Elizabeth Gillespie
Elwood,IL
Summary
Special education professional with experience across district and therapeutic settings, including LEA and administrative roles. Background in coordinating placements, supporting IEP teams, and collaborating with families, staff, and outside programs. Committed to advocating for students and helping teams make thoughtful, student-centered decisions that truly meet individual needs.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Joliet West High School
Joliet, IL
08.2022 - Current
- Provide targeted academic and executive functioning support to high school students with IEPs in a Consult Resource setting
- Reinforce college and career readiness skills, connecting classroom habits to real-world expectations for transition planning
- Integrate AVID (WICOR) strategies into instruction to strengthen students’ organization, inquiry, collaboration, and independent learning skills
- Develop and write compliant, data-driven IEPs including PLAAFPs, measurable goals, and progress monitoring
- Communicate with families and team members regarding student progress, supports, and needs to foster collaboration for student success
- Facilitated professional development on restorative practices, training staff on circle implementation, community-building strategies, and proactive classroom practices
- Co-organized and presented at Special Services Parent Night, supporting families in understanding special education processes and available resources. Developed and delivered presentation “Me, You, and Your IEP: Partnering with the School,” promoting family-school collaboration and student advocacy
- Served on CEC leadership team and participated in national conferences, bringing back current research and best practices to inform school-based special education services
Special Services Coordinator
Joliet Central High School
Joliet, IL
07.2020 - 07.2022
- Coordinated special education services to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.
- Facilitated IEP and problem-solving meetings, collaborating with administrators and multidisciplinary teams to support student needs and guide decision making
- Collaborated with special services administrators to evaluate and coordinate appropriate placement options and services for students requiring additional support
- Supported student transitions between placements, including reintegration to less restrictive environments when appropriate
- Facilitated conversations with families, including navigating concerns and resolving conflicts, to support positive and productive outcomes
Princial
Guiding Light Autism Academy
Shorewood, IL
07.2018 - 06.2020
- Partnered with districts to ensure alignment of IEPs, compliance, and appropriate service delivery for students with intensive needs
- Oversaw daily operations of a therapeutic school, supervising multidisciplinary staff including teachers, therapists, and support staff to ensure effective programming for students with intensive needs
Special Education Coordinator
Southern Will County Coop Spec Ed
Joliet, IL
08.2014 - 06.2018
- Collaborated with administrators from private therapeutic day schools to coordinate services and placements for students requiring intensive support
- Served as Local Education Agency (LEA) representative, ensuring compliance with special education procedures and facilitating student-centered placement decisions
- Oversaw a caseload of 100+ students, maintaining strict adherence to special education law, compliance timelines, and IEP requirements
- Coordinated training sessions for staff on special education policies and best practices.
- Implemented data-driven strategies to enhance student performance and engagement.
Special Education Teacher
Lincolnway Special Education Cooperative
Frankfort, Il
08.2003 - 06.2014
- Delivered instruction in diverse educational settings, adapting strategies to support students with a wide range of academic and behavioral needs
Education
Master of Science - School Leadership
Olivet Nazerene University
Bourbonnais, IL2011
Master of Arts - Reading
Olivet Nazerene Universatiy
Bourbonnais, IL2008
Bachelor of Arts - Special Education
Eastern Illinois University
Charleston, IL2003
Skills
- IEP Development & Facilitation
- IEP Compliance & Timeline Management
- Record Keeping & Documentation Systems
- Student Placement & Coordination
- Family & Team Communication
- Data-Driven Decision Making
- Restorative Practices
- AVID Strategies
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Joliet West High School
08.2022 - Current
Special Services Coordinator
Joliet Central High School
07.2020 - 07.2022
Princial
Guiding Light Autism Academy
07.2018 - 06.2020
Special Education Coordinator
Southern Will County Coop Spec Ed
08.2014 - 06.2018
Special Education Teacher
Lincolnway Special Education Cooperative
08.2003 - 06.2014
Master of Science - School Leadership
Olivet Nazerene University
Master of Arts - Reading
Olivet Nazerene Universatiy
Bachelor of Arts - Special Education
Eastern Illinois University