Laura Spear
Framingham,MA
Summary
Dynamic, forward-thinking, experienced public school administrator with strong analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills. Focused on supporting the educational and social-emotional needs of 2200 school-aged special education students in the Framingham Public Schools. Comprehensive knowledge of issues related to special education law, finance and due process; thorough skill establishing policies and procedures to adhere to changing laws and regulations. Proven record of strong leadership, equity focused; and a commitment to developing highly effective special education programs insisting on, and achieving, high standards, and quality instruction for all individuals with disabilities.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Special Education
Framingham Public Schools
08.2013 - Current
- Provide leadership and supervision in the management of a continuum of special education services for 2100 students, ages 3-22
- Allocate special education staff and addressed requests for additional allocations throughout school year.
- Coordinate staff evaluations for special education personnel.
- Contribute to district-level committees to support needs of students with disabilities.
- Consulte and Problem Solve with district leaders, building administration and staff regarding difficult and/or potentially litigious special education issues.
- Prepare school budget with recommendations for hiring, capital expenditures, and cost-saving initiatives.
- Prepare federal and state grants that support students and program growth
- Monitor and evaluated specialized programs to maintain high-quality services and to maximize outcomes for students
- Communicate with parents to encourage active parental participation in education in collaboration with the Special Education Parent Advisory Council
- Manage all DESE compliance activities related to Special Education, including Proportionate Share, Circuit Breaker, Indicators, and Tiered Focused Monitoring
- Represent the district in legal matters including but not limited to Due Process and other BSEA matters.
- Support the development of in district programming and inclusive programming for students with disabilities by building a common vision rooted in the least restrictive environment
Assistant Director of Special Education
Framingham Public Schools
08.2011 - 08.2013
- Provided administrative oversight of all district special education programs, which includes specialized self-contained programs for students with Developmental Delays/Intellectual Impairments, Autism, Learning/Language Disabilities, Emotional Disabilities and Multiple Disabilities.
- Established procedures for screenings, placement, evaluation, assignment, and reappraisal of students' special education program.
- Prepared all federal, state, and local reports.
- Established and maintained external partnerships with public and private agencies, support staff, physicians, parents, etc. in securing and providing services.
- Monitored compliance with special education due process requirements, staff caseloads, and continuum of services within FPS.
- Created inclusive work environment and school community by engaging in training, reflection and dialogue.
- Coached school-based special education teachers and special education team members.
- Maintained external partnerships with varying agencies on behalf of at-risk population of scholars.
- Verified delivery of proper instruction and interventions for students.
- coordinated retrieval and distribution of student records from other schools and institutions.
- Supervised and evaluated Team Evaluation Coordinators and additional district staff in collaboration with the Director of Special Education and building principals.
Team Evaluation Coordinator
Framingham Public Schools
08.2008 - 08.2011
- Arranged, organized, and conducted all IEP(Individualized Education Program) teams to determine initial eligibility and re-determine continued eligibility for special education, in collaboration with students, parents, and special and general education staff.
- Coordinated reviews of existing evaluation data to determine what, if any additional assessments are necessary to determine if students are eligible or continue to be eligible for special education.
- Supported and contributed to the written development of IEPs in collaboration with the special education staff
- Conducted and chaired Manifestation Determination meetings for students with disabilities
- Served as a lead on the district's professional development committee
- communicated regularly with parents to encourage active participation in their child's education
Special Education Teacher
Framingham Public Schools
08.2002 - 08.2008
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Taught students with Intellectual Impairments and Autism in a self-contained multi grade classroom at the middle school level
- Designed and implemented a functional life skills curriculum, including a student run cafe
- Lead our team of four teachers and ten paraprofessionals as the Team Leader, guiding and supporting in the creation and implementation of effective, standards-based instructional lessons
Education
Master of Science - Special Education
Boston College
Chestnut Hill06.2002
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Boston College
Chestnut Hill05.1997
Skills
- Exceptional Oral Communication Skills
- Student and Parent Relations
- Staff Leadership
- Educational Strategies
- Problem Solving and Solutions Oriented Thinker
- Trained in Mediation
Certification
MA DESE License #345248
Academic Administrator: Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent
Academic Administrator: Special Education Administrator, All Levels
Academic Administrator: Principal/Assistant Principal, 5-8
Academic Teacher: Severe Disabilities, All Levels
Academic Teacher: Elementary,1-6
Sheltered English Immersion- Administrator, Endorsed, All Levels
Timeline
Director of Special Education
Framingham Public Schools
08.2013 - Current
Assistant Director of Special Education
Framingham Public Schools
08.2011 - 08.2013
Team Evaluation Coordinator
Framingham Public Schools
08.2008 - 08.2011
Special Education Teacher
Framingham Public Schools
08.2002 - 08.2008
Master of Science - Special Education
Boston College
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Boston College