Open To Work
Heather Olson
Stillwater,USA
Summary
Dynamic education leader with extensive experience at local, state, national, and international levels of education, specializing in special education compliance and curriculum development. Proven track record in enhancing student outcomes through trauma-informed practices and effective team collaboration. A detailed CV available upon request.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Owner
Beyond Risk Youth - LLC
Stillwater, MN
01.2014 - Current
- Delivered educational consulting services focused on individualized disability planning for students.
- Provided technical assistance for special education compliance, recognized as expert in care and treatment education by courts.
- Collaborated with National Partnership for Juvenile Services to develop training curriculum for state court systems.
- Presented multiple sessions on trauma-informed practices to enhance understanding and application.
Education Program Specialist, OSEP, Monitoring and State Improvement Planning (MSIP) Division
U.S. Department of Education
Washington, District of Columbia
12.2021 - 10.2024
- Developed and implemented annual monitoring program, including self-assessment and data collection activities to identify commendations and noncompliance requiring corrective action.
- Coordinated technical assistance efforts with other OSEP programs and Title I, Part D to support state compliance.
- Reviewed state eligibility document submissions, ensuring alignment with federal requirements for timely release of federal funds.
- Disseminated information via phone and written communication to assist customers and partners with policy interpretation requests.
- Contributed to the creation and distribution across all responsibilities.
- Participated in federal cross-agency Corrections Education Innovation Committee to enhance collaboration.
Adult Basic Education & Special Education
Minnesota Adult Correctional Facilities
Various Sites, MN
07.2015 - 08.2022
- Provided special education services for those incarcerated in various facilities.
- Graduated 339 students over five years, with 40% identified as students with disabilities.
- Designed and implemented mentoring program achieving 100% success in diploma/GED attainment while reducing aggression.
- Facilitated support group for incarcerated fathers of children with special needs.
- Developed and presented adult learning courses focused on trauma and personal resilience for offenders and staff.
Special Education District Coach & Team Lead
St. Paul Public Schools
St. Paul, MN
07.2013 - 07.2015
- Coached general and special education teachers on instructional and classroom management techniques to enhance student outcomes by utlizing leadership experiences on best practices.
- Provided training for special education staff across seven buildings on IDEA compliance, classroom management, and student behavior strategies.
- Managed Title I, Part D programs addressing needs of neglected youth and students in foster care, ensuring comprehensive support services.
- Oversaw educational operations in correctional facilities and hospital programs, ensuring adherence to educational standards.
Secondary Special Education Coordinator
Hastings High School
Hastings, MN
06.2012 - 07.2013
- Oversaw all aspects of Special Education Due Process and compliance initiatives.
- Supervised, evaluated, and coached staff to improve performance and accountability.
- Managed special education budget to ensure proper allocation of resources.
- Facilitated conflict resolution among teachers, parents, and students to promote positive outcomes.
Director of Family and Partnership Development: Family & Community Engagement
Minneapolis Public Schools
Minneapolis, MN
10.2011 - 06.2012
- Influenced and advocated MPS mission, engaging families and students in Title I, Part D services and school improvement.
- Coached and supervised 80 direct and indirect reports, realigning staff positions for optimal performance.
- Led district-wide training for family and cultural liaisons, instructing an average of 50 participants ongoing.
- Oversaw Title I parental engagement efforts, ensuring compliance and enhancing academic involvement of at-risk students.
- Served on leadership team for strategic planning initiatives across the district.
Supervisor, Education Innovation Team
Minnesota Department Of Education
Roseville, MN
08.2010 - 10.2011
- Supervised development / implementation of improvement plans, including statewide goals and performance indicators in student achievement, staff development and school operations for schools participating in public school choice programs, i.e., integration programs, online learning, open enrollment, supplemental education, flexible learning year options and American Indian Education.
- Worked in cross-divisional capacity to manage explosive programmatic growth with minimal resources.
- Provided legal analysis of current case law, statutes, rules, and regulations and applied them to specific circumstances.
- Demonstrated skills in diplomacy, negotiations, conflict resolution and problem-solving in working with other state agencies and the Legislature.
- Drafted and finalized policy analyses, legislative reports, bill summaries, and correspondence.
- Provided instruction, clarification, and feedback on technical tasks for grantees.
- Completely revamped policies bringing 200 districts into compliance with desegregation planning and integration revenue budgets proposals and reclaimed several million in related funds.
Education
Ed.D. - Teaching and Learning
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
Duluth, MN01.2018
Post Graduate Work - Special Education – Emotional and Behavioral Disorders
MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY - MANKATO
Mankato, MN01.1998
Master of Science Degree - Chemical Dependency Studies
MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY - MANKATO
Mankato, MN01.1994
Bachelor of Science Degree - Secondary Education Social Studies
MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY - MANKATO
Mankato, MN01.1990
Skills
- Curriculum development
- Troubleshooting
- Trauma-informed practices
- Educational consulting
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Policy interpretation
- Program evaluation and compliance
- Experienced working with Title I, Part D, Special Education and General Education
Certification
Minnesota FIle Folder 328245 - Active Areas: Special Education Director, Certified Special Education (EBD) Teacher, Certified Social Studies (7-12) Teacher
Work Preference
Job Search Status
Open to workWork Type
Part TimeContract WorkGig WorkLocation Preference
RemoteSalary Range
$45000/yr - $200000/yrTimeline
Education Program Specialist, OSEP, Monitoring and State Improvement Planning (MSIP) Division
U.S. Department of Education
12.2021 - 10.2024
Adult Basic Education & Special Education
Minnesota Adult Correctional Facilities
07.2015 - 08.2022
Owner
Beyond Risk Youth - LLC
01.2014 - Current
Special Education District Coach & Team Lead
St. Paul Public Schools
07.2013 - 07.2015
Secondary Special Education Coordinator
Hastings High School
06.2012 - 07.2013
Director of Family and Partnership Development: Family & Community Engagement
Minneapolis Public Schools
10.2011 - 06.2012
Supervisor, Education Innovation Team
Minnesota Department Of Education
08.2010 - 10.2011
Ed.D. - Teaching and Learning
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
Post Graduate Work - Special Education – Emotional and Behavioral Disorders
MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY - MANKATO
Master of Science Degree - Chemical Dependency Studies
MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY - MANKATO
Bachelor of Science Degree - Secondary Education Social Studies
MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY - MANKATO