Jessica Coleman
Hazelwood,MO
Summary
Dedicated Special Education Professional with expertise in developing individualized education programs (IEPs), implementing behavioral management techniques, and employing adaptive learning strategies. Strong communicator focused on meeting diverse student needs and achieving educational objectives. Seeking Team Leader position to enhance student academic performance and foster positive social skills.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Teacher/ Team Leader
Compton Drew ILC
St. Louis, MO
08.2020 - Current
- Designed and executed individualized education plans that addressed diverse learning needs, enhancing student engagement and progress.
- Designed personalized lesson plans to build student confidence and academic skills.
- Collaborated with parents and specialists to monitor student progress and provide support.
- Trained staff on effective methodologies in special education practices and tools.
- Advocated for special education students within the school system, promoting their inclusion.
- Ensure compliance with federal and state special education laws, including timelines for evaluations, re-evaluations, eligibility determinations, and IEP reviews
- Review evaluation reports, Prior Written Notices (PWNs), and IEP documents to ensure alignment, accuracy, and legal defensibility
- Provide guidance to staff on legal requirements, procedural safeguards, and compliance expectations
- Support staff in writing legally sound present levels, goals, and service statements aligned with evaluation data
- Aligned delivered services to documented IEP services and evaluation-based needs
- Address compliance concerns proactively and collaborate with administration to resolve discrepancies or potential violations
- Serve as a liaison between families, staff, and administration to ensure clear communication of rights, processes, and decisions
- Analyze compliance data and contribute to program improvement and audit readiness
Test Coordinator
Compton Drew ILC
St. Louis, MT
08.2024 - 05.2025
- Coordinated testing schedules to align diverse educational programs and assessments with district needs.
- Ensured compliance with testing protocols across all assessments.
- Collaborated with teachers to prepare materials for standardized testing events.
- Trained staff on best practices for testing administration and student engagement.
- Monitored testing environments to uphold integrity and security of assessments.
- Managed stakeholder communication to ensure clarity on testing timelines and requirements.
- Ensured timely completion of STAR benchmark assessments and MAP state tests to meet district deadlines.
- Ensured all students completed assessments within established deadlines.
Special Education Resource Teacher
Carruthers Elementary School
Murphysboro, IL
08.2018 - 05.2020
- Collaborated with parents, teachers, and professionals to develop and refine IEPs, ensuring student progress is effectively monitored and adjustments made as necessary.
- Conducted tier 2 and tier 3 interventions with biweekly progress monitoring to enhance student learning outcomes.
- Implement strategies and modifications to instruct special needs students using differentiated instruction.
- Administer AIMSWeb, MAP/NWEA, and other tests/assignments and interpret results to determine students' strengths, areas of need, and progress.
- Utilize a variety of manipulatives and resources for students to learn using technology or other techniques based on students' learning styles.
- Planned and conducted engaging activities for balanced instruction, providing students opportunities to observe, question, investigate, and face challenges.
- Collected and maintained accurate records and data, and completed student reports and progress according to legal requirements.
- Establish respect and rapport with students to maintain behavior expectations.
Instructional Aide Grade 3: Resource
Carruthers Elementary School
Murphysboro, IL
08.2017 - 05.2018
- Instructed tier 3 math intervention group, enhancing understanding and skills for students with special education needs in general education setting.
- Facilitated leveled reading sessions, utilizing Great Leaps intervention strategies to improve literacy skills.
- Monitored student progress and conducted benchmark tests using AIMS Web Plus and MAP/NWEA, informing instructional adjustments.
Student Teacher
Carbondale District 95
Carbondale
08.2016 - 12.2016
- Employed diverse teaching strategies and technology to engage students and address individual learning needs.
- Prepared, administered, and graded lessons, assignments, and tests while maintaining clear objectives and behavior expectations.
- Grade 5: Total of 75 students, 5 IEPs, tier 2 and tier 3 RTI.
Education
Master of Science - Special Education
University of Missouri, St. Louis
St Louis, MO06-2024
Special Education Endorsement - Special Education
McKendree University
Lebanon05-2018
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Southern Illinois University
Carbondale, IL12-2016
Skills
- IEP & Evaluation Oversight (development, implementation, and alignment to data)
- Special Education Law & Compliance (IDEA, state regulations, FERPA)
- Prior Written Notice (PWN) & Special Education Documentation
- Assessment, Eligibility Determination & Instructional Planning
- Differentiated Instruction, Modifications & Accommodations
- MTSS/RTI Framework Implementation & Intervention Planning
- Data Analysis, Progress Monitoring & Program Improvement
- Behavior Systems Oversight (FBA/BIP, behavior supports)
- Program Leadership & Department Management
- Staff Supervision, Coaching & Professional Development
- Scheduling & Service Delivery Coordination
- Collaboration with Administration, Staff & Related Service Providers
- Student Advocacy
- Instructional Leadership & Adaptation Strategies
- Organization, Time Management & Attention to Detail
- Problem-Solving, Flexibility & Adaptability
- Team-Oriented Leadership & Strong Interpersonal Skills
- Creativity & Initiative in Problem-Solving
- Positive Attitude & Solution-Oriented Mindset
Licensure Certification
- Missouri Educator License, Elementary Education (1st - 6th), 05/01/18, 663928
- Mild/Mod Cross Categorical K-12, McKendree University, 05/01/18
Committees
- PBIS
- School Leadership Team
- MTSS (RTI) Team
- Carruthers Curriculum Committee
Timeline
Test Coordinator
Compton Drew ILC
08.2024 - 05.2025
Special Education Teacher/ Team Leader
Compton Drew ILC
08.2020 - Current
Special Education Resource Teacher
Carruthers Elementary School
08.2018 - 05.2020
Instructional Aide Grade 3: Resource
Carruthers Elementary School
08.2017 - 05.2018
Student Teacher
Carbondale District 95
08.2016 - 12.2016
Master of Science - Special Education
University of Missouri, St. Louis
Special Education Endorsement - Special Education
McKendree University
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Southern Illinois University