Ella D. Elliott-Hicks
Lake Mary
Summary
Dynamic ESE Staffing and Compliance Specialist at UCP of Central Florida, skilled in data analysis and effective communication. Successfully enhanced compliance with IEP requirements and trained staff, leading to improved service delivery. Passionate about fostering positive educational environments and implementing strategic behavioral interventions to support student success.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
ESE Staffing and Compliance Specialist
UCP of Central Florida
Winter Garden
07.2025 - 05.2026
- Monitored and assessed ESE staffing needs across schools, ensuring compliance with student IEP service requirements
- Coordinate with school administration to allocate instructional and support personnel effectively.
- Review caseloads to ensure equitable and efficient staff distribution in accordance with district and state guidelines.
- Provide guidance and training to school-based staff on compliance standards, documentation requirements, and procedural updates.
- Prepare and maintain records for internal and external audits
- Ensure data integrity within ESE information systems and facilitate corrective action planning.
- Analyze staffing and service data to identify trends, areas for improvement, and resource needs.
- Assist in developing programmatic recommendations to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of ESE services.
MTSS Behavior Support
Pineloch Elementary School
Orlando
06.2025 - 05.2026
- Provided targeted behavioral interventions and support during instructional periods to enhance student engagement and promote positive classroom behavior.
- Collected, tracked, and maintained behavioral data for non-ESE students to support progress monitoring, intervention planning, and data-driven decision-making.
- Supervised students during lunch periods, ensuring a safe, structured, and positive school environment.
- Assisted with morning arrival procedures by escorting students to classrooms and supporting a smooth transition to the instructional day.
- Collaborated with school leadership and staff through weekly leadership meetings to discuss student needs, behavioral trends, and intervention strategies.
- Supported the implementation of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) initiatives to improve student outcomes and school-wide behavioral expectations.
Permanent Substitute Teacher
Eagles Nest Elementary School
Orlando
12.2024 - 05.2025
- Delivered instruction and implemented lesson plans during teacher absences, ensuring continuity of student learning.
- Managed classroom behavior and maintained a safe, productive learning environment for students.
- Monitored student engagement and academic progress throughout instructional activities.
- Enforced school policies and procedures while promoting positive student conduct.
- Reported safety concerns and behavioral incidents to school administration in a timely manner.
- Collaborated with teachers, administrators, and support staff to meet student and classroom needs.
Substitute Teacher
Kelly Services
Orlando
10.2021 - 04.2022
- Implemented lesson plans and delivered instruction during teacher absences, ensuring continuity of learning and adherence to curriculum objectives.
- Maintained a positive, structured classroom environment by monitoring student behavior and promoting engagement in learning activities.
- Enforced school policies and procedures to support student safety, accountability, and appropriate conduct.
- Identified, documented, and reported safety concerns or behavioral incidents to school administration in accordance with established protocols.
Virtual Special Education Teacher
Lake County Public Schools
Leesburg
11.2019 - 06.2021
- Met with 8th ESE students daily to assist in grade level assignments such as classwork, tests, and tutoring
- Developed Individual Educational Plans for the students that were assigned to caseload
- Participated in monthly ESE Department Meetings and IEP Meetings
- Conferenced with parents and students weekly to discuss progress
- Collaborated with other ESE Colleagues virtually.
Special Education Teacher
Lake County Public Schools
Leesburg
11.2019 - 06.2021
- Modify extreme behaviors by using ABA techniques
- Implement district level lesson plans for students
- Supervise classroom paraprofessional
- Attend professional development meetings
- Participated in articulation, manifestation, and annual review meetings
- Frequent communication with parents and students during distance learning due to Covid-19.
Behavior Specialist
Orange County Public Schools
Orlando
08.2018 - 11.2019
- Collected behavioral data to identify behaviors that are impeding on students’ academic success
- Facilitated monthly meetings with program assistants to identify behavior strategies for improvement
- Developed and executed behavior professional development workshop for instructional staff
- Provided constructive feedback to administration during weekly administrative meetings
- Met with support staff to identify students’ emotional, behavioral, and academic needs
- Participated in ongoing district behavioral professional developments
- Provided instructional staff with constructive feedback and recommendations to improve classroom management
Title 1 Teacher
Catapult Learning
Orlando
08.2017 - 06.2018
- Administered assessments to identify the academic needs of the students
- Frequently communicated with teachers and administrator regarding students’ progress
- Developed and hosted parent workshops
- Utilized differentiated instruction during instructional time
- Established and maintained student forms and files as required
- Developed and held parent engagement workshops.
Director of Academics
South Street Ministries
Orlando
08.2016 - 05.2017
- Assessed students’ academic progress to identify strengths and weaknesses using data
- Developed after school curriculum that was aligned with common core standards to improve students’ proficiency in mathematics and reading.
- Implemented teaching evaluation system
- Developed technology integration strategies for classroom instruction
- Collaborated with employees to review and strategize on student academic progress
- Facilitated weekly staff meetings to address classroom challenges and enhance instructional practices
- Delegated tasks and monitored progress of projects to ensure that deadlines were met
Special Education Teacher
Living Word Academy
Orlando
08.2015 - 08.2016
- Taught self-contained Special Education Classroom
- Utilized Abeka Curriculum for First, Second, and Third grade
- Implemented Positive Behavior Chart to increase desirable behaviors
- Supervised students during morning duty
- Communicated with parents frequently regarding students’ behavior
- Participated in multi-grade level professional development
- Implemented differentiated instruction to help students understand higher level academic concepts
- Provided standardized assessment to students in an alternative testing environment.
