Astrid Mazariegos
Educator
Framingham,MA
Summary
Special Education Leader with strong background in developing and implementing individualized education programs, ensuring compliance with educational regulations, and fostering inclusive learning environments. Known for effective team collaboration, problem-solving, and adapting to meet evolving needs. Skilled in strategic planning, resource management, and communication. Recognized for unwavering focus on achieving results and driving student success.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Director for Special Education
Wellesley Public Schools
08.2019 - Current
- Responsible for all aspects of Special Education, laws, and regulations
- Oversee special education programs, including the Language-Based and Integrated Specialized Programs.
- Supervise and evaluate 36 special education staff members, including school psychologists and related service providers
- Provide feedback on special education reports and IEPs.
- Collaborate with principals and academic department heads to implement best practices in special education.
- Consult on cases involving bullying, discipline, and school refusal.
- Manage special education professional development and technical assistance needs.
- Oversee the implementation of specialized service
- Revised and created a Special Education/Student Services Manual
- Trained staff to implement the new IEP template
- Conducted tile 1X and bullying investigations
- Grant writing for DESE
- Collaborated and organized MTSS meetings and data meetings
- Knowledgeable in Circut Breaker
Team Chair
Wellesley Public Schools
08.2015 - 08.2015
- Conducted team meetings and reviewed caseloads with educators and principals.
- Observed students and communicated with parents.
- Maintained private school caseload and facilitated transition planning for 5th graders.
- Ensured compliance with IEP processes and federal and state laws.
Extended School Year (ESY) Coordinator
Wellesley Public Schools
03.2016 - 08.2019
- Coordinated and supervised ESY from Pre-K to age 22 students
- Hiring of ESY
- Coordinated with various departments and school principals.
- Managed parent communication and oversaw ESY programming.
- Was responsible for ESY budget
- Responsible for ESY transportation
3-5-Special Educator, Learning Center Teacher
Wellesley Public Schools
08.2010 - 06.2015
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to conduct comprehensive evaluations of students suspected of having disabilities, guiding subsequent eligibility determination and IEP development processes.
- Evaluated and supervised itinerant teachers and support staff based on student needs.
- Promoted an inclusive learning environment by fostering collaboration between special education and general education personnel.
- Coordinated transition planning efforts for students moving from elementary to secondary schools or post-secondary opportunities, ensuring a smooth process for all involved parties.
- Implemented positive behavior supports within the special education department, reducing instances of disruptive behaviors and creating a more conducive learning environment.
- Provided ongoing support and mentorship for newly hired special education personnel, facilitating their successful integration into the school community.
- Spearheaded parent engagement initiatives aimed at increasing understanding of special education processes and promoting family involvement in their child''s educational journey.
- Enhanced the quality of special education programs by implementing evidence-based instructional strategies and interventions.
- Provided guidance on curriculum modifications and accommodations for students with disabilities, enabling academic success in the least restrictive environment possible.
- Ensured compliance with federal and state mandates related to special education services by maintaining accurate documentation and staying informed on policy updates.
Grade 2 & 3 Classroom Teacher
Joseph Fiske Elementary School, Wellesley
06.2004 - 06.2010
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by implementing consistent routines, setting high expectations for conduct, and addressing disruptions promptly and fairly.
- Increased student participation by creating engaging lesson plans that encouraged interaction and collaboration among classmates.
- Promoted a positive classroom environment by establishing clear expectations and fostering mutual respect between students.
- Enhanced student comprehension by utilizing diverse teaching methods and incorporating visual aids, group activities, and real-world examples.
- Attended professional development workshops regularly to stay current with educational trends, research findings, and innovative instructional approaches.
- Collaborated with colleagues to design interdisciplinary units that connected grade-level content across subjects for a more cohesive learning experience.
- Developed strong relationships with parents, maintaining open communication channels to ensure timely resolution of academic or behavioral issues.
- Facilitated parent-teacher conferences to discuss student progress, address concerns, and establish collaborative strategies for supporting continued growth.
- Designed and presented lesson plans in one or more academic subjects using variety of teaching techniques to appeal to various learning styles within assigned grade level.
- Provided warm, supportive environment for developing academic, social, and emotional growth.
- Maintained knowledge of school curricula, standards and policies to correctly prepare students for higher grade levels.
Spanish Teacher
Wellesley Public Schools
08.2002 - 06.2004
- Attended department meetings to develop and update course curricula.
