Emily Smith
Urbana,Ohio
Summary
Dynamic educational leader with expertise in student engagement and individualized learning pathways. Proven ability to foster collaboration among students, parents, and educators while promoting student-led practices. Strong focus on differentiated instruction and student-centered approaches to prepare graduates for enrollment, enlistment, or employment.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Special Education
Urbana City Schools
08.2023 - Current
- Enhanced support services by fostering collaboration with families and community partners.
- Ensured compliance through effective coordination of staff evaluations and performance management.
- Managed special education staffing requests throughout the academic year for optimal support.
- Aligned support staff with student needs by overseeing service centers effectively.
- Streamlined referral, evaluation, and qualification processes for special education services.
- Promoted early intervention services by engaging with the preschool program consistently.
Assistant Superintendent
Graham Local Schools
08.2019 - 07.2023
- Enhanced faculty development through tailored professional development plans.
- Improved resource allocation via data-driven decision-making processes.
- Guided new administrators in leadership and operational strategies.
- Provided actionable feedback for school program improvements and evaluations.
- Facilitated interdepartmental communication to align organizational goals effectively.
- Managed budget, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and strategic objectives.
Director of Student Services
Graham Local Schools
08.2017 - 07.2019
- Enhanced academic performance by developing student support programs.
- Fostered collaboration among staff and administration to address student needs.
- Streamlined communication between parents, students, and faculty for improved service delivery.
- Conducted training for staff on best practices in student services.
- Evaluated policies to ensure alignment with educational regulations and best practices.
- Oversaw crisis intervention strategies, ensuring prompt responses to student emergencies.
Director of Special Education
Graham Local Schools
08.2013 - 07.2017
- Enhanced student achievement through effective special education strategy training sessions.
- Evaluated program success by analyzing data and gathering stakeholder feedback.
- Developed progress monitoring systems to track student achievement and guide instruction.
- Established community partnerships, providing additional resources for students with disabilities.
- Implemented professional development to elevate special education staff's teaching techniques.
- Created a positive learning environment, stimulating both students and teachers alike.
1st Grade Intervention Specialist
Urbana City Schools
08.2007 - 07.2013
- Enhanced student engagement through collaborative co-teaching with grade level teams.
- Executed and presented Individualized Education Plans, ensuring team member alignment.
- Led data meetings to monitor progress and adapt intervention strategies effectively.
5th Grade Intervention Specialist
Springfield City School District
08.2006 - 06.2007
- Developed lesson plans, intervention plans, and Individualized Education Plans for 5th grade students.
- Facilitated IEP meetings, including the sharing of progress.
- Collaborated with grade level team members, parents and community members to develop opportunities for student engagement.
Education
Superintendent's License - Superintendent Licensure Program
Concordia University
Chicago, IL01-2022
Principal's License -
Wright State University
Dayton, Ohio2012
M.A. Educational Leadership - undefined
Wright State University
Dayton, OH2010
Bachelor of Arts -
Wittenberg University
Springfield, OH2006
Skills
- Visionary leadership – setting a clear direction focused on student success and continuous improvement
- Effective communication – clearly conveying information, listening to stakeholders, and building trust
- Strategic planning – aligning district goals, initiatives, and resources for long-term success
- Financial management – overseeing budgets, funding, staffing, and fiscal accountability
- Organizational management – managing operations, facilities, and compliance with laws and regulations
- Collaborative leadership – working effectively with school boards, administrators, staff, unions, and community partners
- Problem-solving and decision-making – responding thoughtfully to challenges and crises
- Ethical judgment – making fair, transparent, and student-centered decisions
- Emotional intelligence – demonstrating empathy, self-awareness, and strong interpersonal skills
- Advocacy and community engagement – representing district needs and building public support
Affiliations
- Champaign County Literacy Foundation Committee Member
- BASA Women in Leadership
- Champaign County Special Education Advisory Team Member
- Champaign County Chamber of Commerce Member
- Wittenberg Alumni Association
Certification
- HUMANex Ventures Trained and Certified
- Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
- Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Train the Trainer
- OSU Leadership Excellence Trained
- Google 1 Certified
- Google 2 Certified
- OTES Trained
- OPES Trained
- CRT Trained
Timeline
Director of Special Education
Urbana City Schools
08.2023 - Current
Assistant Superintendent
Graham Local Schools
08.2019 - 07.2023
Director of Student Services
Graham Local Schools
08.2017 - 07.2019
Director of Special Education
Graham Local Schools
08.2013 - 07.2017
1st Grade Intervention Specialist
Urbana City Schools
08.2007 - 07.2013
5th Grade Intervention Specialist
Springfield City School District
08.2006 - 06.2007
M.A. Educational Leadership - undefined
Wright State University
Superintendent's License - Superintendent Licensure Program
Concordia University
Principal's License -
Wright State University
Bachelor of Arts -
Wittenberg University
References
Mary Mitchell, Madison Champaign Educational Service Center
Superintendent
mary.mitchell@mccesc.org
937.484.1557
Charles Thiel, Urbana City Schools
Superintendent
charles.thiel@urbanacityschools.org
937.653.1402