Debra Donegan
Stroudsburg,PA
Summary
Experienced Special Education professional with over 25 years of service supporting students with complex academic, emotional, and behavioral needs. Extensive expertise in Emotional Support programming, IEP development, transfer coordination, and out-of-district placements. Recognized for collaborative leadership, regulatory compliance, and the ability to manage high-stakes student transitions while maintaining strong relationships with families, schools, and external agencies.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher | Full-Time Emotional Support English Teacher (Grades 9–12) | Supplemental Case Manager | Itinerant Emotional Support Case Manager | Transfer Coordinator
East Stroudsburg Area School District (ESASD)
01.2005 - Current
- Serve as the full-time Emotional Support English teacher for grades 9–12, delivering standards-aligned instruction while addressing students’ emotional, behavioral, and social needs.
- Differentiate instruction and provide trauma-informed supports to promote academic growth, engagement, and emotional regulation across grade levels.
- Lead the coordination of incoming student transfers by collecting, reviewing, and analyzing educational records to ensure timely and appropriate placements.
- Collaborate with building administrators, school counselors, Child Accounting, and special education leadership to determine appropriate case management and placement decisions.
- Facilitate transfer IEP meetings and oversee post-meeting documentation, including placement determinations, transportation requests, and compliance-related follow-up.
- Serve as the initial case manager for in-state and out-of-state transfer students for assigned out-of-district placements.
- Coordinate transitions between in-district and out-of-district programs to support uninterrupted educational and emotional support services.
- Mentor special education staff at Lehman Intermediate School and North High School, providing guidance to ensure compliance with special education documentation, timelines, and procedural requirements.
- Meet annually with Lehman staff to support the transition of students from 8th grade to 9th grade, including IEP review, service continuity, and case management planning.
- Provide families and caregivers with information regarding community agencies, external supports, and services available to students with IEPs.
- Maintain working knowledge of district and non-district placement options and support school-based teams in aligning services with individualized student needs.
- Provide regular updates to district leadership regarding student placements, progress, and programmatic considerations.
- Participate in ongoing professional development and district initiatives to remain current with special education regulations and best practices.
Special Education Teacher
Wordsworth Academy / Shawnee Academy
01.2000 - 01.2005
- Delivered specialized instruction to students with emotional and behavioral disabilities within therapeutic and alternative educational settings.
- Designed and implemented individualized education plans focused on academic growth, emotional regulation, and behavioral support.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, including clinicians and administrators, to support student progress and treatment goals.
- Maintained accurate documentation and ensured compliance with special education requirements.
- Supported students in developing social, emotional, and academic skills necessary for long-term success.
Education
M.D. - Special Education
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
East Stroudsburg, PAM.D. - Special Education Administration
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
East Stroudsburg, PASkills
- Special Education Leadership & Case Management
- Emotional Support Programming
- Transfer Coordination & Intake Processes
- IEP Development, Facilitation & Compliance
- Out-of-District Placement Oversight by working with Out-Of-District liaison
- Interagency & Family Collaboration
- Student Transition Planning
- Regulatory Compliance & Documentation
- Differentiated instruction
- Classroom management
- Individual education plans IEP's
Certification
- Pennsylvania Level II Certification – Special Education
- Pennsylvania Certification – Special Education Administration
Timeline
Special Education Teacher | Full-Time Emotional Support English Teacher (Grades 9–12) | Supplemental Case Manager | Itinerant Emotional Support Case Manager | Transfer Coordinator
East Stroudsburg Area School District (ESASD)
01.2005 - Current
Special Education Teacher
Wordsworth Academy / Shawnee Academy
01.2000 - 01.2005
M.D. - Special Education
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
M.D. - Special Education Administration
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania