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James M. Vargas
Oakland,CA
Summary
I am an experienced Education Specialist and Case Manager with a background in psychology and a master’s degree in education. My expertise lies in special education case management, clinical academic assessment, and behavioral analysis, ensuring that students receive individualized support tailored to their needs.
In my current role at an urban public charter school, I focus on developing and managing comprehensive student support systems—overseeing IEP implementation, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring compliance with special education laws and policies. I also conduct professional academic assessments, generate data-driven reports, and work with educators and families to create meaningful, goal-oriented interventions.
Beyond case management, I am deeply interested in education consulting, program development, and policy implementation. I am passionate about streamlining special education services, leveraging technology to improve case management processes, and enhancing student support systems at a broader scale. My experience includes supervising support staff, refining intervention strategies, and optimizing school-wide special education operations.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Education Specialist
Urban Montessori Charter School
08.2022 - Current
- Plan, provide, and supervise specialized academic instruction (SAI) to accelerate student learning and promote progress toward IEP goals.
- Modify and adapt general education curricula to accommodate diverse learning needs using evidence-based instructional strategies and assistive technologies.
- Collaborate with general education teachers to identify areas of student need and provide targeted interventions and classroom support.
- Develop and implement accommodations and modifications to ensure accessibility in both instructional settings and state assessments.
- Monitor and analyze student progress data to refine instructional strategies and adjust supports and services as needed.
- Establish a high-expectation classroom culture, ensuring all students can achieve at high levels and develop the skills necessary to succeed in any setting.
- Support and train paraprofessionals to implement student accommodations and behavioral strategies effectively.
- Lead and participate in IEP meetings, collaborating with families, teachers, and service providers to develop and refine student goals.
- Serve as a resource for staff regarding special education compliance, intervention strategies, and inclusive teaching practices.
- Work with community partners and families to provide a holistic, strengths-based approach to student learning.
- Facilitate and contribute to Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) to share best practices and improve instructional methods.
- Ensure compliance with IDEA, Section 504, and other federal and state regulations by maintaining accurate student records, progress reports, and IEP documentation.
- Administer and oversee assessments to determine student competency levels, inform instruction, and evaluate progress.
- Provide training and professional development to teachers and school staff on effective differentiation, behavior management, and special education best practices.
- Participate in ongoing professional development to stay current with changes in special education law, instructional methods, and intervention strategies.
- Monitor student behavior in various settings (classroom, playground, field trips) to support a safe and positive learning environment.
- Implement and support behavior intervention strategies to increase student engagement and participation.
- Met with parents and guardians to assist in understanding and supporting educational objectives, learning expectations and behavior standards.
- Plan, provide, and supervise specialized academic instruction (SAI) to accelerate student learning and promote progress toward IEP goals.
- Modify and adapt general education curricula to accommodate diverse learning needs using evidence-based instructional strategies and assistive technologies.
- Collaborate with general education teachers to identify areas of student need and provide targeted interventions and classroom support.
- Develop and implement accommodations and modifications to ensure accessibility in both instructional settings and state assessments.
- Monitor and analyze student progress data to refine instructional strategies and adjust supports and services as needed.
- Establish a high-expectation classroom culture, ensuring all students can achieve at high levels and develop the skills necessary to succeed in any setting.
- Support and train paraprofessionals to implement student accommodations and behavioral strategies effectively.
- Lead and participate in IEP meetings, collaborating with families, teachers, and service providers to develop and refine student goals.
- Serve as a resource for staff regarding special education compliance, intervention strategies, and inclusive teaching practices.
- Work with community partners and families to provide a holistic, strengths-based approach to student learning.
- Facilitate and contribute to Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) to share best practices and improve instructional methods.
- Ensure compliance with IDEA, Section 504, and other federal and state regulations by maintaining accurate student records, progress reports, and IEP documentation.
- Administer and oversee assessments to determine student competency levels, inform instruction, and evaluate progress.
- Provide training and professional development to teachers and school staff on effective differentiation, behavior management, and special education best practices.
- Participate in ongoing professional development to stay current with changes in special education law, instructional methods, and intervention strategies.
