Daniela DePaola
Philadelphia,PA
Summary
Accomplished Director of Special Education at the School District of Philadelphia, adept in instructional leadership and fostering parent-teacher collaboration. Proven track record in enhancing inclusive education and ensuring compliance with Special Education Law. Exceptional in organizational skills and communication, significantly improving IEP processes and special education integration.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Special Education
School District of Philadelphia
07.2023 - Current
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to conduct comprehensive evaluations of students suspected of having disabilities, guiding subsequent eligibility determination and IEP development processes.
- Provided ongoing support and mentorship for newly hired special education personnel, facilitating their successful integration into the school community.
- Promoted an inclusive learning environment by fostering collaboration between special education and general education personnel.
- Provided guidance on curriculum modifications and accommodations for students with disabilities, enabling academic success in the least restrictive environment possible.
Special Education Case Manager
School District of Philadelphia
12.2019 - 07.2023
- Evaluated IEP for compliance with state and federal requirements regulations and rectified non-compliance issues immediately.
- Managed a caseload of special education teachers, ensuring timely completion of required documentation and IEP meetings.
- Coached and observed teachers to improve teaching techniques.
- Evaluated special education staff through classroom observation, feedback and recommendations.
- Facilitated IEP meetings by using family-centered, strength-based approach.
Special Education Compliance Manager
School District of Philadelphia
09.2015 - 12.2019
- Prepared records and data for regular audits.
- Managed a caseload of special education students, ensuring timely completion of required documentation and IEP meetings.
- Implemented research-based teaching methods specifically designed for students with disabilities, promoting increased engagement and comprehension across subjects.
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Facilitated IEP meetings by using family-centered, strength-based approach.
- Maintained contact with parents to address concerns and needs of children.
- Advocated for students to access available resources.
ESL Teacher
School District of Philadelphia
09.2014 - 06.2015
- Supported language development for non-native speakers by providing small group sessions tailored to individual needs.
- Collaborated with colleagues to design interdisciplinary lesson plans that incorporated elements from various subjects into the ESL curriculum.
- Modified curriculum plans with colleagues to meet changing student needs.
- Educated students in basics of English grammar and conversational speaking.
- Developed activities and integrated technology to diversify instruction.
- Increased student proficiency in English by creating engaging and interactive classroom activities.
Special Education Teacher
School District of Philadelphia
09.2009 - 06.2014
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Enhanced students'' communication skills by implementing group activities and collaborative projects.
- Coordinated with general education teachers to develop accommodations or modifications necessary for successful inclusion of students with special needs in mainstream classrooms.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
Education
No Degree - Certificate in Educational Leadership
Eastern University
Wayne, PA04-2018
No Degree - Certification For English As A Second Lang
Pennsylvania State University
Abington07-2013
Master of Arts - Education
LaSalle University
Philadelphia, PA06-2009
Bachelor of Arts - Corporate Communication
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA06-2005
Skills
- Early intervention
- Instructional Leadership
- Parent-teacher collaboration
- Collaborative Teaching
- Inclusive education
- Special Education Law
- Individualized Education Plans
- Problem-solving abilities
- Multitasking Abilities
- Reliability
- Excellent Communication
- Organizational Skills
Timeline
Director of Special Education
School District of Philadelphia
07.2023 - Current
Special Education Case Manager
School District of Philadelphia
12.2019 - 07.2023
Special Education Compliance Manager
School District of Philadelphia
09.2015 - 12.2019
ESL Teacher
School District of Philadelphia
09.2014 - 06.2015
Special Education Teacher
School District of Philadelphia
09.2009 - 06.2014
No Degree - Certificate in Educational Leadership
Eastern University
No Degree - Certification For English As A Second Lang
Pennsylvania State University
Master of Arts - Education
LaSalle University
Bachelor of Arts - Corporate Communication
Drexel University
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