Bethany Nordwick
Clinton,MT
Summary
Strategic Special Education leader with progressive experience as a teacher, instructional coach, and district coordinator. Expertise in system-level program development, compliance oversight, and improving outcomes for students with disabilities. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage complex student and program needs, and build sustainable systems aligned with state and federal regulations. Recognized for driving program improvement, strengthening staff capacity, and fostering collaborative partnerships across schools and communities.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Coordinator
Missoula County Public Schools
Missoula, MT
07.2020 - Current
- Oversee compliance for 1500+ students, ensuring adherence to IDEA and state regulations in IEPs, evaluations, and service delivery
- Provide district-level leadership for special education programming across 19 Schools Pk-12
- Supervise and support special education staff, including teachers and paraprofessionals across multiple sites
- Designed and implemented professional development for 100+ staff to align with district priorities and enhance instructional practices
- Analyzed district program needs and coordinated equitable service delivery across buildings to meet diverse student requirements
- Use data systems to monitor program effectiveness, identify gaps, and drive continuous improvement
- Advise district leadership on compliance, legal updates, and best practices in special education
Special Education Instructional Coach
Missoula County Public Schools
Missoula, MT
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Coached staff in implementing special education programming district-wide, enhancing program effectiveness
- Improved staff capacity in IEP development, compliance, and instructional practices
- Supported evaluation processes and aligned services to meet individual student needs, improving service delivery
- Facilitated collaboration among general education, special education, and administration to ensure cohesive support for students
- Supported behavior systems and data-driven decision-making practices
Special Education Teacher
Charlo School District
Charlo, MT
01.2012 - 01.2019
- Developed and implemented IEPs for diverse students, ensuring individualized support for academic and social growth
- Implemented targeted academic and behavioral interventions to improve outcomes
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams on eligibility, placement, and services
- Supervised paraprofessionals and coordinated instructional supports
- Maintained compliant documentation and progress monitoring systems to track student progress and inform instructional decisions
- Built partnerships with families to enhance support systems for student success
Education
Master of Science - Educational Leadership
Western Governors University
Master of Science - Curriculum & Instruction
Western Governors University
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Salish Kootenai College
Pablo, MontanaSkills
- Strategic Planning & Systems Leadership
- Program Development & Implementation
- Cross-Functional Team Leadership
- Organizational Change Management
- Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Building
- Operational Management
- Staff Supervision & Talent Development
- Policy Compliance & Risk Management
- Data-Driven Decision Making
- Executive Communication & Facilitation
Licensure And Endorsements
- K-12 Principal Endorsement
- PK-12 Special Education Endorsement
- Montana Teaching License K-8
District Leadership Impact
- Led district-level initiatives impacting 1500+ students with disabilities across multiple schools
- Facilitated cross-functional teams (general education, special education, related services, administration) to redesign service delivery models and improve access and outcomes
- Played a key leadership role in FAPE to 22 planning, aligning transition programming, graduation pathways, and extended services
- Designed and implemented systems to improve IEP quality, compliance consistency, and documentation accuracy across buildings
- Led structured stakeholder engagement (staff, families, leadership) to establish decision-making frameworks and program priorities
- Resolved complex parent and team conflicts, ensuring legally sound, student-centered outcomes while maintaining relationships
- Developed and delivered professional development impacting 100+ staff, increasing capacity in compliance, instruction, and behavior supports
- Partnered with district leadership to analyze and improve staffing models, service allocation, and program efficiency
- Contributed to development of policies and procedures aligned with state and federal special education regulations
- Strengthened communication systems between schools and families, improving trust, transparency, and engagement
Core Leadership Competencies
- Special Education Law & Compliance (IDEA, FERPA, HIPAA)
- District Program Development & Systems Leadership
- IEP & Evaluation (ER) Oversight
- Staff Supervision, Coaching & Evaluation
- Professional Development Design & Implementation
- Conflict Resolution & Stakeholder Facilitation
- Data-Driven Decision Making & Accountability Systems
- MTSS / RTI Frameworks
- Behavior Systems & Intervention Planning
- Family & Community Engagement
References
- Vinny Giammona, Assistant Superintendent K-8, (406)531-1002
- Barbara Frank, Executive Director of Student Services, (406)830-6774
- Ginny Haines, Special Education Director (406)240-1374
- Chris Stevens, Jeanette Rankin Elementary Principal, (406)544-4935
- Jennifer Courtney, Big Sky High School Principal, (406)207-7361
- Brenda Sweeney, Special Education Coordinator, (406)529-5172
Timeline
Special Education Coordinator
Missoula County Public Schools
07.2020 - Current
Special Education Instructional Coach
Missoula County Public Schools
01.2019 - 01.2020
Special Education Teacher
Charlo School District
01.2012 - 01.2019
Master of Science - Educational Leadership
Western Governors University
Master of Science - Curriculum & Instruction
Western Governors University
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Salish Kootenai College