Deborah Morrison
WHITESTOWN,IN
Summary
My passion and life's work has been serving students, families and teachers. I have strong leadership qualities and focus on achieving program goals. Oversaw internal administrative and instructional activities through program planning, guidance, and leadership. Expert at coordinating program logistics and highly organized with vision and enthusiasm to achieve program goals and objectives.
Well-qualified professional bringing many years of experience in special education. Service-oriented and relationship driven.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Coordinator
Highland Park ISD - Highland Park Middle School
Highland Park , TX
2009.08 - 2023.05
- Member of the Campus Leadership Committee
- Member of the District Leadership Committee - served a two year time period for our campus
- Planned for and led Special Education department meetings
- Administrator for ARD {IEP} meetings
- Participated in all IEP team meetings and supported/gave input to the special education teacher/student leading the meeting/ those providing information about current assessment results and recommendations for instruction and intervention strategies.
- Actively supported Special Olympics
- Member of the campus Leadership Team
- Member of the campus RtI team
- Member of the campus Student Support Team
- Began and ran our campus Peer Tutor Program
- Coordinator for District Structure Program
- Coordinator for campus Structure program and for Positive Behavior Support program
- Member of District Level Transition Team
- Provided trainings for teachers, campuses, and the district
- District liaison between our district Deaf and Hard of Hearing program and our regional education service center
- Worked closely with campus 504 Coordinator
- Worked closely with campus evaluation staff and speech language pathologist
- Monitored student course choices and helped select appropriate electives
- Determined schedules for special education teachers and for instructional assistants
- Worked closely with the high school coordinator each spring on transition for rising 9th graders
- Arranged trainings for special education department on curriculum
- Responsible for managing and ordering curriculum/supplies for special education teachers with the designated special education budget for our campus
- Certified Restorative Practices Specialist
- Brought Restorative Practices and Circles to our campus
- Worked with parents to access community resources when appropriate
- Worked with teachers on development and implementation of behavior management systems for individual students and for classrooms/programs
- Collaborated with other professionals to ensure effective communication between home, school, and community agencies regarding student progress.
- Ensured that appropriate assessments of student abilities to determine appropriate services and accommodations were completed by special education staff
- Ensured and participated in 3x yearly progress monitoring for students with Dyslexia
- Actively participated in school committees related to special education initiatives.
- Developed transition plans for students moving from one level or program to another or transitioning into postsecondary settings.
- Supported classroom instruction by providing direct instruction when needed or co-teaching classes.
- Served as a liaison between school personnel and outside agencies.
- Developed and implemented individualized education plans for students with special needs.
- Researched new instructional strategies or technologies that may benefit students with disabilities.
- Worked with the administrative team/evaluation staff/campus testing coordinator when planning groups/accommodations for standardized tests or completing formal evaluations.
- Created a positive learning environment that encourages the development of social skills and self-esteem.
- Reviewed data collected from teachers and other various sources to assess effectiveness of interventions being used with each student.
- Facilitated meetings with parents, teachers, therapists, administrators. to discuss goals for students' educational programs.
- Organized workshops for families of special needs students for monthly parent training opportunities.
- Monitored progress of students with special needs through regular observations and data collection.
- Maintained up-to-date records of all evaluations, assessments, and IEPs
- Worked with 504 Coordinator in developing 504 plans for incoming students in need of a plan and for students dismissed from special education needing a plan.
- Provided professional development training sessions to faculty members on topics related to special education laws and regulations.
- Provided guidance, support and training to teachers, staff, parents, and administrators on best practices in educating students with disabilities.
- Attended Regional Special Education Director meetings with our district Special Programs Director and as our district representative for her when asked
- Planned, directed and monitored instructional methods and content of educational and vocational programs.
- Recruited, trained and evaluated staff and recommended personnel actions for programs and services.
- Monitored student progress and assisted students and teachers with resolving problems.
- Reviewed and evaluated programs for compliance with state, local and federal regulations.
Special Education Teacher and Department Head
Plano ISD - Robinson Middle School
Plano , TX
1994.08 - 2009.06
- Special Education Teacher - taught Resource English Language Arts {grades6-8} and study skills
- Taught reading to students with Dyslexia using the Herman Method for Reversing Reading Failure
- Developed schedules for special education teachers and instructional assistants
- Prepared IEPs for students
- Led all student IEP meetings
- Actively supported our students participating in Special Olympics
- Provided trainings for general education teachers, special education teachers and instructional assistants
- Developed, led, and directed all aspects a summer camp, "Camp Tejas" for secondary special education students to include interviewing, hiring, and training of staff, planning of activities, field trips, budgeting, etc..
- Started a Content Mastery classroom on our campus
- Started and led the peer tutor program for our campus
- Member of student support team
- Developed and maintained special education and 504 records
- Held 504 meetings with appropriate staff and parents
- Provided instruction in academic, communication, and social skills to special education students.
- Instructed special education classes using evidence-based practices.
- Conducted assessments of student performance and provided feedback to parents.
- Collaborated with other educators and professionals to design instructional plans.
