CELINA DIAZ
McAllen,TX
Summary
As an educator with 20 years of experience at Rio Grande City Grulla ISD. I am committed to fostering academic growth and student social-emotional development. I faithfully implement the district curriculum in combination with data-driven instruction to meet the diverse student needs and ensure student success. Implementing a collaborative classroom environment is as important as classroom management for students to flourish. I excel in building positive relationships with my students and colleagues.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Rio Grande City Grulla ISD
Rio Grande City, TX
08.2024 - Current
- Developed individualized education plans tailored to student needs and learning styles.
- Implemented behavior management strategies to enhance classroom engagement and reduce disruptions.
- Collaborated with parents and multidisciplinary teams to support student progress and address concerns.
- Designed and delivered differentiated instruction to meet diverse learning abilities within the classroom.
- Mentored new teachers on best practices in special education and classroom management techniques.
- Analyzed student performance data to drive instructional decisions and improve outcomes.
Campus Testing Team Member
Rio Grande City Grulla ISD
Rio Grande City, TX
12.2018 - Current
- Demonstrated knowledge of Texas STAAR assessment policies and procedures, including the eligibility criteria and documentation requirements for designated supports and accommodations for qualifying students.
- Contributed to creating and maintaining a positive, organized, and secure testing environment that promotes student confidence, engagement, and adherence to state testing protocols.
- Experienced in implementing STAAR testing procedures in compliance with Texas Education Agency (TEA) guidelines, including test security, administration protocols, student monitoring, and accommodation procedures.
- Proficient in the use of Test Hound for managing testing assignments, accommodations, student rosters, and assessment documentation to support efficient test administration.
- Familiar with the Cambium assessment platform, including navigating the online testing system, assisting students with login and testing procedures, and supporting digital test administration processes.
LPAC Committee Member
Rio Grande City Grulla ISD
Rio Grande City, TX
09.2018 - Current
- Demonstrated comprehensive knowledge of the Texas Language Proficiency Assessment Committee (LPAC) process, including the identification, placement, monitoring, and reclassification of Emergent Bilingual students in accordance with Texas Education Agency (TEA) guidelines and state regulations.
- Experienced in utilizing the LPAC process to evaluate and determine student eligibility for STAAR designated supports and linguistic accommodations, ensuring compliance with state assessment policies while supporting student academic success.
- Strong understanding of federal and Texas state laws, policies, and compliance requirements related to bilingual and ESL education programs, including implementation of instructional supports, parent notification procedures, and student progress monitoring.
Educator
Rio Grande City Grulla ISD
Rio Grande City, TX
08.2004 - Current
- Focused on building strong relationships and regular communication with parents and administration to ensure student success.
- Implemented classroom management techniques to foster a positive, inclusive learning environment for all students.
- Monitored student progress through assessment performance and used it to adjust instruction to meet individual needs.
- Engaged in continuous professional development to stay current with educational research and pedagogical strategies.
- Facilitated positive learning environment, establishing clear expectations and supportive classroom culture.
- Participated in department meetings to provide input to colleagues about student achievement and improvement.
- Designed multi-modal lessons that incorporated visual aids, auditory tools, kinesthetic activities, and tactile resources for optimal accessibility of content material.
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
Paraprofessional
Minnesota's Migrant Education Program
Renville, MN
06.2002 - 07.2002
- Oversaw students in classroom and common areas to monitor, enforce rules, and support lead teacher.
- Improved classroom management by assisting teachers with behavioral interventions and monitoring student progress.
- Supervised students during non-instructional periods such as lunch, recess, or field trips, ensuring safety at all times.
- Fostered a positive learning environment by establishing strong rapport with students
- Enhanced student support by delivering one-on-one and small group assistance in various subjects.
- Implemented behavior management techniques effectively to maintain a structured learning environment conducive to student success.
- Assisted classroom teacher in supervising snack time and indoor and outdoor play.
- Facilitated communication between general education and special education staff, promoting effective collaboration on behalf of students'' best interests.
- Provided one-on-one support to students with special needs, fostering supportive learning environment.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Interdisciplinary Studies
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Edinburg, TX12-2004
Skills
- Problem-solving
- Relationship building
- Classroom management
- Literacy strategies
- Special needs students
- Diversity and inclusion
- Teaching strategies
- Behavior management
- Student assessment
- Data-driven instruction
- Empathy and patience
- Team teaching and collaboration
Certification
- Bilingual Certification
Languages
Spanish
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Rio Grande City Grulla ISD
08.2024 - Current
Campus Testing Team Member
Rio Grande City Grulla ISD
12.2018 - Current
LPAC Committee Member
Rio Grande City Grulla ISD
09.2018 - Current
Educator
Rio Grande City Grulla ISD
08.2004 - Current
Paraprofessional
Minnesota's Migrant Education Program
06.2002 - 07.2002
Bachelor of Arts - Interdisciplinary Studies
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley