Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Interests
Affiliations
Timeline
Generic

CHERLE A. ANDERSON

Orange Cove,CA

Summary

I have served for 30 years as an educator, a teacher, and an administrator. As a teacher of special needs students in elementary and high school, I have worked with a diverse community of students and peers. As Director of Student Services, I have worked with and overseen staff who provide services to Homeless and Foster Youth, English Language Learners, and special education leaders. I have a 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

30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Director of Special Education, Equity and Student Services

Big Picture Educational Academy
08.2018 - 12.2023
  • Plan, develop, coordinate, and manage all special education programs, services, budgets, and personnel.
  • Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, ethical standards, and best practices in special education.
  • Provide leadership and oversight to special education staff, including teachers, aides, and support personnel.
  • Work collaboratively with other school personnel, administrators, parents, and community stakeholders.
  • Promote ongoing professional development for special education staff.
  • Oversee the development and implementation of individualized education programs (IEPs) for students with disabilities.
  • Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations, including IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act).
  • Manage conflicts and disputes related to special education programs.
  • Provide professional development opportunities for special education staff, including training on new research, techniques, and laws.
  • Create and implement strategies that include developing and overseeing programs, training, and policies that ensure fair treatment and access for all, while also fostering a sense of belonging.
  • Including students in Foster and homeless programs.
  • Develop and execute long-term strategies and initiatives that align with organizational goals and objectives.
  • Review existing policies and procedures to ensure they are inclusive and equitable, and develop new policies as needed.
  • Collect, analyze, and report data to track progress and identify areas for improvement.
  • Evaluated and supervised itinerant teachers and support staff based on student needs.
  • Managed caseloads for special education staff members, ensuring timely completion of necessary documentation and adherence to established deadlines.
  • Allocated special education staff and addressed requests for additional allocations throughout the school year.
  • Guided curriculum modifications and accommodations for students with disabilities, enabling academic success in the least restrictive environment possible.
  • Spearheaded parent engagement initiatives aimed at increasing understanding of special education processes and promoting family involvement in their child's educational journey.

Education Specialist

Visalia Unified School District
08.2017 - 07.2018
  • Participate in the development of the student's Individualized Education Program (IEP);
  • Provide individualized or small group instruction as outlined in the IEP;
  • Provide services and materials to staff members as requested;
  • Consult frequently with professional staff including psychologists, Special Education and General Education personnel regarding the progress of each pupil;
  • Provide vocational career guidance and transition information to students when appropriate.

Program Manager

Visalia Unified School District
08.2016 - 07.2017
  • Improve student achievement and coordinate services to provide students access to high quality learning;
  • Work collaboratively with the Divisions of Curriculum & Instruction and School;
  • Develop effective instructional programs;
  • Expand practices proven to raise student achievement;
  • Provide staff development regarding Special Education programs;
  • Supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned personnel

Teacher, Individual & Small Group Instruction (ISGI)

Fresno Unified School District
08.2011 - 06.2016
  • Participate in the development of the student's Individualized Education Program (IEP);
  • Provide individualized or small group instruction as outlined in the IEP;
  • Provide services and materials to staff members as requested;
  • Consult frequently with professional staff including psychologists, Special Education and General Education personnel regarding the progress of each pupil;
  • Provide vocational career guidance and transition information to students when appropriate.

Regional Instructional Manager II

Fresno Unified School District
09.2009 - 06.2011
  • Improve student achievement and coordinate services to provide students access to high quality learning;
  • Work collaboratively with the Divisions of Curriculum & Instruction and School;
  • Develop effective instructional programs;
  • Expand practices proven to raise student achievement;
  • Provide staff development regarding Special Education programs;
  • Supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned personnel

Autism Specialist

Fresno County SELPA
05.2008 - 06.2009
  • Provides assistance to the 33 LEA within the Fresno County SELPA;
  • Provide support for students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) through consulting with staff, parents, and students in areas related to autism, inclusion strategies, and positive behavior support.

Department Chair (Special Education)

Selma Unified School District
08.2003 - 04.2008
  • Participate in the development of the student's Individualized Education Program (IEP);
  • Provide individualized or small group instruction as outlined in the IEP;
  • Provide services and materials to staff members as requested;
  • Consult frequently with professional staff including psychologists, Special Education and General Education personnel regarding the progress of each pupil;
  • Provide vocational career guidance and transition information to students when appropriate.

Resource Specialist

County Office of Education
08.1993 - 06.2003
  • Case manager for special education students;
  • Process referrals related to behavior modification and attendance issues of special education students;
  • Develop Individual Education Plan to include performance objectives and classroom modifications to ensure the success of special education students.
  • Conference with students, parents and school staff on the implementation of IEP modifications and accommodations, behavior plans and educational planning.

Education

Doctor of Education - Educational Leadership And Management

California State University, Fresno
Fresno, CA
05.2012

Master of Arts - Education

National University
La Jolla, CA
05.1996

Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Arts

National University
La Jolla, CA
05.1992

Skills

  • An earned Doctoral degree and at least five years’ recent experience in K-8 classrooms as a credentialed teacher
  • Teaching experience in education at K-12 and post-secondary levels, and working with students of various cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds
  • Recent experience working with African American, Latinx, Native American, and other marginalized students in the classroom
  • I am willing to examine and remediate my instructional, relational, and classroom practices to more effectively engage and support racially diverse students
  • Experience in identifying and remediating knowledge and skills deficiencies, as well as with educational technology
  • Familiarity with teacher preparation programs in high school and at the four-year university level

Certification

Preliminary Administrative Credential (Expiration 2028) Clear Special Education Credential (Expiration 2028) Clear Multiple Subject Credential (Expiration 2028) Resource Specialist Certification (Expiration 2028)

Interests

Big Picture Educational Academy Board January 2025 – Present

Big Picture Educational Academy Board Chair March 2024-December 2024

Women in the Wind International Fire and Ice Chapter Sargent at Arms March 2022 – Present

Women Marine Association CA-16 Chapter President October 2018 - Present

Affiliations

  • Association of California School Administrators
  • SmartBrief on Special Education

Timeline

Director of Special Education, Equity and Student Services

Big Picture Educational Academy
08.2018 - 12.2023

Education Specialist

Visalia Unified School District
08.2017 - 07.2018

Program Manager

Visalia Unified School District
08.2016 - 07.2017

Teacher, Individual & Small Group Instruction (ISGI)

Fresno Unified School District
08.2011 - 06.2016

Regional Instructional Manager II

Fresno Unified School District
09.2009 - 06.2011

Autism Specialist

Fresno County SELPA
05.2008 - 06.2009

Department Chair (Special Education)

Selma Unified School District
08.2003 - 04.2008

Resource Specialist

County Office of Education
08.1993 - 06.2003

Doctor of Education - Educational Leadership And Management

California State University, Fresno

Master of Arts - Education

National University

Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Arts

National University

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