Innovative Academic leader focused on engaging with students and educators to meet learning objectives and drive student progress. Committed to providing empowering leadership through active engagement in professional learning and access to resources. 10-year history of managing top-performing faculty to cultivate student rapport and promote successful education delivery.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Supervisor of Specialized Instruction
Bridgeport Public Schools
10.2023 - Current
Educated staff at over 11 out of district sites on organizational mission and goals to help school partners achieve success with students and implement best practices in instructional strategies and design.
Streamlined operations for increased efficiency for over 200 students, through regular process reviews and implementing necessary changes.
Improved collaborative, trusting relationships with families and school partners by providing timely response to inquiries, addressing concerns, and finding effective solutions.
Conducted regular reviews of operations and identified areas for improvement.
Developed effective improvement plans in alignment with goals and specifications.
Helped meet changing demands by recommending improvements to systems or procedures.
Developed and updated tracking spreadsheets for process monitoring and reporting of out of district students.
Cultivated positive relationships with school partners to deliver timely and cost-effective educational programming and IEP compliance.
Maintained database systems to track and analyze student data.
Foundations Instructor: ARC
Office Of Higher Education
08.2023 - Current
Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment to develop and implement curriculum for 18 beginning teacher candidates.
Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility to ensure all candidates demonstrate understanding of Foundation Curriculum.
Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations given the online teaching/learning environment, software, and expectations of the state of CT regarding teacher education programs.
Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance to colleagues and candidates.
Coordinator of Fine Arts K-12
Stratford Public Schools
08.2022 - 10.2023
Responsible for budget, staffing, supervision and evaluation of all music and art teachers, k-12
Responsible for interviewing and hiring teachers, coordination of teacher schedules, coordination of concerts throughout the district, streamlining and aligning k-12 programming, reviewing and revising curriculum, writing new curriculum with teachers, aligning to district Portrait of a Graduate and National Arts Standards.
Improved team productivity with regular communication and progress updates, fostering a collaborative work environment.
Coordinator of Special Education
Stratford Public Schools
08.2016 - 06.2022
Responsible for supervision and evaluation of special education teachers and related service staff
Established monitoring protocols for all Individual Education Plans (IEP's) for compliance
Facilitated monthly Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) meetings, facilitate team meetings for data review and individual case reviews, and attended Planning and Placement Team Meetings (PPT's)
Case Manager (schedule & facilitate PPT's, complete all IEP paperwork) for out of district students at 11 separate facilities, totaling 22 students
Coordinated & facilitated middle school to high school transition meetings
Oversaw development of 'transitional' educational programming
Planned professional development with other SPED Coordinators for SPED and PPS staff and Classroom Instructional Aides
Interviewed all SPED tutors, speech-language pathologists, social workers and psychologists
Worked with attorneys to conduct PPT meetings and mediation meetings.
Assistant Principal
CCMC School
08.2014 - 06.2016
Supervised, evaluated and directed educational programming, personnel and professional development activities to ensure quality educational environment
Increased awareness and use of educational technology
Monitored students' programming and progress; worked with the clinical staff to integrate therapeutic components; served as facilitator at Planning and Placement Team meetings; maintained cooperative and professional relationships with parents and Local Education Agencies
Facilitated the organization and expansion of vocational educational programming for students aged 14-21
Worked with Curriculum Coordinator to organize and oversee implementation of Common Core Curriculum and all state mandated assessments
Met regularly to promote Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports (PBIS) programming and implementation
Designed, implemented and led professional development workshops for both certified and non-certified staff
Utilized SEED model for evaluation of teachers
Provided ongoing support, mentoring and coaching of all teachers and support staff.
Special Education Teacher
Various Public And Private Schools
08.2006 - 06.2014
Enhanced elementary, middle and high school students' communication skills by implementing group activities and collaborative projects.
Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
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.
Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
Served as a mentor to new teachers, sharing best practices in special education instruction and classroom management techniques.
Increased parent involvement through the organization of workshops, conferences, and informational sessions on topics relevant to special education services.
Streamlined classroom processes by integrating technology tools such as interactive whiteboards and assistive devices designed for students with disabilities.
Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
Organized field trips and community-based experiences that enriched students'' understanding of real-world applications for their skills.
Provided targeted instructional support to struggling learners, identifying specific areas for improvement and designing effective intervention plans.
Coordinated with general education teachers to develop accommodations or modifications necessary for successful inclusion of students with special needs in mainstream classrooms.
Enhanced learning experiences by incorporating specialized tools and resources tailored to the needs of special education students.
Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
Education
Doctorate of Educational Leadership -
University Of Bridgeport
BRIDGEPORT, CT
05.2022
6th year and 092 -
Sacred Heart University
TRUMBULL, CT
05.2016
Masters in Comprehensive Special Education, k-12 -
Masters in Comprehensive Special Education, k-12 -
University Of Phoenix
Master of Arts in Music Therapy -
New York University
Bachelor of Music -
New England Conservatory of Music
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