Karen Spurgeon
Stockton,CA
Summary
Dedicated special education professional with extensive experience in developing and implementing individualized education plans tailored to diverse student needs. Proven track record of effective collaboration within multidisciplinary teams, showcasing adaptability to meet evolving educational challenges. Skilled in fostering inclusive learning environments, managing caseloads, and ensuring compliance with all relevant educational standards. Recognized for reliability, exceptional communication abilities, and a results-driven approach that prioritizes student success.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Coordinator of Special Education
ABLE Charter Schools
07.2023 - Current
- Implemented research-based teaching methods specifically designed for students with disabilities, promoting increased engagement and comprehension across subjects.
- Advocated for appropriate resources and supports necessary for special education students to succeed academically and socially.
- Facilitated IEP meetings by using family-centered, strength-based approach.
- Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings focused on identifying unique strengths and challenges faced by each child while developing effective solutions.
- Coached and observed 3 teachers to improve teaching techniques.
- Evaluated 4-person special education staff through classroom observation, feedback and recommendations.
- Maintained contact with parents to address concerns and needs of children.
- Supported general education teachers and administrators in implementing strategies to meet needs of students
- Oversaw all special education students, ensuring timely completion of required documentation and IEP meetings.
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Collaborated with families to provide resources for children outside of school district.
- Interpreted and analyzed academic data to maintain student development and retention.
- Facilitated transition of students from special education to mainstream education, tailoring support to ensure success.
- Developed partnerships with local organizations to provide additional resources and support for special education students and their families.
- Trained faculty members on best practices for accommodating diverse learners, fostering inclusive school culture.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of instructional programs by analyzing student data trends, leading to informed decisions about program modifications.
- Coordinated the delivery of specialized services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and counseling for eligible students.
- Advocated for policy changes at district level that led to increased funding and resources for special education services.
- Organized extracurricular activities tailored to special education students, promoting social skills and community integration.
- Coordinated with outside state agencies to acquire services for special needs children.
- Reduced classroom disruptions by implementing positive behavioral support strategies tailored to individual student needs.
- Coordinated with healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive support for students with medical conditions affecting their education.
- Organized professional development workshops focused on special education topics, increasing staff knowledge and expertise in the field.
- Managed and monitored annual budget allocations for the special education department, ensuring optimal use of resources to meet student needs.
- Enhanced professional knowledge and skills by attending national conferences on special education, applying cutting-edge practices to daily work.
- Conducted detailed evaluations to identify students' strengths and areas for improvement, formulating effective strategies to address challenges.
- Developed strong relationships with parents, caregivers, and outside service providers to support student progress both in school and at home.
- Assisted general education teachers with adapting lesson plans to accommodate diverse learning needs within inclusive classrooms settings.
- Enhanced student engagement and learning outcomes by developing and implementing individualized education plans tailored to each student's unique needs.
- Provided ongoing support and guidance to teachers in the implementation of evidence-based instructional strategies designed for special education students.
- Facilitated ongoing communication between school personnel, families, service providers, specialists, regarding student goals and progress.
- Improved parent satisfaction and communication by organizing regular meetings to discuss student progress and address concerns.
- Created a positive learning environment by establishing behavioral expectations and building strong rapport with students, families, and colleagues.
- Planned and implemented staff development and in-service training programs to enhance knowledge and skills.
- Represented educational program at meetings and conferences to serve as subject matter liaison for array of services and activities assigned.
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION
ABLE Charter Schools
08.2019 - 07.2023
- Establish a report with IEP stakeholders.
- Develop and write IEPs.
- I have attended and ran most IEPs for the last 5 years.
- Implemented new methods to make sure ABLE serviced all its students on IEPs.
- Strived to establish ABLE as an LEA to always pass it's EOY with CDE.
- Work closely and developed great relationships with SELPA.
- Maintained a tight team and taught every Educational Specialist how to grow in their teaching with differentiation.
- Evaluated program effectiveness by monitoring student progress, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.
- Streamlined communication between parents, teachers, and service providers, fostering a strong support network for students with disabilities.
- Served as a key liaison between school administration and special education staff, fostering collaboration and promoting shared goals for student success.
- Provided ongoing supervision and mentorship to paraprofessionals working in the department, promoting a positive work environment focused on student success.
- Led professional development sessions for educators, increasing their knowledge of evidence-based practices in special education.
THIRD GRADE TEACHER
ABLE Charter Schools
06.2015 - 01.2019
- Demonstrated ability to teach, motivate, and build confidence in students while using hands-on activities to generate and maintain high levels of interest.
- Continuously acknowledged as the most requested teacher year over year.
- Identify each student’s strengths/weaknesses and develop student-specific goals based on the analysis. Develop and execute differentiation plans when necessary.
- Recognized for delivering the highest mathematics testing scores ever achieved in year 2016.
THIRD GRADE TEACHER
Brookside Christian Schools
09.2006 - 06.2015
- Developed and implemented highly specific lessons designed to foster student development while focusing on key concepts necessary for continued student success.
- Developed a strong rapport with each parent/guardian while strengthening communication to ensure each student has the proper support for success.
- Promoted to Lead Teacher where I focused on developing lesson plans in accordance with specific goals, disseminated these plans and outcomes to each teacher, and analyzed results to ensure continuous improvement.
Education
Master's Degree - Special Education
Grand Canyon University
01.2019
Degree Completion - Leadership
Life Pacific Bible College
01.2010
B.A. - Leadership & Early Education
Life Pacific Bible College
01.1986
Skills
- Collaborative leadership
- Inclusion strategies
- Parent-teacher communication
- Relationship-building expertise
- Special education law
- English language learner support
- Behavior management strategies
- Learning disability awareness
- Instructional differentiation
- Transition planning
- Individualized education plan expertise
- Early intervention services
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Organizational leadership
- Professional ethics
- Policy implementation
- Program management
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Coordinator of Special Education
ABLE Charter Schools
07.2023 - Current
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION
ABLE Charter Schools
08.2019 - 07.2023
THIRD GRADE TEACHER
ABLE Charter Schools
06.2015 - 01.2019
THIRD GRADE TEACHER
Brookside Christian Schools
09.2006 - 06.2015
Degree Completion - Leadership
Life Pacific Bible College
B.A. - Leadership & Early Education
Life Pacific Bible College
Master's Degree - Special Education
Grand Canyon University
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