Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Languages
Timeline
Generic
Jill Zavala

Jill Zavala

Kilgore,TX

Summary

As a Special Education Specialist, I partner with educators and administrators to create inclusive, high-quality learning environments that support the success of all students. I provide classroom support and coaching to teachers and staff, focusing on effective instructional strategies and consistent behavioral practices. I design and deliver professional development tailored to the needs of Local Education Agencies (LEAs), equipping educators with research-based tools and techniques. Additionally, I offer specialized training, technical assistance, and ongoing coaching for Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) staff, district administrators, and special education directors. Through this work, I strengthen instructional practices, build staff capacity, and promote positive outcomes for students with disabilities.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

ECSE Specialist II

Region 7 ESC
06.2021 - Current

Services Provided:
-Professional development and training on early childhood special education -District on-site consultation visits and customized training
-Guidance on best practices and compliance with state and federal regulations
-Support for teacher-to-teacher networking and collaboration

Areas of Expertise:

  • Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)
  • Developmentally Appropriate Practices (DAP)
  • Early Childhood Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS)
  • Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) and ECI Transition
  • State Performance Plan Indicators 6 and 7
  • Classroom Climate, Structure, and Arrangement
  • Preschool Least Restrictive Environment (PLRE)
  • Access to the General Curriculum
  • Assistive Technology for ECSE
  • ECSE Community Resource Coordination Groups (CRCG)
  • School, Community, and Family Engagement

Life Skills Teacher

Whitehouse ISD
08.2019 - 06.2021

Focused on teaching essential life skills to students with learning and physical disabilities in a classroom setting. Designed and implemented individualized education programs (IEPs) and tailored lesson plans to promote independence and strengthen functional abilities. Supported students in developing the skills necessary for daily living, meaningful social interactions, and preparation for future employment opportunities.

Life Skills/ECSE Teacher

Tyler ISD
08.2007 - 06.2019

Taught fundamental academic and life skills to students with developmental and/or physical disabilities in a classroom setting. Developed and implemented individualized education programs (IEPs) and customized lesson plans to promote independence, enhance functional abilities, and support student growth.

Pre Kindergarten Teacher

Tyler ISD
08.2001 - 06.2007

Designed a safe and stimulating learning environment while developing age-appropriate curriculum and assessing student progress. Built strong, supportive relationships with students and families, with a focus on social-emotional development and early academic skill acquisition within a “school family” learning community.

Kindergarten Teacher

Chapel Hill Isd Texas
08.2000 - 06.2001

Established a safe, engaging, and inclusive learning environment for all students. Promoted cooperative learning and supported positive early experiences through research-based, developmentally appropriate practices and built positive relationships with students and families.

Education

Master's of Education - Special Education: LD And ID

Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ
2010

Bachelor of Science -

University of Texas At Tyler
Tyler, TX
05-2000

Skills

  • Twenty-five years of experience in the fields of early childhood and early childhood special education
  • Creative
  • Strong communication skills
  • Collaborative, team player
  • Engaging, approachable personality
  • Highly motivated

Accomplishments

  • Standards-Based IEP Trainer
  • CPI Instructor
  • C.I.R.C.L.E. Literacy Trainer
  • Guest lecturer at University of Texas at Tyler
  • Breakout Session Presenter at Aligned! 2025 Conference

Certification

Classroom Teacher

Special Education (EC-12)

Generalist (EC-4)

English as a Second Language Generalist (EC-4)

Elementary English Grades (1-8)

Elementary Early Childhood Education (PK-6)

Elementary Self-Contained (1-8)

Elementary Self-Contained (PK-6)

Languages

Spanish
Professional Working

Timeline

ECSE Specialist II

Region 7 ESC
06.2021 - Current

Life Skills Teacher

Whitehouse ISD
08.2019 - 06.2021

Life Skills/ECSE Teacher

Tyler ISD
08.2007 - 06.2019

Pre Kindergarten Teacher

Tyler ISD
08.2001 - 06.2007

Kindergarten Teacher

Chapel Hill Isd Texas
08.2000 - 06.2001

Master's of Education - Special Education: LD And ID

Grand Canyon University

Bachelor of Science -

University of Texas At Tyler