Site Coordinator
Children Defense Fund
Sanford
05.2015 - 07.2015
- Supervised students during morning duty
- Completed daily paperwork that was reflective of lunch count
- Oversaw incoming assessment of students
- Handled student discipline and administer consequences according to infraction
- Participated in weekly phone conference with Executive and Assistant Director
- Planned community and educational activities that were reflective of organization’s mission.
- Developed an activity budget that was conducive to needs of the current student population
- Conducted daily classroom observations to ensure that lessons were reflective of lesson plans.
Special Education Contractor
Bridges to Ability
Tavares
08.2013 - 05.2015
- Developed engaging Special Education lesson plans for kindergarten and first grade students to meet diverse learning needs
- Collaborated with Title One Facilitator to develop individual learning plans for students
- Oversaw the implementation of behavioral and educational plans in the classroom.
- Supervised paraprofessionals and therapists in classroom settings.
- Conferenced with parents to discuss students' progress and address academic challenges throughout the school year
Volunteer Coordinator
AmeriCorps Vista/ Christian Help
Casselberry
08.2012 - 08.2013
- Provided career counseling to individuals that were unemployed and underemployed
- Organized, coordinated, and managed the recruitment of volunteers for the board, various committees, departments and association programs
- Worked with social, civic and local organizations to develop partnerships, where appropriate, to utilize volunteers
- Developed and implemented training programs for all volunteers
- Recommended and developed ongoing volunteer utilization for the food pantry
- Developed and implemented a volunteer recognition program
- Coordinated additional community services for families during the stabilization process
- Exceeded recruitment goals monthly
- Developed grant proposals to secure additional funding for budget
- Met with upper management to discuss progress of community projects
- Planned community events solicited new donors and develop.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to provide quality and efficient services to customers and clients in a cost effective manner.
- Formulated quarterly assessments and analyze needs using data to create strategic plans that meet the needs of the organization.
Special Education Teacher / Walton Elementary
Jackson Public School District
Jackson
08.2009 - 08.2012
- Facilitated new educational material to students with various disabilities.
- Created Individual Educational Plans that addressed various learning and psychosocial issues.
- Supervisor of paraprofessionals
- Attended district professional developments with emphasis on Special Education.
- Collected Alternative Assessment Data and entered data into state data system.
- Maintained confidentiality of records relating to client treatment.
- Encouraged clients to express their feelings and discussed events in their lives, and helped them to develop insight into themselves and their relationships.
Special Education and Reading Teacher / Milwee Middle School
Seminole County Public School District
Lake Mary
07.2004 - 06.2009
- Developed Reading Lesson Plans that were aligned with the Corrective Reading Curriculum.
- Proctored standardized reading examinations.
- Maintained caseload to ensure students’ academic and social needs were met for academic success.
Drug Rehabilitation Intern
Center for Drug Free Living, Inc.
Orlando
05.2006 - 07.2006
- Provided individual therapy to prevent relapse into problematic behavior.
- Led group therapy sessions to encourage peer support and share coping strategies.
- Developed and implemented treatment plans based on clinical experience and knowledge.
- Adapted treatment activities and approaches based on clients' changing needs to enhance therapeutic effectiveness.
- Prepared and maintained all required treatment records and reports.
- Connected patients, clients, or family members with community resources or specialists to support ongoing recovery.
Education
Masters of Science - Psychology and Counseling
Troy University
Orlando, FLBachelor of Arts - Psychology
Florida International University
Miami, FLEducational Specialist - Educational Leadership
Nova Southeastern University
Orlando, FLSkills
- Compliance auditing
- Auditing processes
- Documentation review
- Data analysis
- Special education advocacy
- Staff training
- Crisis intervention strategies
- Time management
- Effective communication
Certification
- Educational Leadership K-12
- Exceptional Student Education K-12
Timeline
ESE Staffing and Compliance Specialist
UCP of Central Florida
07.2025 - 05.2026
MTSS Behavior Support
Pineloch Elementary School
06.2025 - 05.2026
Permanent Substitute Teacher
Eagles Nest Elementary School
12.2024 - 05.2025
Substitute Teacher
Kelly Services
10.2021 - 04.2022
Virtual Special Education Teacher
Lake County Public Schools
11.2019 - 06.2021
Special Education Teacher
Lake County Public Schools
11.2019 - 06.2021
Behavior Specialist
Orange County Public Schools
08.2018 - 11.2019
Title 1 Teacher
Catapult Learning
08.2017 - 06.2018
Director of Academics
South Street Ministries
08.2016 - 05.2017
Special Education Teacher
Living Word Academy
08.2015 - 08.2016
Site Coordinator
Children Defense Fund
05.2015 - 07.2015
Special Education Contractor
Bridges to Ability
08.2013 - 05.2015
Volunteer Coordinator
AmeriCorps Vista/ Christian Help
08.2012 - 08.2013
Special Education Teacher / Walton Elementary
Jackson Public School District
08.2009 - 08.2012
Drug Rehabilitation Intern
Center for Drug Free Living, Inc.
05.2006 - 07.2006
Special Education and Reading Teacher / Milwee Middle School
Seminole County Public School District
07.2004 - 06.2009
Masters of Science - Psychology and Counseling
Troy University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Florida International University
Educational Specialist - Educational Leadership
Nova Southeastern University