Gretchen Waaga, M.Ed.
Summary
Seasoned interventionist and case manager successful at developing and implementing strategies that promote a love of learning and increase academic performance. Adept at planning and implementing individualized plans, conducting assessments, and documenting progress. Versed with functional behavior assessments, teacher training, and compliance. Driven to help teachers intervene early to prevent major social and behavioral issues and academic delays. Committed to creating safe and supportive environments for all participants. Dedicated to advocating and supporting the diverse needs and the well-being of learners.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Case Manager, SpEd
Lynchburg City Schools
05.2023 - Current
- Coordinate student referrals to obtain community services, advocate for client needs and resolve roadblocks.
- Refer students to appropriate team members, community agencies and organizations to meet treatment needs.
- Monitor student progress and reviewed and revised IEP to meet student needs.
- Support general education teachers and administrators in implementing strategies to meet academic and behavioral needs of students with IEPs.
- Facilitate IEP meetings by using family-centered, strength-based approach.
- Supervise special education instructional assistants.
Interventionist/Case Manager, SpEd
Harrison County Public Schools
08.2018 - 05.2023
- Gathered, organized, and analyzed data on student needs and progress.
- Developed interventions for students currently struggling or at risk of falling behind.
- Conducted Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA) to identify function of challenging behaviors.
- Developed individualized treatment plans based on ABA principles to help students reach goals.
Reading Teacher, Middle School
St. Tammany Public Schools
08.2015 - 08.2018
- Built positive and productive relationships with teachers to drive improvements to reading programs.
- Assessed and reported on each student's reading progress in accordance with policies developed by school district.
- Wrote and delivered customized instruction to individual students and groups.
Elementary Teacher, SpEd
Norfolk Public Schools
08.2014 - 08.2015
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
High School Teacher, SpEd
Newport News Public Schools
08.2010 - 08.2014
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Partnered with standard education teachers across academic departments.
Education
Doctor of Education - Community Care & Counseling, Trauma Emphasis
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA05.2025
Master of Education - Reading Specialist
Regent University
Virginia Beach, VA05.2013
Teacher Certification -
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA05.2010
Bachelor of General Studies - Family & Child Studies
Southeastern Louisiana University
Hammond, LA05.2007
Skills
- Excellent multitasking, problem-solving, and time-management abilities
- Exceptional organizational, analytical, and critical thinking skills
- Outstanding interpersonal and written communication skills
- Knowledgeable of principles of adult learning and application
- Specialized training in trauma counseling and community resources
- Expertise in regulatory compliance adherence and case management
- Fluent in multidisciplinary collaboration with educators, students, and families
- Adept in managing, monitoring, and evaluating interventions
- Demonstrated compassion, empathy, flexibility, and confidentiality
- Skilled in providing high-quality classroom instruction and coaching
Certification
Elementary Education (K-6)
Mild/Moderate Disabilities (K-12)
Reading Specialist (K-12)
Pre-Kinder-Kindergarten
Middle School Language Arts (7-8)
Middle School Social Studies (7-8)
Social Studies (7-12)
General Sciences (7-12)
Home Economics (7-12)
Timeline
Case Manager, SpEd
Lynchburg City Schools
05.2023 - Current
Interventionist/Case Manager, SpEd
Harrison County Public Schools
08.2018 - 05.2023
Reading Teacher, Middle School
St. Tammany Public Schools
08.2015 - 08.2018
Elementary Teacher, SpEd
Norfolk Public Schools
08.2014 - 08.2015
High School Teacher, SpEd
Newport News Public Schools
08.2010 - 08.2014
Doctor of Education - Community Care & Counseling, Trauma Emphasis
Liberty University
Master of Education - Reading Specialist
Regent University
Teacher Certification -
Old Dominion University
Bachelor of General Studies - Family & Child Studies
Southeastern Louisiana University
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