Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Timeline
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Katie Adams

Clovis,CA

Summary

Dedicated and results-oriented special education leader with a proven track record in enhancing school performance, advancing teacher training, and championing student success in diverse learning environments. Committed to promoting an inclusive school culture by proactively identifying and addressing challenges specific to special education while celebrating the achievements of both educators and innovative teaching practices. Expertise in mentoring and empowering special education teachers through hands-on support and targeted professional development, while passionately advocating for the unique needs of students with disabilities. Skilled in utilizing data-driven insights to implement effective strategies that enhance learning outcomes and drive continuous improvement in special education services.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience

Work History

Student Services & Special Education Director

Big Picture Educational Academy
Fresno, CA
01.2024 - Current
  • Serve as an advocate for students with disabilities in school settings.
  • Refer to student performance data to set educational goals and standards.
  • Hired and trained primary and supplemental teaching staff.
  • Collaborate with various departments to support and establish programs, lessons, and student activities.
  • Collaborate with administrators, counselors, psychologists, and other professionals to ensure appropriate services are provided to students with disabilities.
  • Facilitate collaboration between general education teachers and specialists to provide necessary accommodations for students receiving special education services.
  • Created policy and protocol for students needing SST, 504, and/or IEP assessments/accommodations, and provided training to staff.
  • Ensure proper timelines for compliance utilizing the SEIS dashboard along with CALPADS for proper reporting of students on IEPs.

Special Education Program Coordinator

Big Picture Educational Academy
Fresno, CA
08.2022 - 01.2024
  • Collaborated with educators and staff to develop and implement individualized education plans (IEPs) for students with special needs.
  • Coordinated assessments and evaluations to identify student eligibility for special education services.
  • Provided training and professional development for teachers and support staff on best practices in special education.
  • Monitored student progress and adjusted instructional strategies to ensure optimal learning outcomes.
  • Facilitated communication between families, educators, and service providers to support student needs.
  • Developed evaluation criteria for assessing the success of educational programs.
  • Provided guidance and support to new staff members in relation to education initiatives.
  • Served as an Induction Coach for new SPED teachers.

RSP Teacher/SST, 504 Coordinator

Big Picture Educational Academy
Fresno, CA
10.2020 - 06.2022
  • Supported diverse student populations through equitable instructional design and programming.
  • Served as an advocate for special education students within the school system.
  • Established and maintained dynamic working relationships with students and parents to support classroom objectives.
  • Helped students learn to persevere with challenging tasks and build resilience for later educational efforts.
  • Created and implemented compliant IEPs, progress reports and state-specific special education documentation.
  • Developed and implemented individualized education plans for students with special needs.
  • Maintained student records in accordance with district standards.

Autism Program Teacher on Special Assignment(TOSA)

Fresno Unified School
Fresno, CA
08.2017 - 01.2020
  • Supported new and/or struggling teachers in the Autism Program classrooms by providing resources, training, and support regarding autism-related challenges and strategies.
  • Designed and led professional development workshops on autism awareness and effective teaching strategies for staff.
  • Coordinated with related service providers to ensure comprehensive support for students with autism.
  • Advocated for the needs and rights of students with autism within the school and broader community.
  • Developed and implemented specialized instructional programs tailored to the needs of students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).

Autism Inclusion Teacher

Fresno Unified School District
Fresno, CA
08.2011 - 08.2017
  • Maintained accurate records of student progress towards IEP goals.
  • Implemented behavior management systems that promote positive behaviors.
  • Enhanced lessons using Smart Board technology and computers.
  • Enhanced students' sensory- and perceptual-motor skills through hands-on activities.
  • Offered hands-on learning opportunities to develop student self-esteem and life skills.

Behavior Support Paraprofessional

Kings County Office of Education
Hanford, CA
08.2010 - 06.2011
  • Under the supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, supported significant student behaviors in the severely handicapped program.
  • Helped design Behavior Intervention Plans.
  • Worked with SEIS in order to properly document student progress and effectiveness of Behavior Intervention Plans.

Special Education Paraprofessional (Mild/Mod SDC)

Central Unified School District
Fresno, CA
12.2009 - 06.2010
  • Assisted the classroom teacher in implementing individualized education plans (IEPs) for students with mild to moderate disabilities.
  • Provided one-on-one and small group support to students, helping them with academic tasks and social interactions.
  • Monitored student progress and behavior, providing feedback and support to encourage positive learning outcomes.

Education

Master of Arts - Teaching

Brandman University
Irvine, CA
05-2012

Education Specialist Teaching Credential - Special Education

Brandman University
Irvine, CA
05-2012

Bachelor of Arts - Child, Family And Consumer Science (CFS)

Fresno State University
Fresno
05-2009

Skills

  • Student Advocacy and IEP Development
  • Data Analysis and Data-Driven Instruction
  • Program Management and Compliance Monitoring
  • Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)
  • Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)
  • Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
  • Differentiated Instruction and Inclusion Strategies
  • Culturally Responsive Teaching
  • Team Collaboration and Staff Training
  • Project-Based Learning (PBL)
  • Growth Mindset and Restorative Practices
  • Induction Coaching and Support
  • Organization
  • Knowledge of Special Education Laws and Regulations

Accomplishments

  • Graduated with Honors from Brandman University
  • Finalist for the Fresno Unified School District "Excellence in Education" Award
  • Received commendation for the Big Picture Educational Academy Special Education Program as Director, highlighted in the FCSS County Renewal Report

Timeline

Student Services & Special Education Director

Big Picture Educational Academy
01.2024 - Current

Special Education Program Coordinator

Big Picture Educational Academy
08.2022 - 01.2024

RSP Teacher/SST, 504 Coordinator

Big Picture Educational Academy
10.2020 - 06.2022

Autism Program Teacher on Special Assignment(TOSA)

Fresno Unified School
08.2017 - 01.2020

Autism Inclusion Teacher

Fresno Unified School District
08.2011 - 08.2017

Behavior Support Paraprofessional

Kings County Office of Education
08.2010 - 06.2011

Special Education Paraprofessional (Mild/Mod SDC)

Central Unified School District
12.2009 - 06.2010

Master of Arts - Teaching

Brandman University

Education Specialist Teaching Credential - Special Education

Brandman University

Bachelor of Arts - Child, Family And Consumer Science (CFS)

Fresno State University