CRYSTALYN GARCIA
Pueblo,CO
Summary
Special Education leader with expertise in structured literacy, inclusive practices, and MTSS systems. Experienced in leading K–8 special education programming, coaching staff, and designing data-driven interventions that improve student outcomes. Skilled in aligning compliance with practical implementation to ensure equitable access to grade-level curriculum for diverse learners.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Dean of Special Services
Villa Bella Expeditionary
2024 - Current
- Lead K–8 special education programming, ensuring compliant, high-quality service delivery aligned to IDEA, MTSS, and school wide instructional priorities
- Design and implement data-driven intervention systems (structured literacy, multisensory math), resulting in improved student growth and access to grade-level standards
- Develop and monitor IEPs with standards-aligned, measurable goals, using multiple data sources (i-Ready, DIBELS, classroom performance) to drive instructional decisions
- Coach and support general education teachers in inclusive practices, accommodations, and differentiation, strengthening Tier 1 instruction for diverse learners
- Supervise and train paraprofessionals, building capacity in evidence-based instructional strategies and behavior supports
- Lead collaboration across MTSS and special education systems to ensure appropriate referrals, early intervention, and equitable access to services
- Create and implement systems/tools (IEP snapshots, accommodation trackers, service schedules) to improve fidelity, staff accountability, and student outcomes
Reading Interventionist & ELL Teacher
Pueblo District 70 | Villa Bella Expeditionary Charter
01.2022 - 2024
Reading Interventionist
Pueblo District 60 | Eva Baca Elementary
01.2020 - 01.2022
Second Grade Teacher
Pueblo District 70 | Villa Bella Expeditionary Charter
01.2019 - 01.2020
Kindergarten Teacher
Pueblo District 60 | Fountain International Magnet School
01.2013 - 01.2019
Education
Special Education Alternative Certification
Fort Lewis College
Durango, CO06-2025
Master of Arts - Elementary Education
University of Northern Colorado
Greeley, CO01-2013
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science & International Studies
University of Denver
01-2008
Skills
IEP Development, Implementation & Progress Monitoring
IDEA & Section 504 Compliance
Evaluation & Reevaluation Processes
Dyslexia Therapist
Multisensory Math trained
Executive Function Strategy Instruction
Inclusion strategies
Data-driven decision making
Instructional differentiation
Certification
- Academic Language Therapy Association -2023 Certified Academic Language Therapist
- Level 1 OG Multisensory Math : June 2025
HONORS
- Colorado Comissioner’s Teacher Cabinet Member, March 2023-25,
- Savvas National Literacy Fellow, 2024
- Nationally published podcasts:, The Five Pillars of Reading Explained, Leveraging the Science of Reading with Older Students
CONFERENCES
- IDA DyslexiaCon Virtual Scholarship Recipient – November 2021
- Plain Talk About Literacy and Learning Institute New Orleans, Louisiana, February 2022
- ALTA National Conference, Colorado Springs, CO 2022
- ALTA National Conference, Houston, TX 2023
- Reading in the Rockies, 2024 & 25
Timeline
Reading Interventionist & ELL Teacher
Pueblo District 70 | Villa Bella Expeditionary Charter
01.2022 - 2024
Reading Interventionist
Pueblo District 60 | Eva Baca Elementary
01.2020 - 01.2022
Second Grade Teacher
Pueblo District 70 | Villa Bella Expeditionary Charter
01.2019 - 01.2020
Kindergarten Teacher
Pueblo District 60 | Fountain International Magnet School
01.2013 - 01.2019
Master of Arts - Elementary Education
University of Northern Colorado
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science & International Studies
University of Denver
Dean of Special Services
Villa Bella Expeditionary
2024 - Current
Special Education Alternative Certification
Fort Lewis College