Catherine Mears
Bakersfield,USA
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
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Special Education
Lamont Elementary School District
07.2020 - Current
- Oversee and manage district-wide special education programs, ensuring compliance with IDEA, ADA, Section 504, and other legal mandates. Lead the development and implementation of IEPs, supervise and support special education staff, and collaborate with stakeholders to promote inclusive practices. Monitor program effectiveness through data analysis and continuous improvement strategies. Provide staff training and professional development to enhance instructional quality. Manage budgets, resources, and staffing plans to align with student needs and district goals. Ensure school-wide compliance with safety, legal, and performance standards while fostering a positive, student-centered learning environment.
Director of Special Education
Coalinga Huron Unified School District
06.2018 - 07.2020
- Oversaw and managed district-wide special education programs, ensuring compliance with IDEA, ADA, Section 504, and other legal mandates. Led the development and implementation of IEPs, supervised and supported special education staff, and collaborated with stakeholders to promote inclusive practices. Monitored program effectiveness through data analysis and continuous improvement strategies. Provided staff training and professional development to enhance instructional quality. Managed budgets, resources, and staffing plans to align with student needs and district goals. Ensured school-wide compliance with safety, legal, and performance standards while fostering a positive, student-centered learning environment.
Coordinator of Special Education
Rio Bravo Greeley Union School District
07.2012 - 06.2018
- Coordinate special education programs across multiple school sites, ensuring compliance with IDEA, Section 504, and district policies. Support IEP development and implementation, serve as LEA representative, and collaborate with educators, service providers, and families to promote inclusive practices. Provide training and coaching to special education staff, monitor student progress, and guide data-driven decision-making to improve outcomes. Liaise between schools, district leadership, and external agencies to ensure effective service delivery and student support.
Special Education Teacher- Mild/moderate
Rio Bravo Greeley Union School District
08.2009 - 06.2012
- Design and implement individualized education programs (IEPs) to support academic and personal growth of students with diverse needs. Deliver differentiated instruction, modify general education curriculum, and apply evidence-based strategies to promote inclusion and student success. Collaborate with general education staff and multidisciplinary teams to ensure cohesive support, while fostering strong family partnerships through ongoing communication. Monitor student progress through assessments and adjust instruction to address learning gaps. Provide targeted interventions, behavior support, and small group instruction to enhance achievement and classroom engagement.
Education
Masters in Education - Education Administration
National University
San Diego, CA05.2017
Clear Administrative Services Credential -
Kern County Superintendent of Schools
Kern County California05.2016
Administrative Services Credential -
National University
San Diego, CA02.2013
Education Specialist Credential - Mild/Moderate
National University
San Diego, CA08.2012
Bachelor's Degree - Liberal Studies
University of LaVerne
La Verne, CA06.2006
Skills
- Experience with early intervention programs
- Educational leadership
- Collaborative communication with parents
- Cooperative teaching methods
- Equitable teaching practices
- Supportive behavior interventions
- Intercultural communication skills
- Familiarity with special education legal frameworks
- Accessibility-focused curriculum development
- Tailored learning plans
- 504 plan implementation support
- Professional networking skills
- Coaching and mentoring
- Interpersonal skills
- Effective conflict resolution
- Commitment to professional standards
- Data-driven decision making
- Team collaboration
Certification
- Administrative Services Credential - 06/01/2015
- Education Specialist Credential - 06/01/2008
- Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Training- 10/3/2026
- Mitigating the Litigated Case- Pepperdine University 2/2023
- CICO SWIS Schoolwide Information System Facilitator- 3/2025
- Advanced Facilitated IEP training
- Conflict Resolution Mediator- Community Action Partnership of RIverside County
Timeline
Director of Special Education
Lamont Elementary School District
07.2020 - Current
Director of Special Education
Coalinga Huron Unified School District
06.2018 - 07.2020
Coordinator of Special Education
Rio Bravo Greeley Union School District
07.2012 - 06.2018
Special Education Teacher- Mild/moderate
Rio Bravo Greeley Union School District
08.2009 - 06.2012
Masters in Education - Education Administration
National University
Clear Administrative Services Credential -
Kern County Superintendent of Schools
Administrative Services Credential -
National University
Education Specialist Credential - Mild/Moderate
National University
Bachelor's Degree - Liberal Studies
University of LaVerne
Similar Profiles
ERIKA BERNABEERIKA BERNABE
Temporary Instructional Aide for ELPAC Testing at Lamont Elementary School DistrictTemporary Instructional Aide for ELPAC Testing at Lamont Elementary School District
Alejandra Morales MartinezAlejandra Morales Martinez
Math Intervention Teacher at Lamont Elementary School DistrictMath Intervention Teacher at Lamont Elementary School District
Doris ReyesDoris Reyes
Attendance Clerk at Lamont School DistrictAttendance Clerk at Lamont School District