Desired Job Title
Special Education SpecialistCoordinatorDirectorCurriculum and DevelopmentAdjunct Faculty MemberWork Type
Full TimeLocation Preference
On-SiteRemoteHybridLocation: Mesa, AZ
Open to relocation: Yes
Kari Stratman
Mesa,AZ
Work Preference
Summary
Results-oriented Special Education Specialist with expertise in IEP development, compliance monitoring, and advocacy. Skilled in implementing inclusion strategies and fostering collaboration to enhance student achievement. Experienced in staff training, behavior management, and coordinating services for students with disabilities, ensuring effective support and a safe, inclusive learning environment.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Specialist
Cartwright School District
Phoenix, Arizona
07.2023 - Current
- Led district's Individual Education Plan (IEP) program as program administrator, ensuring compliance and effective implementation.
- Coached educators on implementing effective inclusion strategies to enhance student engagement.
- Monitored compliance with special education laws, regulations, and guidelines.
- Facilitated professional development and coached staff on effective teaching strategies and classroom management tailored for diverse learners.
- Collaborated with outside agencies to coordinate services for students with special needs.
- Participated in curriculum adoption committees addressing special education programming at various levels.
- Facilitated collection of donations to support student achievement of various incentives for student achievement.
Special Education Teacher
Alhambra Elementary School District
Phoenix, AZ
07.2019 - 06.2023
- Developed Individual Education Plans for students with disabilities.
- Implemented instructional strategies to enhance learning engagement and supported students with disabilities.
- Identified learning needs of students with disabilities and implemented appropriate interventions.
- Analyzed student data to tailor educational strategies addressing individual learning challenges, improving engagement and outcomes.
- Collaborated closely with educators, related service providers, and professionals to design instructional plans.
- Established positive relationships with students and families, fostering collaboration and support for student success.
- Promoted awareness of the specific needs of students with disabilities among staff and families.
- Collaborated with outside agencies providing services for students and families to deliver cohesive support.
- Conducted assessments of student performance and provided feedback to parents.
- Trained classroom aides on special education practices, enhancing instructional support for students with disabilities.
- Assisted in the evaluation of students' educational assessments.
- Created a safe environment conducive to learning for special education students.
Special Education Teacher
Scottsdale Unified School District
Scottsdale, Arizona
07.2016 - 06.2019
- Developed individualized education plans tailored to enhance learning for diverse student needs.
- Implemented instructional strategies to enhance learning engagement.
- Monitored student performance and adjusted teaching approaches accordingly.
- Collaborated with educators and professionals to create and implement effective instructional plans.
- Assisted in the evaluation of students' educational assessments.
- Engaged with parents to communicate student progress and establish supportive strategies. and staff to support student progress.
Legal Administrative Assistant
Stratman Law Office
Aurora, IN
06.2009 - 06.2016
- Supported attorneys by conducting research and preparing documents for court filings, enhancing case readiness.
- Reviewed and organized legal documents such as contracts, pleadings, motions and correspondence.
- Managed legal documents and correspondence for efficient office operations.
- Facilitated communication between attorneys and clients on active cases, ensuring timely updates and information flow.
- Updated clients on case progress and addressed scheduling inquiries, improving client satisfaction and engagement.
Special Education Teacher
South Dearborn Community School
Aurora , IN
07.1998 - 06.2016
- Maintained accurate records of student progress towards IEP goals, enabling targeted support and intervention.
- Collaborated with related services providers, such as speech therapists, to integrate comprehensive support strategies for students.
- Collaborated with other educators and professionals to design instructional plans.
- Developed and maintained individualized skill-appropriate lesson plans to promote and build student confidence.
- Implemented instructional strategies to enhance learning engagement.
- Monitored student performance and adjusted teaching approaches accordingly.
- Facilitated communication among staff, ensuring cohesive support for students with disabilities and enhancing educational outcomes.
- Built relationships with students and guardians through active communication and positive feedback.
Special Education Teacher
Monroe County School District
Bloomington, Indiana
07.1995 - 06.1998
- Developed individualized education plans for diverse student needs.
- Identified learning needs of students with disabilities and implemented targeted interventions to support academic success.
- Implemented instructional strategies to enhance learning engagement.
- Developed and maintained individualized skill-appropriate lesson plans to promote and build student confidence.
- Facilitated effective communication strategies to enhance student engagement and understanding.
- Advocated for students with disabilities by actively engaging parents in discussions about progress and necessary resources.
- Built relationships with students and guardians through active communication and positive feedback.
- Created a safe and supportive learning environment that fostered confidence and engagement among special education students.
Education
Graduate Certificate - School Law
University of Connecticut
Storrs, CT08-2023
M.Ed - Curriculum And Instruction
Indiana Wesleyan University
Marion, IN07-1998
Master of Science - Special Education
Indiana University, Bloomington
Bloomington, IN12-1994
Skills
- Compliance monitoring
- IEP development
- Special education law
- Inclusion strategies
- Classroom management
- Individualized interventions
- Special education advocacy
- Staff training
- Inclusion classroom support
- Behavior management strategies
- Functional behavior assessments
- Data collection and analysis
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Special Education Specialist
Cartwright School District
07.2023 - Current
Special Education Teacher
Alhambra Elementary School District
07.2019 - 06.2023
Special Education Teacher
Scottsdale Unified School District
07.2016 - 06.2019
Legal Administrative Assistant
Stratman Law Office
06.2009 - 06.2016
Special Education Teacher
South Dearborn Community School
07.1998 - 06.2016
Special Education Teacher
Monroe County School District
07.1995 - 06.1998
Graduate Certificate - School Law
University of Connecticut
M.Ed - Curriculum And Instruction
Indiana Wesleyan University
Master of Science - Special Education
Indiana University, Bloomington