- Organized extracurricular activities such as Spanish Club meetings and cultural events to promote language immersion outside of the classroom setting.
- Cultivated passion for Spanish language among students by integrating music, art, and literature from Spanish-speaking countries into curriculum.
Classroom Teahcer
Chelsea Public Schools
08.1996 - 06.2002
- Championed inclusionary practices within the classroom setting by accommodating diverse needs of students with special education plans or language barriers, enabling them to succeed alongside peers in mainstream classrooms.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities, staying current on best practices in education and refining instructional techniques accordingly
- Established clear expectations for behavior and classroom management, creating a respectful and productive learning atmosphe
- Collaborated with parents, administrators and counselors to develop improvement plans for struggling students.
- Assessed student progress using various assessment tools, adjusting instruction as needed to address identified areas of need.
- Developed strong relationships with parents through regular communication, promoting involvement in their child''s education.
- Taught transitional bilingual special education in kindergarten and 1st grade.
- Developed and implemented a two-way bilingual program.
Intergenerational Literacy Teacher
Chelsea Public Schools
09.1995 - 06.2002
- Developed curriculum for infants and toddlers.
- Supervised Boston University students.
- Taught ELL to adults
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop a cross-curricular approach for reinforcing literacy skills across all subjects.
- Inspired a love of literature by introducing students to diverse texts and facilitating dynamic book discussions.
- Facilitated small group instruction tailored to meet individual needs of each learner while addressing varying abilities within the classroom setting.
- Enhanced reading comprehension levels by implementing diverse teaching strategies and individualized learning plans.
Education
Master of Science - Teaching Children With Special Needs
08-1999
Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Care And Education
05-1997
Skills
- Active member of the ACCEPT Collaborative Director’s Institute
- Participated in MASS Assistant Superintendent Leadership Seminars
- Trained in New IEP Implementation by DESE and private presenters
- Proficient in Spanish and English Communication
Affiliations
- DESE License: #342809
- Special Education Administrator ( professional)
- Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent ( all Levels, initial )
- Special Education (Prek-9) (professional)
- Early Childhood Education with and without Special Needs (Prek-3) (professional)
- Transitional Bilingual Education (Prek-9 -professional)
- SEI Endorsement: Second English Instruction
- Wilson Reading Program - Level I
Additional Information
Leadership Experience
- ACCEPT Special Education New Director’s Institute | August 2023 - Present
- Mentor for New ESY Coordinator, Wellesley Public Schools | July 2021
- Team Leader | 2013 - 2015
- Oversaw IEPs and team meeting schedules.
- Facilitated workshops and consulted with team members.
- Mentor and Supervisor for Graduate Students, Leslie College: Compass Program | 2000 - 2002
- Special Education for General Educators | Spring 2016, 2017, 2018
- Filling Out ED Assessment A and B for General Educators | Winter 2016
- Helping Traumatized Children | January 2015
- Teaching a Second Language | Massachusetts Association for Bilingual Education Conference | May 2003
- Children’s Literature | 51st Annual Reading Association Conference | November 2000
- Working with Children with Special Needs | January 2000
- Strengthening Literacy Learning by Learning from and About Parents | The International Reading Conference | April 2000
- Poetry for Children | August 2000
- Member of the ACCEPT collaborative Director’s Institute
- Participated in the M.A.S.S. Assistant Superintendent Leadership Seminars
- Trained in the new IEP by DESE and private presenters.
- Bilingual in Spanish/English
- Student Teacher at various schools including Patrick O’Hearn School, Rafael Hernandez School, and others.
Timeline
Assistant Director for Special Education - Wellesley Public Schools
08.2019 - Current
Extended School Year (ESY) Coordinator - Wellesley Public Schools
03.2016 - 08.2019
Team Chair - Wellesley Public Schools
08.2015 - 08.2015
3-5-Special Educator, Learning Center Teacher - Wellesley Public Schools
08.2010 - 06.2015
Grade 2 & 3 Classroom Teacher - Joseph Fiske Elementary School, Wellesley
06.2004 - 06.2010
Spanish Teacher - Wellesley Public Schools
08.2002 - 06.2004
Classroom Teahcer - Chelsea Public Schools
08.1996 - 06.2002
Intergenerational Literacy Teacher - Chelsea Public Schools
09.1995 - 06.2002
Wheelock College - Master of Science, Teaching Children With Special Needs
Wheelock Colleger - Bachelor of Science, Early Childhood Care And Education
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