- Established positive relationships with students and their families.
- Collaborated closely with related services providers such as speech therapists.
- Identified learning needs of students with disabilities and implemented appropriate interventions.
- Developed and implemented individualized education plans for students with special needs.
- Facilitated small group instruction tailored for individual student needs.
- Assisted in the development of IEP goals based on data analysis.
- Attended parent-teacher conferences to discuss student progress.
- Adapted curriculum materials as needed to meet individualized student needs.
- Created a safe environment conducive to learning for special education students.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress towards IEP goals.
- Participated in professional development activities related to teaching strategies for special education students.
- Utilized technology resources such as online programs and assistive devices.
- Communicated regularly with parents regarding their child's progress.
- Monitored the educational progress of each student according to established timelines.
- Developed Individual Education Plans for students with disabilities.
- Served as an advocate for special education students within the school system.
- Implemented behavior management systems that promote positive behaviors.
- Advocated for needs of the students with disabilities.
- Developed and maintained individualized skill-appropriate lesson plans to promote and build student confidence.
- Assisted with classroom observations to identify behavioral issues.
- Solved student behavioral issues according to building expectations and codes of conduct.
- Encouraged student empathy of others to build confidence and improve self-image.
- Established and maintained dynamic working relationships with students and parents to support classroom objectives.
- Supported diverse student populations through equitable instructional design and programming.
- Conducted small group and individual classroom activities with students based on differentiated learning needs.
- Collaborated with general education teachers to include students in classroom activities.
- Developed interesting and interactive learning methods tailored to help students with individual needs.
- Facilitated student operation of augmented communication devices.
- Maintained consistent and timely contact with parents about student behavior and upcoming events.
- Incorporated interactive visual aids into student lesson plans to support learning objectives.
- Teamed with general education teachers to plan and implement curriculum, state and district-wide assessments.
- Developed IEP to leverage developmental practices and educational theories to achieve educational objectives.
- Enhanced students' sensory- and perceptual-motor skills through hands-on activities.
- Demonstrated appropriate behaviors using behavior modeling and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Offered hands-on learning opportunities to develop student self-esteem and life skills.
- Delivered tutoring sessions to help students grasp complex concepts in one-on-one settings.
- Maintained student records in accordance with district standards.
- Analyzed student data and prescribed remediation and enrichment to meet learning needs.
- Developed individual educational plans designed to promote educational, physical and social development.
- Instructed students in standardized subjects as well as general learning strategies and skills for social development and character.
- Collaborated with other educational personnel to provide inclusive activities or programs for children with disabilities.
- Built relationships with students and parents through active communication and positive feedback.
- Enhanced students' physical, behavioral and social skills through class activities.
- Created and implemented compliant IEPs, progress reports and state-specific special education documentation.
- Adapted instructional techniques to appropriate ages and skill levels of supervised students.
- Helped students learn to persevere with challenging tasks and build resilience for later educational efforts.
- Designed and delivered personalized learning for each student and advocated for student inclusion and success in general education environments.
- Cultivated classroom environment focused on inclusion and growth, fostering both social and academic development.
- Offered counseling to students and parents to increase personal growth, self-understanding and behavioral management.
- Analyzed data from various sources to identify trends and recommend solutions.
- Managed daily work assignments of subordinate staff members while ensuring timely completion.
- Coordinated with other departments to ensure successful completion of projects.
- Organized regular meetings with staff to discuss progress and address issues.
- Provided leadership during times of crisis or change in order to maintain productivity levels.
- Identified areas for process improvement within the department through feedback from staff members.
- Enforced departmental policies, procedures and state and federal laws.
- Trained employees on proper and safe use of equipment and tools.
- Modeled supportive leadership qualities, motivating staff to achieve department goals and promote staff participation and team building.
Special Education Teacher - Hedgcoxe Elementary
Plano ISD
Plano , TX
1990.08 - 1994.05
- Special Education Teacher - In Class Support/Inclusion Teacher for 5th grade team
- Taught in the Content Mastery Classroom
- Led small group instruction groups to work on IEP goals with students in reading, language arts and math
- Began a "Post Office" for our elementary School
- Supported Special Olympics for students
- Conducted assessments of student performance and provided feedback to parents.
- Developed and implemented individualized education plans for students with special needs.
- Adapted curriculum materials as needed to meet individualized student needs.
- Implemented behavior management systems that promote positive behaviors.
- Identified learning needs of students with disabilities and implemented appropriate interventions.
- Instructed special education classes using evidence-based practices.
- Facilitated small group instruction tailored for individual student needs.
- Attended parent-teacher conferences to discuss student progress.
- Collaborated with other educators and professionals to design instructional plans.
- Monitored the educational progress of each student according to established timelines.
- Provided instruction in academic, communication, and social skills to special education students.
- Collaborated closely with related services providers such as speech therapists.
- Served as an advocate for special education students within the school system.
- Participated in professional development activities related to teaching strategies for special education students.
- Established positive relationships with students and their families.
- Created a safe environment conducive to learning for special education students.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress towards IEP goals.
