Laura Medina Coste
Saint Paul,MN
Summary
Dynamic educator with a proven track record of enhancing learning outcomes for diverse student populations, particularly in special education. Possesses strong problem-solving abilities and exceptional communication skills that facilitate effective collaboration with colleagues, parents, and stakeholders. Adaptable to various work environments and dedicated to implementing research-based instructional practices that address educational inequities and foster inclusive learning experiences. Committed to creating equitable opportunities for all students to thrive academically and socially.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education, Hidden River Middle School
ISD 625 – Saint Paul Public Schools
Saint Paul, MN
08.2024 - Current
- Provide instruction for students in special education in a Setting 3 EBD classroom.
- Work and direct the duties of paraprofessionals who work with students.
- Advocated for resources and support services to improve educational access for students with disabilities.
- Facilitated communication between families and school personnel to strengthen support networks.
- Implemented evidence-based strategies to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
- Monitored student progress, adjusting instructional methods based on performance data.
- Led training sessions for staff on best practices in special education instruction.
Summer Learning Program Site Lead
ISD 625, Saint Paul Public Schools
Saint Paul, MN
06.2025 - 07.2025
- Collaborated with site principal and educators to enhance student recruitment and registration initiatives.
- Oversaw recruitment and hiring processes by facilitating applicant completion of online applications and necessary HR documentation.
- Coordinated opening and closing operations for SLP to ensure smooth transitions.
- Managed student enrollment and created comprehensive master schedules and class rosters for instructional staff.
- Supervised student attendance tracking and ensured timely and accurate reporting of daily attendance records in campus systems.
- Monitored student progress and collaborated with educators to address academic challenges effectively, assisting students in completing credits and improving their on-time graduation success.
- Coordinated staff training programs to enhance instructional practices and support student success.
Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA)- Special Education Coach
ISD 625 – Saint Paul Public Schools
08.2021 - 08.2024
- Consult, model and coach in general education and special education classrooms on effective and equitable instructional practices.
- Provided instructional feedback to teachers.
- Instructed teachers in use of different programs and strategies to support student growth and achievement.
- Provided feedback on non-discriminatory evaluation for students who have received Spanish instruction, as well as provide special education evaluation assessments in Spanish for every student that has received Spanish instruction and is being evaluated for special education services.
Special Education Teacher, Paul & Sheila Wellstone Elementary
ISD 625 – Saint Paul Public Schools
08.2018 - 06.2021
- Provide instruction for students in special education in a Setting 3 EBD classroom.
- Work and direct the duties of paraprofessionals who work with students.
- Collaborate with colleagues on student instruction and developing appropriate instructional and behavioral plans for students.
- Modify materials as necessary to fit students’ needs.
- Develop and implement different evidence-based strategies for providing instruction to special education students.
- Perform classroom management duties; enforce rules governing the conduct of students.
- Maintain and update student data and records on a quarterly basis.
- Perform educational assessments to determine if students qualify for special education services.
SUTR Resident, Highland Park Middle School
ISD 625 - Saint Paul Public Schools
08.2017 - 06.2018
- Co-teach with mentor teacher in ELA and Reading for Standards classes.
- Maintain a suitable instructional environment for special education students according to their needs.
- Modify materials and equipment as necessary to fit students’ needs.
- Perform classroom management duties; enforce rules governing the conduct of students.
- Develop and implement different evidence-based strategies for providing instruction to special education students.
Special Education Interpreter, Spanish
ISD 625 – Saint Paul Public Schools
02.2016 - 06.2017
- Conduct telephone interviews and occasional in-person interviews with parents of students referred for special education evaluation to gather information regarding their child's development, language skills and health.
- Respond to parent questions regarding special education, due process and disabling conditions; explain special education services and disabilities to parents in a culturally sensitive manner; ensure that parents are informed of their rights in a legally defensible manner.
- Act as an on-going contact with special education staff for parents who do not speak English.
- Facilitate oral and written communication between students, parents and all appropriate district and school staff;
- Transcribe, translate and document initial evaluation and re-evaluation parent interviews, other parent contacts and attempts to contact; forward this information to the appropriate district and/or school staff.
- Enter special education information into the computer system for third-party billing purposes.
Clerk Typist II, Bilingual, Paul and Sheila Wellstone Elementary
ISD 625 - Saint Paul Public Schools
10.2013 - 06.2016
- Assist all visitors/families, as well as serve as main point of contact in the front office for Spanish speaking families.
- Enter and update student registration information on CAMPUS, including: hand enrolling students, roster students, preparing roster lists, attendance, no showing students, and dropping students.
- Also EDL clerk during the 2014 -2015 school year.
Education
Educational Specialist - Education Administration
Minnesota State University, Mankato
Mankato, MN05-2026
Master of Education - Special Education
University of St. Thomas
Saint Paul, MN05.2018
Bachelors of Arts - History and Music
Luther College
Decorah05-2002
Certification
Academic and Behavioral Strategist License, August 2018
File No. 497016
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Summer Learning Program Site Lead
ISD 625, Saint Paul Public Schools
06.2025 - 07.2025
Special Education, Hidden River Middle School
ISD 625 – Saint Paul Public Schools
08.2024 - Current
Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA)- Special Education Coach
ISD 625 – Saint Paul Public Schools
08.2021 - 08.2024
Special Education Teacher, Paul & Sheila Wellstone Elementary
ISD 625 – Saint Paul Public Schools
08.2018 - 06.2021
SUTR Resident, Highland Park Middle School
ISD 625 - Saint Paul Public Schools
08.2017 - 06.2018
Special Education Interpreter, Spanish
ISD 625 – Saint Paul Public Schools
02.2016 - 06.2017
Clerk Typist II, Bilingual, Paul and Sheila Wellstone Elementary
ISD 625 - Saint Paul Public Schools
10.2013 - 06.2016
Master of Education - Special Education
University of St. Thomas
Educational Specialist - Education Administration
Minnesota State University, Mankato
Bachelors of Arts - History and Music
Luther College
Trainings
- Mentor-Mentee Program, Saint Paul Public Schools, 2021-2023
- Educational Non-verbal Yardsticks (ENVoY), Saint Paul Public Schools, October 2017
- Beyond Diversity, Saint Paul Public Schools, January 2014 and May 2017
- Nonviolent Crisis Intervention, Saint Paul Public Schools, Expires 2023
- Neighborhood Leadership Program, Wilder Foundation, Aug 2016-Feb 2017
Other Experience
- Extended School Year Site Lead and Teacher, Office of Specialized Services, Summer 2022
- Special Education Teacher, Paul & Sheila Wellstone Elementary Aug 2018-Aug 2021
- SUTR Resident, Highland Park Middle School Aug 2017-August 2018