Angela Hopewell
Murfreesboro,TN
Summary
Special education professional prepared to apply extensive experience in developing and managing individualized education plans to foster student success. Proven ability to collaborate effectively with educators and parents to ensure comprehensive support and positive outcomes. Reliable and flexible team player with commitment to adapting to evolving needs of students.
Overview
1
1
Certification
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
IEP Compliance Specialist
Detroit Public Schools Community District
Detroit, MI
08.2023 - Current
- Monitored IEP legal sufficiency across a 20-school cohort; reviewed PLAAFPs, measurable goals, service delivery, accommodations and supplementary aids in EdPlan and PowerSchool Special Programs.
- Tracked evaluation, reevaluation, and annual IEP timelines and implemented targeted follow-up processes that reduced overdue IEPs by 80%.
- Supported building IEP teams and principals with technical assistance, individual coaching, and meeting facilitation to improve documentation and implementation fidelity.
- Conducted electronic and manual compliance reviews of student records and disciplinary packets; supported manifestation determination reviews and ensured continuation of services when required.
- Led district response to state complaints: compiled documentation, coordinated corrective action plans, and provided records and testimony support for mediations/due process hearings.
- Designed and delivered 6–10 professional development sessions per year (in-person and virtual) on timely IEPs, Child Find, discipline protections, and documentation best practices.
- Prepared weekly/monthly compliance monitoring reports and analyzed trends to identify systemic issues and recommend policy/procedure improvements.
- Collaborated with legal counsel and district leadership during investigations and hearings, ensuring accurate documentation and follow-through on corrective actions.
Special Education Resource Teacher
Laurus Academy
Southfield, MI
11.2017 - 07.2023
- Developed and delivered individualized instruction aligned to IEP goals; monitored academic and behavioral progress using AIMSweb, Khan Academy data, and formative assessments.
- Created and maintained progress trackers and data dashboards to inform instruction and parent communication.
- Served as IEP Coach (2019–2022): trained staff in IEP development and supported teams to produce legally compliant, measurable goals.
Owner / Tutor
A Hopeful Insight
Buford, GA And Wayne , MI
05.2010 - 05.2020
- Provided K–8 academic and behavioral interventions in math and literacy; designed family-centered progress monitoring plans and supported transitions to school-based services.
Special Education Teacher
Gwinnett County Public School System
Buford, GA
07.1999 - 06.2010
- Developed individualized education plans tailored to diverse learning needs.
- Implemented behavior management strategies to enhance student engagement and compliance.
- Conducted assessments to identify students' strengths, challenges, and educational needs.
- Adapted curriculum materials for accessibility and differentiated instruction methods.
- Mentored new educators on best practices in special education methodologies.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
- Monitor and document academic and behavioral goals and objectives written in the students I.E.P.
- Maintenance of leveled classroom management system.
- Created and maintain spreadsheet to provide statistical documentation of student progress.
- Analyze data using statistical software, such as START, SuccessMaker, and Criterion Referenced Competency Test Online (CRCT Online).
- IEP online trainer, 2002 – 2010
- Created and maintain spreadsheet to provide statistical documentation of student progress.
- Analyze data using statistical software, such as START, SuccessMaker, and Criterion Referenced Competency Test Online (CRCT Online).
- Grade Level Manager, 2001 - 2002, 2002 - 2003, 2003 - 2004
- Title I Steering Committee member– Plan Development, 2003 - 2004
- Title I Steering Committee member, 2004 - 2005
Education
Master of Science - Special Education – Emotional Conflict
Auburn University
Auburn, AL06-1997
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Tuskegee University
Tuskegee, AL07-1995
Skills
- IEP compliance & monitoring
- FAPE & LRE Educational Benefit Review (EBR)
- Manifestation Determination Reviews
- State complaint response & corrective action
- EdPlan, PowerSchool Special Programs
- Data analysis & reporting (Excel, AIMSweb)
- Professional development & coaching
- IDEA & state regulations
- Discipline compliance
- Inclusion strategies
Certification
- State certifications: STC (MI) Special Education K-12 Emotional Impairment and T-5 (GA)
- Oakland County IEP Coach training (MI)
- Ongoing professional development in IDEA compliance, manifestation determinations, and special education monitoring
- IEP Online Trainer (GA)
Timeline
IEP Compliance Specialist
Detroit Public Schools Community District
08.2023 - Current
Special Education Resource Teacher
Laurus Academy
11.2017 - 07.2023
Owner / Tutor
A Hopeful Insight
05.2010 - 05.2020
Special Education Teacher
Gwinnett County Public School System
07.1999 - 06.2010
Master of Science - Special Education – Emotional Conflict
Auburn University
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Tuskegee University
Additional
Tools: EdPlan, PowerSchool Special Programs, AIMSweb, Khan Academy, Google Workspace, Excel, PowerPoint, GoalBook