San Diego State University