- Monitor student behavior in various settings (classroom, playground, field trips) to support a safe and positive learning environment.
- Implement and support behavior intervention strategies to increase student engagement and participation.
- Met with parents and guardians to assist in understanding and supporting educational objectives, learning expectations and behavior standards.
Student Support Assistant
Urban Montessori Charter School
08.2019 - Current
- Successfully work with an interdisciplinary team of service providers
- Help to facilitate the identification, assessment and case management of students
- Observe and manage students’ behavior according to approved procedures and individual plans; record progress regarding student growth/regression; communicate with caregivers and service providers regarding student performance and behavior
- Discuss difficult/sensitive information
- Monitor students’ socio-emotional, behavioral and personal growth by completing progress reports to teachers and families
Education Mentor
Diablo Valley Tutors
11.2016 - Current
- Develop and schedule multiple personalized educational and/or behavioral projects
- Building dynamic and lasting relationships with large client bases, including onboarding new clients to personal growth environments
Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT)
A.C.E.S.
01.2017 - 08.2019
- Draw on multiple disciplines, including community health, social work, psychology, counseling and education to help clients reach goals
- Set goals for behavioral change, monitor the client, assess progress and organize data through Microsoft Office, Google Docs, and other platforms
- Sustain strong rapport with clients
- Implement excellent time and task management abilities to ensure all departments have accurate and timely information
Behavioral Interventionist
A.C.E.S.
08.2016 - 01.2017
- Work with individuals, groups or communities in order to facilitate positive and healthy behavior by eliminating negative or destructive conduct
- Collect and organize data accurately based on client behavior
- Interact professionally with clients and corporate associates
Management Lead Sales
Tilly’s
01.2016 - 08.2016
- Ensure exemplary customer satisfaction and service through macro-management and comprehensive training
- Facilitate effective communication with all levels and departments in the organization
- Delegate tasks to associates and promote a dynamic work environment to solidify an increasingly productive business
Customer Experience Associate
Tilly’s
10.2014 - 01.2016
- Ensuring premium service to each customer with the goal of boosting customer satisfaction
- Identifying customer needs and adjusting responses to fulfill them
Baker
The Cheesecake Factory
09.2013 - 07.2014
- Extensive Knowledge of products and ability to recall knowledge instantly
- Active communication with customers and different chains of command
- Individual Task Management
Dishwasher
The Cheesecake Factory
04.2013 - 09.2013
- Physical/mental endurance and On-Spot Knowledge
- Develop skills to work in high pressure environments and variable prioritization of tasks
Education
Master of Arts - Education
Aliant International University
San Francisco, California11-2024
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CaliforniaAssociate of Arts - Psychology
Diablo Valley College
San Ramon, Pleasant Hill, CaliforniaSkills
- Over a Decade of Experience in Behavioral Theory Application
- Experienced with Microsoft Office and Organization Systems
- Open to Feedback and Change
- Effective Interpersonal Communication
- Case Management & Special Education Compliance
- Clinical Academic Assessment & Data-Driven Reporting
- Behavior Analysis & Intervention Planning
- Educational Policy & Program Development
- Systems-Level Problem Solving & Process Optimization
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement
- Passion for Collaborative Growth
- Individualized Education Plan Expertise
Interests
Timeline
Education Specialist
Urban Montessori Charter School
08.2022 - Current
Student Support Assistant
Urban Montessori Charter School
08.2019 - Current
Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT)
A.C.E.S.
01.2017 - 08.2019
Education Mentor
Diablo Valley Tutors
11.2016 - Current
Behavioral Interventionist
A.C.E.S.
08.2016 - 01.2017
Management Lead Sales
Tilly’s
01.2016 - 08.2016
Customer Experience Associate
Tilly’s
10.2014 - 01.2016
Baker
The Cheesecake Factory
09.2013 - 07.2014
Dishwasher
The Cheesecake Factory
04.2013 - 09.2013
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
San Francisco State University
Associate of Arts - Psychology
Diablo Valley College
Master of Arts - Education
Aliant International University
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