- Developed Individual Education Plans for students with disabilities.
- Assisted in the development of IEP goals based on data analysis.
- Advocated for needs of the students with disabilities.
- Developed and maintained individualized skill-appropriate lesson plans to promote and build student confidence.
- Conducted small group and individual classroom activities with students based on differentiated learning needs.
- Developed interesting and interactive learning methods tailored to help students with individual needs.
- Assisted with classroom observations to identify behavioral issues.
- Teamed with general education teachers to plan and implement curriculum, state and district-wide assessments.
- Maintained consistent and timely contact parents about their child.
- Collaborated with general education teachers to include students in classroom activities.
- Solved student behavioral issues according to building expectations and codes of conduct.
- Incorporated interactive visual aids into student lesson plans to support learning objectives.
- Created and implemented compliant IEPs, progress reports and state-specific special education documentation.
- Analyzed student data and prescribed remediation and enrichment to meet learning needs.
- Adapted instructional techniques to appropriate ages and skill levels of supervised students.
- Evaluated student needs to provide helpful resources and support.
- Offered hands-on learning opportunities to develop student self-esteem and life skills.
- Delivered tutoring sessions to help students grasp complex concepts in one-on-one settings.
Education
Master of Science - Educational Leadership
Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR
Jonesboro, AR2020-05
Specialist of Education - Specialist in Education-Ed. Ldrshp./Dir. of Sped
Arkansas State University - Jonesboro, AR
Jonesboro2017-12
Master of Science - Education-Sped, -Instructional Specialist 4-12
Arkansas State University - Jonesboro
Jonesboro, AR2014-12
Bachelor of Science - Education - Special Education {MMH & SEH}
Indiana University Bloomington
Bloomington, IN1984-08
Ball State University
Muncie, INIUPUI - Indianapolis
Indianapolis, INSkills
- Early intervention services
- Data-driven decision-making
- Transition planning
- Social Skills Development
- Individualized Education Plan expertise
- Instructional differentiation
- Special Education Law Knowledge
- Hearing Impairment Support
- Sensory integration techniques
- Curriculum adaptation
- Assistive Technology Proficiency
- Inclusion Strategies
- Severe disabilities expertise
- Autism spectrum understanding
- Visual impairment accommodations
- Physical Therapy Collaboration
- Behavior Management Strategies
- Speech and Language Support
- Intellectual disability strategies
- Functional Behavior Assessment
- Emotional Disturbance Interventions
- Parent-Teacher Communication
- Gifted education understanding
- Occupational therapy coordination
- Relationship Building
- Performance Evaluations
- Staff Development
- Public Speaking
- Fiscal Management
- State Testing Support
- School Administration
- Program Analysis
- Academic Standards Management
- Attention to Detail
- Administrative Staff Coordination
- Policies and Procedures Enforcement
- Effective Communication
- Active Listening
- Policy Implementation
- Content Development
- Federal compliance
- Task Prioritization
- Professionalism
- At-Risk Student Intervention
- Professional Demeanor
- Reliability
- Adaptability
- Problem-solving aptitude
- Work Prioritization
- Flexible Schedule
- Multitasking
- Punctual and Dependable
- Curriculum management
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Student relations
- Curriculum Development
- Interpersonal Communication
- Budget Preparation
- Student Support
- Decision-Making
- Instructor Training
- Excellent Communication
- Education Model Development
- Time management abilities
- Problem-Solving
- Special Education Programs
Certification
- Texas Teaching Certificate - Lifetime|Seriously Emotionally Disturbed/Autism PK-12|Severely & Profoundly Handicapped PK-12
- Indiana Teaching Certificate -Professional - Mildly Mentally Handicapped K-12|Severely Emotionally Handicapped K-12
Affiliations
- Taught 4th grade CCD classes at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Plano, Texas
- Volunteered with Special Olympics
- Have 28 books {coloring books, journals, wellness journals, gratitude journals, and one children's book published on Amazon
Accomplishments
- Certified Specialist in Restorative Practices
- Who's Who Among Teachers
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Special Education Coordinator
Highland Park ISD - Highland Park Middle School
2009.08 - 2023.05
Special Education Teacher and Department Head
Plano ISD - Robinson Middle School
1994.08 - 2009.06
Special Education Teacher - Hedgcoxe Elementary
Plano ISD
1990.08 - 1994.05
Master of Science - Educational Leadership
Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR
Specialist of Education - Specialist in Education-Ed. Ldrshp./Dir. of Sped
Arkansas State University - Jonesboro, AR
Master of Science - Education-Sped, -Instructional Specialist 4-12
Arkansas State University - Jonesboro
Bachelor of Science - Education - Special Education {MMH & SEH}
Indiana University Bloomington
Ball State University
IUPUI - Indianapolis
- Texas Teaching Certificate - Lifetime|Seriously Emotionally Disturbed/Autism PK-12|Severely & Profoundly Handicapped PK-12
- Indiana Teaching Certificate -Professional - Mildly Mentally Handicapped K-12|Severely Emotionally Handicapped K-12
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