Audriana Gates

Waddell,AZ

Summary

Experienced special education leader with over twelve years of demonstrated success in organizational leadership, compliance management, and instructional program coordination within Exceptional Student Services (ESS). Proven ability to lead district-wide initiatives, facilitate collaborative teams, support staff development, and ensure alignment with IDEA, Arizona Academic Standards, and district strategic goals. Skilled in project management, data analysis, and guiding complex decision-making processes related to student placement, eligibility, and service delivery. Strong facilitator of professional learning communities, IEP teams, and cross-functional stakeholder groups.

Overview

years of professional experience

Certification

Work History

IEP Compliance Coordinator / Special Education Program Leader

Avondale Elementary School District

01.2020 - Current

Provide structural and instructional support for ESS programs, including coordination of compliance systems, staff guidance, and district-wide processes.
Serve as a key point-person for complex ESS matters including student placement, eligibility determination, service delivery, and transportation-related considerations.
Facilitate IEP and ISP meetings, including complex and contentious cases, ensuring legally compliant, student-centered decision-making.
Analyze student performance data and instructional outcomes to support placement, programming, and intervention decisions.
Collaborate with district leadership, site administrators, and multidisciplinary teams to align ESS practices with district mission, vision, and goals.
Support and coach staff in instructional strategies, compliance expectations, and data-informed decision-making.
Provide ongoing professional development and technical assistance to ESS staff and educators across sites.
Act as liaison between district leadership and site-based teams to ensure consistent implementation of ESS processes and expectations.
Maintain compliance with IDEA timelines, documentation requirements, and reporting procedures.
Support program evaluation, staff development initiatives, and continuous improvement efforts across ESS services.

ESS Professional- Teaching and Leadership

Agua Fria High School District

Buckeye, AZ

11.2012 - 11.2020

Provide structural and instructional support for ESS programs, including coordination of compliance systems, staff guidance, and district-wide processes.
Serve as a key point-person for complex ESS matters including student placement, eligibility determination, service delivery, and transportation-related considerations.
Facilitate IEP and ISP meetings, including complex and contentious cases, ensuring legally compliant, student-centered decision-making.
Analyze student performance data and instructional outcomes to support placement, programming, and intervention decisions.
Collaborate with district leadership, site administrators, and multidisciplinary teams to align ESS practices with district mission, vision, and goals.
Support and coach staff in instructional strategies, compliance expectations, and data-informed decision-making.
Provide ongoing professional development and technical assistance to ESS staff and educators across sites.
Act as liaison between district leadership and site-based teams to ensure consistent implementation of ESS processes and expectations.
Maintain compliance with IDEA timelines, documentation requirements, and reporting procedures.
Support program evaluation, staff development initiatives, and continuous improvement efforts across ESS services.

Education

Master’s Degree -

Ottawa University

Bachelor’s Degree - undefined

Arizona State University

Skills

ESS Program Leadership
IEP/ISP Facilitation
Compliance Systems Management
Student Placement & Eligibility
Data Analysis & Instructional Decision-Making
PLC Facilitation

Staff Coaching & Development
Conflict Resolution
Project Management
Collaborative Leadership
Special Education Law (IDEA)
District Alignment & Strategic Support

Certification

Arizona Secondary Special Education Teaching Certificate
AZ DPS Identity Verified Print (IVP) Fingerprint Clearance Card

Leadership & Collaboration Experience

Lead and support collaborative team structures aligned with Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) and district improvement goals.
Facilitate structured team meetings that promote shared decision-making, consensus building, and active participation from all members.
Manage and redirect complex or contentious discussions to maintain focus on student outcomes and instructional priorities.
Support facilitation of SMART goal development and progress monitoring for instructional teams.
Promote a culture of trust, collaboration, and professional growth aligned with the 13 behaviors of trust-based leadership.
Engage in ongoing professional learning and training to strengthen leadership capacity and ESS expertise.
Support analysis of student work and data to guide instructional planning and intervention strategies.
Maintain documentation and artifacts of collaboration in alignment with district expectations and procedures.

Languages

Spanish

Native or Bilingual

Timeline