CYNTHIA M. VIA
Special Educator
Chesterfield,VA
Summary
Compassionate, creative and effective Teacher with valuable experience in classroom administration, professional development and project planning. Equipped with extensive background in versatile education environments. Student-centric instructor, academic facilitator and motivational coach. Competent at performing independently or as member of teaching team. Motivated Behavior Specialist adept at working with students of all backgrounds and socioeconomic levels. Familiar with neglect and child abuse situations. Advocates for available resources and builds powerful support network around children in need .
Overview
51
51
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Coordinator of Special Education/Autism Behavior Interventionist
Chesterfield County, L.C. Bird H.S Spring Run Elem
Chserterfield , VA
08.2017 - Current
- Coordinates special education services for students with disabilities at the secondary level to optimize student learning in the school environment
- Serves as the school's lead special educator and curriculum leader, exemplifying knowledgeable and professional conduct in addressing the learning needs of students with disabilities
- Coordinates screenings, meetings, testing and transportation for individual students
- Provides professional development and support to special education and general education staff in special education procedures, regulations, differentiated instruction and assessments
- Supports research-based instructional practices to improve achievement of special education students in classrooms
- Monitors adherence to policy, procedures, timelines and regulations regarding the special education process
- Coordinates testing to remain in compliance with federal timelines and requirements
- Serves as Local Education Agency (LEA) division representative at all IEP meetings and assures the development of standards driven IEPs
- Writes and assists teachers' writing of Functional Behavior Assessments and Behavioral Intervention Plans and assists with efforts in the school to employ positive behavioral interventions and supports in efforts to reduce suspensions of students with disabilities
- Administers diagnostic tests
- Maintains knowledge of SOL and alternative assessment (eligibility requirements)
- Provides ongoing professional development and support to special and general education staff in special education procedures/regulations, collaborative model, differentiates instruction, data collection and analysis and assessments
- Provides supplemental professional development for new special education staff
- Shares and models use of research-based instructional strategies with staff to ensure quality instruction
- Assists in the development of the school's master schedule to ensure support of the students' instructional needs in regards to staff resources
- Maintains effective communication with special education specialists, liaisons, and other support staff
- Conducts classroom observations that address student learning needs and promote quality instruction
- Collaborates with Transition Coordinator to ensure the transition needs of students are addressed to provide opportunities for students to be college and/or career ready
- Serves as, and performs all duties associated with the department chair role for assigned building.
Special Education Teacher
Chesterfield County Public Schools, OB Gates Elementary School
01.2014 - 01.2017
- Essential in organization, implementation, and instruction for special education students (K-5) in areas of intensive day program, case management, and develop and implement Individual Education Plans,
- Oversaw and provided the scheduled testing for Virginia Alternative Assessment Plans, Virginia Grade Level Assessments,
- Prepared quarterly reports on student progress, areas of challenge, established goals aligned with student abilities
- Developed individual IEP to promote the educational, emotional, and social progress for students, specifically for children in the foster care system
- Provided classroom management through setting expectations and developing Behavior Intervention Plans, and transitional support for students entering middle school.
Lead instructor
FRESH START ACADEMY, Intercept Youth Services
Chesterfield, VA
01.2013 - 01.2014
- For residential facility for adolescent females responsible for developing and implementing experiential learning for students through promotion of receptive learning
- Modification of lesson plans to reflect individual student learning needs and goals based on testing and past performance
- Established and enforced behavior policies to establish expectations for class
- Received recognition for creativity of classroom instruction and instructional techniques.
Special Education Teacher
PYGMALION SCHOOL
STAUNTON, VA
01.2004 - 01.2013
- Essential in organization, implementation, and instruction for special education students (K-12) in areas of day placement, case management, and Individual Education Plans,
- Oversaw and provided the scheduled testing for Virginia Alternative Assessment Plans, Virginia Grade Level Assessments, Brigance, Woodcock Johnson, and Wilson Reading
- Prepared quarterly reports on student progress, areas of challenge, established goals aligned with student abilities, and Family Assessment and Planning Team reports
- Developed individual IEP to promote the educational, emotional, and social progress for students, specifically for children in the foster care system
- Provided classroom management through setting expectations and developing Behavior Intervention Plans, and transitional support for students entering middle school, and high school
- Championed events for students such as field trips to parks, civic institutions, and zoos
- Trained and certified staff on Red Cross CPR and First Aid, and Handle with Care restraint techniques.
Regional Program Manager
REGION TEN COMMUNITY SERVICES BOARD
Charlottesville, VA
01.2002 - 01.2004
- Oversaw the operations of a residential group home serving intellectually challenged adults
- Responsible for personnel management, fiscal management, administration duties, and policy compliance and implementation
- Monitored ethical standards in the delivery and evaluation of treatment programs and services on-site through case management and performance reviews
- Maintained employee relations including scheduling, issue resolution, personnel policies, and direct care procedures.
ADMISSION DIRECTOR
Brown Schools Of Virginia
Charlottesville, VA
02.2002 - 11.2022
- Responsible for recruitment and assessment of referrals through the education to sources on funding, services, and staffing skills relevant to individual patient needs
- Performed administrative duties including policy review, monthly and quarterly departmental goal reporting, and on-call responsibilities
- Served as Public Relations ambassador through referral relations in touring and program reviews.
Services Coordinator
Comprehensive
Waynesboro, VA
01.1999 - 01.2002
C Records Telecommunication Operator
United States Army, 74
01.1992 - 01.1995
- Training Office
- Combat Medic
House Supervisor
BROWN SCHOOLS OF VIRGINIA
Charlottesville, VA
01.2002 - 01.2004
Direct Care Staff
Valley Community Service Board
01.1999 - 01.2002
Education
Master of Arts - Special Education
Mary Baldwin College
Bachelors in Arts - Management and Organizational Development
Eastern Mennonite University
Associate - Art, Mental Health and Human Service
Certified as a Mandt Trainer - undefined
Skills
Classroom management
Social-Emotional Learning training
Student engagement
Student-centered learning
Student records management
Special education
Special Needs Students
Differentiated instruction
Certification
Certified Educator
Additional Information
Registered Behavior Technician- In partnership with VCU Autism Center for Excellence I will complete the certification by May 2022
Timeline
Coordinator of Special Education/Autism Behavior Interventionist
Chesterfield County, L.C. Bird H.S Spring Run Elem
08.2017 - Current
Special Education Teacher
Chesterfield County Public Schools, OB Gates Elementary School
01.2014 - 01.2017
Lead instructor
FRESH START ACADEMY, Intercept Youth Services
01.2013 - 01.2014
Special Education Teacher
PYGMALION SCHOOL
01.2004 - 01.2013
ADMISSION DIRECTOR
Brown Schools Of Virginia
02.2002 - 11.2022
Regional Program Manager
REGION TEN COMMUNITY SERVICES BOARD
01.2002 - 01.2004
House Supervisor
BROWN SCHOOLS OF VIRGINIA
01.2002 - 01.2004
Services Coordinator
Comprehensive
01.1999 - 01.2002
Direct Care Staff
Valley Community Service Board
01.1999 - 01.2002
C Records Telecommunication Operator
United States Army, 74
01.1992 - 01.1995
Master of Arts - Special Education
Mary Baldwin College
Bachelors in Arts - Management and Organizational Development
Eastern Mennonite University