Diana Lavan
League City
Summary
Special education professional with proven track record of fostering inclusive learning environments and implementing effective instructional strategies. Strong emphasis on team collaboration and achieving positive educational outcomes, adaptable to changing classroom dynamics. Skilled in behavior management, curriculum development, and student advocacy, bringing reliability and flexibility to role.
Experienced with developing and implementing individualized education plans for students with diverse learning needs.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Laporte Independent School District
08.2018 - Current
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support for students with special needs.
- Coordinated with general education teachers to develop accommodations or modifications necessary for successful inclusion of students with special needs in mainstream classrooms.
- Served as a mentor to new teachers, sharing best practices in special education instruction and classroom management techniques.
- Developed and executed behavioral intervention plans, leading to decrease in disruptive behaviors and increase in classroom participation.
- Integrated social skills training into curriculum, facilitating improved peer interactions and social integration.
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
La Porte ISD
08.2014 - Current
- Provided special education students with learning activities and experiences designed to help them fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth.
- Developed or modified curricula as well as prepared lessons and other instructional materials to student ability levels.
- Guided the learning of students in accordance with the district’s philosophy of education toward the achievement of curriculum goals.
- Aligned teaching and available resources to the district curriculum.
- Conducted ongoing assessments of student learning and utilized the results to plan and implement instruction.
- Worked cooperatively with other teachers to modify curricula and instruction as needed for special education students in order to facilitate inclusion in the general education setting to meet the students’ LRE.
- Worked collaboratively with OT/PT and SLP in order to incorporate targeted goals and objectives into daily classroom routine.
- Taught socially acceptable behavior, as determined by the students’ individualized education programs (IEPs), by employing techniques in an overall positive behavioral support system.
- Assessed student progress regularly through formative and summative assessments, adapting instruction accordingly to meet individual needs.
- Maintained accurate records of student performance, using data analysis tools to inform ongoing instructional planning and decisionmaking.
- Implemented data-driven instructional practices, resulting in improved student performance on assessments and increased mastery of key concepts.
- Developed and taught engaging and developmentally appropriate lesson plans to differentiate needs for learners.
- Coordinated with related service providers to ensure seamless delivery of supports for students requiring additional interventions or therapies.
- Developed positive relationships with colleagues and students within classroom to implement full-inclusion model.
- Assessed student achievement through data analysis and maintained appropriate documentation for school-based and individual reporting purposes.
EARLY INTERVENTION SPECIALIST
UTMB ECI LAUNCH
05.2013 - 08.2014
INTAKE COORDINATOR
UTMB ECI LAUNCH
09.2012 - 05.2013
DIRECTOR
HAPPY HARBOUR EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM
07.2009 - 06.2012
IN HOME TRAINER
La Porte ISD
01.2004 - 01.2006
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
Pearland ISD
01.2000 - 01.2001
LIFESKILLS TEACHER (K-5)
Pearland ISD
01.1999 - 01.2000
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
Matawan Aberdeen Regional School District
01.1995 - 01.1999
EARLY INTERVENTION DEVELOPMENTAL TEACHER (part-time)
Sunny Days
01.1995 - 01.1999
Education
Bachelor of Science - Human Services and Counseling, Special Education
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA01.1992
Master of Science in Education - Early Childhood Education
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA01.1993
Skills
- Tailored instruction methods
- Effective classroom management
- Assessing student needs for IEPs
- Delivering targeted group instruction
- Individual education plans ieps
- Differentiated instruction
- Classroom management
- Small group instruction
Accomplishments
- Trained fellow teachers on the procedures for completing Individual Education Plans.
Certification
- Director Certification State of Texas
- Certified Special Education Teacher State of Texas
- Child Development Certification
Teacher of the Year for college park elementary 2025-2026
- Representation & Advocacy: Serve as a spokesperson for teachers in their district, state, or nationally—promoting the value of education and advocating for students and educators.
- Public Speaking & Events: Attend and speak at educational conferences, community events, school board meetings, and ceremonies.
- Mentoring & Leadership: Act as a mentor to other teachers, sharing best practices and innovative teaching strategies.Professional Development: Lead or participate in workshops and training sessions to support teacher growth and student achievement.
- Policy Engagement: Collaborate with policymakers and educational leaders to help shape or provide input on education policy.
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Laporte Independent School District
08.2018 - Current
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
La Porte ISD
08.2014 - Current
EARLY INTERVENTION SPECIALIST
UTMB ECI LAUNCH
05.2013 - 08.2014
INTAKE COORDINATOR
UTMB ECI LAUNCH
09.2012 - 05.2013
DIRECTOR
HAPPY HARBOUR EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM
07.2009 - 06.2012
IN HOME TRAINER
La Porte ISD
01.2004 - 01.2006
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
Pearland ISD
01.2000 - 01.2001
LIFESKILLS TEACHER (K-5)
Pearland ISD
01.1999 - 01.2000
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
Matawan Aberdeen Regional School District
01.1995 - 01.1999
EARLY INTERVENTION DEVELOPMENTAL TEACHER (part-time)
Sunny Days
01.1995 - 01.1999
Master of Science in Education - Early Childhood Education
Old Dominion University
Bachelor of Science - Human Services and Counseling, Special Education
Old Dominion University
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