Catherina F. Traina
Texas City,Texas
Summary
Highly accomplished and informed Special Education Program Specialist who has widespread understanding of various learning disabilities and appropriate regulations regarding individualized education planning. Support and improve outcomes for students with disabilities by providing professional assistance, training, and support to school staff in implementing and in directing special education policies to support guidelines that align with best practices in the field of education
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Program Specialist
Texas City Independent School District
Texas City, Texas
08.2019 - Current
- Collaborate with families to provide resources for children outside of school district.
- Support general education teachers and administrators in implementing strategies to meet needs of students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
- Facilitate Admission Review and Dismissal (ARDs) Meetings by using family-centered, strength-based approach.
- Coordinate Individualized Education Process (IEP) on assigned campus including scheduling and conducting IEP meetings for over 250 students.
- Serve as Department Chair and Department Head for campus-wide Special Education Department.
- Serve as Special Education Representative for campus-wide Leadership Team.
- Serve as a liaison between families, school personnel, and community resources to facilitate comprehensive support services for special education students.
- Mentor new teachers on student progress monitoring and legal document preparation.
- Contribute to ongoing professional development efforts by attending workshops, conferences, and trainings focused on enhancing knowledge and skills related to serving diverse learners.
Behavior Development Teacher
Texas City Independent School District
Texas City, Texas
08.2018 - 05.2019
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
- Created and managed Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Worked with students with moderate to severe autism to increase life skills.
- Developed and implemented behavior management plans to improve student behavior.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
Special Education ARD Facilitator (Dept. Chair)
Texas City Independent School District
Texas City, Texas
10.2013 - 05.2018
- Coached and observed 10 teachers to improve teaching techniques.
- Worked in collaboration with with Special Education Director and Campus Principal to coordinate all aspects of Child Centered Special Education Process on assigned campus.
- Make recommendations to Admission Review Dismissal Committee when necessary, for educational programming based on student's goals and needed services.
- Maintained contact with parents to address concerns and needs of children.
- Completed paperwork, recognizing discrepancies and promptly addressing for resolution
READ 180 Intervention Teacher
Texas City Independent School District
Texas City, Texas
08.2009 - 10.2013
- Implemented new campus-wide reading intervention program designed to meet needs of students reading below grade level.
- Assessed and documented student progress with established goals.
- Developed interventions for students currently struggling or at risk of falling behind.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Administered tests before, during and after program interventions.
- Implemented tracking tools to evaluate successes and areas in need of improvement.
- Enhanced knowledge by attending training and adopting new technologies.
- Improved reading skills among struggling students through targeted one-on-one instruction and guided reading sessions.
Special Education Inclusion Teacher
Texas City Independent School District
Texas City, Texas
08.2008 - 05.2009
- Helped students with special needs integrate into general classroom environments by advocating for individual requirements and helping teachers solve problems.
- Developed Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for students with special needs.
- Partnered with standard education teachers from across academic departments.
- Created and managed Individual Education Plans (IEPs) to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
Special Education English Language Arts Teacher
Texas City Independent School District
Texas City, Texas
08.2006 - 05.2008
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Taught students in self-contained and resource environments.
- Taught English-Language Arts/Reading to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
- Utilized technology to create meaningful lessons that engage students.
Residential Supervisor
Independent Group Home Living (IGHL)
Long Island, New York
03.1993 - 06.2004
- Maintained caring, supportive and safe environment for intellectually challenged residents through careful monitoring and continuous oversight.
- Recognized changes in behavior indicating potential crisis situations and took immediate and appropriate action.
- Acted as Direct Care Counselor to provide scheduled fun social and recreational activities for residents.
- Coordinated all staffing schedules and made sure that each shift had adequate coverage.
- Handled conflict resolution among residents promptly and professionally, promoting a harmonious living environment for all parties involved.
- Managed budgets effectively, ensuring adequate allocation of resources for staffing, maintenance, and programming needs while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
Education
Master of Education - Special Education
Grand Canyon University
Bachelor of Science - Community Health And Human Services
St. Joseph's College
Skills
- Frontline Special Education and Interventions (ESPED) Programming
- P>Training and Development- implemented student Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) based on needs
- P>Student records management- collected and tracked student data
- P>Teamwork and Collaboration- coached and mentored new teachers
- P>Planning and Coordination-acted as campus testing coordinator
- P>Extensive knowledge of Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs)
Certification
Special Education (EC-12) Texas
English Language Arts and Reading (4-8) Texas
School Behavioral Threat Assessment (SBTA)
Personal Information
Title: Special Education Program Specialist
Certifications
08-2006
Accomplishments
- Collaborated with Administrators in the development of campus-wide Threat Assessment Team
- Collaborated with Administrators in the development of campus-wide Student Crisis Management Team
- Collaborated and coordinated with District Administrators and served on Special Education Leadership Team
Affiliations
- Texas Classroom Teachers Association- Campus Representative
Timeline
Special Education Program Specialist
Texas City Independent School District
08.2019 - Current
Behavior Development Teacher
Texas City Independent School District
08.2018 - 05.2019
Special Education ARD Facilitator (Dept. Chair)
Texas City Independent School District
10.2013 - 05.2018
READ 180 Intervention Teacher
Texas City Independent School District
08.2009 - 10.2013
Special Education Inclusion Teacher
Texas City Independent School District
08.2008 - 05.2009
Special Education English Language Arts Teacher
Texas City Independent School District
08.2006 - 05.2008
Residential Supervisor
Independent Group Home Living (IGHL)
03.1993 - 06.2004
Master of Education - Special Education
Grand Canyon University
Bachelor of Science - Community Health And Human Services
St. Joseph's College
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