CHAMARAH JOSEPH
Dundee,FL
Summary
Experienced educator with over 30 years in K-12 and higher education, specializing in district-level ESE and Section 504 compliance. PhD in Special Education with certifications in ESE K-12 and English 6-12 (FLDOE). Led compliance monitoring, staff training, and case management across 48 schools, ensuring regulatory adherence and enhancing staff capabilities through professional development initiatives.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
District Staffing Specialist – Charter | Section 504 District Compliance Monitor
Orange County Public Schools
Orlando, FL
07.2024 - Current
- Oversee ESE and Section 504 compliance across 48 schools, including charter schools and non-public, ensuring alignment with federal, state, and district special education regulations
- Conducted weekly on-site school visits to monitor ESE and Section 504 compliance, providing technical support to enhance school-based teams' effectiveness
- Partner with charter and non-public school-based staffing specialists to co-manage ESE compliance and strengthen site-level practices
- Prepare for and facilitate Manifestation Determination Review (MDR) meetings, ensuring procedural and legal accuracy
- Represented the district in IEP and staffing meetings, providing compliance expertise.
- Design and deliver professional development for school-based staff on ESE procedures and compliance requirements
- Monitored compliance timelines district-wide, ensuring timely evaluations, re-evaluations, and IEP deadlines were met across all assigned schools
- Serve as district lead for Section 504 compliance across assigned schools
- Developed and delivered trainings for Section 504 new personnel, monthly compliance, districtwide initiatives, and PEER contacts to strengthen district compliance knowledge
ESE Staffing Specialist / 504 Coordinator
Orange County Public Schools
Orlando, FL
06.2021 - 06.2024
- Acted as Local Education Agency (LEA) representative in IEP meetings
- Facilitated IEP and 504 meetings for transfers, new eligibility, annual reviews, and three-year reevaluations, ensuring timely and thorough assessments
- Ensured IEP compliance as primary point of contact for ESE-related matters, streamlining communication between stakeholders
- Contributed as an active member of the MTSS and Student Services teams
- Facilitated training sessions on IEP and 504 processes for teachers and school staff, enhancing understanding and implementation of accommodations
- Attended and applied guidance from district-level trainings
ESE Facilitator / Special Education Coordinator
New Beginnings High School
Winter Haven, FL
07.2020 - 05.2021
- Coordinated development of ESE and ESOL program curricula, goals, objectives, and evaluation procedures to enhance student engagement and support diverse learning needs
- Facilitated engaging discussions to enhance student participation and critical thinking skills.
- Developed and implemented lesson plans aligned with educational standards and student needs.
- Coordinated workshops to promote social-emotional learning and conflict resolution strategies.
ESE / Special Education Support Facilitator
Osceola High School
Kissimmee, FL
08.2019 - 05.2020
- Supported students with disabilities in general education settings, enhancing their learning experience and participation
- Facilitated student services in Least Restrictive Environment, aligning with IEP requirements to promote individual growth
- Managed a caseload as case manager and delivered all IEP-documented accommodations.
Intensive Reading Teacher
Ben Gamla Charter School
Hollywood, FL
10.2017 - 06.2019
- Designed targeted instruction to increase reading and writing proficiency for struggling students
- Engaged students in collaborative, inquiry-based learning through role play, discussion, and research activities
- Supported students in effectively citing textual evidence in writing and speech to enhance critical thinking skills
Language Arts Teacher / Educational Coordinator
UCP Miami
Miami, FL
10.2015 - 08.2017
- Planned and delivered Language Arts and Literature instruction for grades 2–8
- Assessed student needs to provide targeted pull-out tutoring, enhancing learning outcomes
- Coordinated internal and standardized testing while overseeing teacher planning and lesson execution, ensuring alignment with curriculum standards
Department Chair – English / Master Teacher / Special Needs & Inclusion Coordinator
Ministry of Education — Glanvilles Secondary School
St. John's, Antigua and Barbuda
09.2008 - 09.2014
- Led staff professional development in instructional strategies and inclusive education best practices
- Led staff professional development workshops focused on instructional strategies and inclusive education practices, enhancing teaching effectiveness
- Developed after-school tutoring and literacy programs to support struggling students
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students through varied instructional strategies, fostering greater engagement and learning outcomes
- Developed after-school tutoring and literacy programs to support struggling students, improving academic performance and confidence
Part-Time English/Communications Instructor
Ministry of Education — Antigua State College
St. John's, Antigua and Barbuda
09.2013 - 07.2014
- Planned and assessed instructional programs to enhance student learning outcomes and support departmental goals
- Developed peer mentoring program and initiatives that fostered student engagement and collaboration in higher learning
- Developed and delivered course materials for diverse communication topics.
- Facilitated engaging discussions to enhance student understanding of communication theories.
- Implemented innovative teaching methods to improve classroom participation and learning outcomes.
Language Arts and Literature Teacher
Ministry of Education
Antigua and Barbuda
01.1999 - 08.2013
- Adapted curriculum for special-needs students using diverse teaching methods
- Conducted exam preparation sessions for students in English and Literature
- Developed and implemented engaging literature curricula aligned with national educational standards.
- Facilitated discussions to enhance critical thinking and comprehension among diverse student groups.
- Mentored new teachers, providing guidance on instructional strategies and classroom management techniques.
4th Grade Teacher
Ministry of Education
St. John's, Antigua and Barbuda
01.1995 - 07.1999
- Planned and delivered classroom instruction aligned with Ministry of Education goals
- Modified curriculum for special-needs students and developed after-school tutorial programs to enhance individual learning outcomes
- Implemented reading and writing workshops to improve student literacy skills and foster a love for reading
Education
PhD - Special Education
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA05-2026
M.Ed. - Educational Leadership
American Collge of Education
Indianapolis, IN05-2028
M.A. - Special and Inclusive Education
Roehampton University
London, UK03-2013
B.S. - Education
Skidmore College
Saratoga Springs, NY05-2005
Certificate - Teacher Education
University of the West Indies
St. John's, Antigua06-1999
Skills
- ESE & Section 504 Compliance
- IEP Facilitation
- MDR Facilitation
- Case Management
- Inclusive Education
- Program monitoring
- Staff training
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Public Speaking
- Research
- Academic Writing
Certification
Professional Educator Certificate: Exceptional Student Education K-12 and English 6-12 — Florida Department of Education
Timeline
District Staffing Specialist – Charter | Section 504 District Compliance Monitor
Orange County Public Schools
07.2024 - Current
ESE Staffing Specialist / 504 Coordinator
Orange County Public Schools
06.2021 - 06.2024
ESE Facilitator / Special Education Coordinator
New Beginnings High School
07.2020 - 05.2021
ESE / Special Education Support Facilitator
Osceola High School
08.2019 - 05.2020
Intensive Reading Teacher
Ben Gamla Charter School
10.2017 - 06.2019
Language Arts Teacher / Educational Coordinator
UCP Miami
10.2015 - 08.2017
Part-Time English/Communications Instructor
Ministry of Education — Antigua State College
09.2013 - 07.2014
Department Chair – English / Master Teacher / Special Needs & Inclusion Coordinator
Ministry of Education — Glanvilles Secondary School
09.2008 - 09.2014
Language Arts and Literature Teacher
Ministry of Education
01.1999 - 08.2013
4th Grade Teacher
Ministry of Education
01.1995 - 07.1999
B.S. - Education
Skidmore College
Certificate - Teacher Education
University of the West Indies
PhD - Special Education
Liberty University
M.Ed. - Educational Leadership
American Collge of Education
M.A. - Special and Inclusive Education
Roehampton University