Frania Iris Rodriguez
Special Education-Intervention
CA
Summary
Growing up as an English learner and the daughter of working-class immigrant parents has shaped both my personal and professional commitment to education. Working in private, charter, and public school districts throughout urban communities in Los Angeles and Pasadena has strengthened my passion for supporting diverse learners, including students with disabilities and mental health needs. With over 20 years of experience in education and community development, I have dedicated my career to creating inclusive, culturally responsive learning environments where all students feel welcomed, supported, and capable of success. My doctoral studies in Curriculum and Instruction: Special Education, combined with my experience in intervention instruction, curriculum development, and student advocacy, have deepened my understanding of how theory and practice intersect to promote equity and meaningful student outcomes. As a bilingual educator, I believe in meeting students where they are, building strong relationships with families, and using evidence-based, data-driven instruction to help every learner overcome barriers and thrive academically and personally.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Math Interventionist
Glendale Unified School District
02.2026 - Current
- Delivered targeted small-group and individualized math intervention instruction, improving performance of students below grade level in grades 3-5.
- Implement the SWUN Math curriculum with fidelity to strengthen conceptual understanding, problem-solving, and mathematical discourse.
- Utilize data-driven instruction to identify learning gaps and monitor student progress.
- Integrated culturally responsive teaching practices and scaffolded instruction to enhance student engagement and understanding.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to identify appropriate supports and address potential IEP referral needs through RTI/MTSS processes.
Home Hospital Teacher & Education Specialist (SDC K-12)
Pasadena Unified School District
08.2020 - 06.2024
- Managed caseload and wrote annual/triennial IEPs with fidelity.
- Delivered quarterly progress reports on IEP goals and student mainstream achievements to inform instructional strategies.
- Scheduled IEP meetings and partnered with parents and caregivers.
- Conducted KTEA assessments to evaluate student academic abilities.
- Collected and analyzed student academic and behavioral data to track progress and inform interventions.
- Conducted lesson planning for academic goals and curricula.
- Facilitated engaging virtual learning sessions using Canvas, enhancing student participation and learning outcomes.
- Visited student homes to resume academic instruction.
Founding Teacher (1st & 2nd Grade)
Alma Fuerte Public School
07.2017 - 10.2019
- Delivered Specialized Academic Instruction (SAI).
- Coordinated CELDT district activities, administered ELPAC, and conducted NWEA testing to assess and support student progress.
- Implemented PBIS reinforcement strategies.
- Initiated RTI systems to close academic gaps.
- Partnered with school founders to develop effective student recruitment strategies.
- Translated recruitment documents into Spanish.
- Created and distributed weekly school newsletters to keep families informed and engaged.
Reading Specialist
Archdiocese of Los Angeles Department of Catholic Schools
02.2016 - 05.2017
- Led research-based, data-driven reading intervention initiatives.
- Analyzed STAR data to identify trends in student performance.
- Coordinated support services across schools in Bellflower, Inglewood, and East Los Angeles to enhance reading intervention effectiveness.
Spanish & Math Instructor
Villa-Parke Community Center
06.2015 - 08.2016
- Designed engaging lesson plans for students ages 5-12 to enhance language acquisition.
- Facilitated cultural immersion by introducing students to Spanish language and Latin American traditions.
- Developed engaging lesson plans for diverse student groups.
- Instructed students in mathematical concepts and problem-solving techniques.
- Utilized educational software to enhance learning experiences.
Teacher and Test Coordinator
Saint Mary Elementary School
08.2005 - 06.2014
- Designed lesson plans to enhance student engagement and achievement, aligned with California Common Core Standards.
- Created inclusion models for struggling students using STEP to foster individualized learning and support.
- Developed engaging lesson plans for diverse student learning needs.
- Facilitated classroom discussions to encourage student participation and critical thinking.
- Implemented assessment strategies to evaluate student progress and understanding.
Education
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) - Curriculum and Instruction: Special Education
Liberty University Online
Lynchburg, Virginia01-2025
Education Specialist Credential - Mild/Moderate Disabilities: Authorization in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Mount Saint Mary's University
Los Angeles, CA01-2019
Multiple Subjects Credential and EL/CLAD Certification -
Mount Saint Mary's University
Los Angeles, CA01-2011
Master of Science - Elementary Education
Mount Saint Mary's University
Los Angeles, CA01-2011
Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Studies, concentrations in theatre and philosophy
University of California
Riverside, CA01-2004
Skills
- Culturally Responsive Teaching
- Inclusive Education
- Curricula Development & Design
- Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
- Professional Learning Communities (PLC)
- Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs)
- SMARTE Goals
- IEP Case Management Systems & Compliance
Accomplishments
- Theory of mind research and its impact on reading comprehension for students with autism and cognitive processing learning disabilities.
- Developed, planned, and designed research-based instruction for English Language Development (ELD) through SDAIE strategies.
- Applied Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to differentiate and engage learners.
- Mentored ACE teachers from the University of Notre Dame at St. Mary's Elementary School.
- Developed school-wide presentations showcasing Student Learning Expectations.
- Served as a Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) visiting committee member.
- Successfully revitalized trust between parents and the district through effective collaboration and communication of the IEP process and services.
Timeline
Math Interventionist
Glendale Unified School District
02.2026 - Current
Home Hospital Teacher & Education Specialist (SDC K-12)
Pasadena Unified School District
08.2020 - 06.2024
Founding Teacher (1st & 2nd Grade)
Alma Fuerte Public School
07.2017 - 10.2019
Reading Specialist
Archdiocese of Los Angeles Department of Catholic Schools
02.2016 - 05.2017
Spanish & Math Instructor
Villa-Parke Community Center
06.2015 - 08.2016
Teacher and Test Coordinator
Saint Mary Elementary School
08.2005 - 06.2014
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) - Curriculum and Instruction: Special Education
Liberty University Online
Education Specialist Credential - Mild/Moderate Disabilities: Authorization in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Mount Saint Mary's University
Multiple Subjects Credential and EL/CLAD Certification -
Mount Saint Mary's University
Master of Science - Elementary Education
Mount Saint Mary's University
Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Studies, concentrations in theatre and philosophy
University of California
Awards
- Doctoral graduate with high distinction
- Pasadena Educational Foundation Teacher Grant
- American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP) Award
- LACOE Equitable Innovation Grant
Graduate Fieldwork
- 49th Street Elementary School, Los Angeles, CA
- Ellen Ochoa Learning Center, Cudahy, CA
- Bridge Elementary School, Los Angeles, CA
Knowledge And Expertise
- Culturally Responsive Teaching
- Inclusive Education
- Curricula Development & Design
- Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
- Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs)
- SMARTE Goals
- IEP Case Management