LAYLA LEWIS
Crandall
Summary
Experienced educational diagnostician seeking a dynamic, forward-thinking educational setting to contribute valuable talents and abilities. Dedicated to creating a positive learning environment, and supporting student growth and success. Proven track record in conducting comprehensive assessments, developing individualized education plans, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. Committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity, innovation, and academic excellence.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Educational Diagnostician
Mesquite ISD
08.2018 - Current
- Mentor new diagnosticians and special education teachers
- Selected, administered and interpreted appropriate formal and informal assessments and evaluations.
- Collaborated with educators, parents, school administrators and external professionals in development of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
- Completed required documentation and reports for compliance and treatment planning.
- Compiled and interpreted students' test results along with information from teachers and parents to identify conditions and assess eligibility for special services.
- Led staff and faculty training and development to support program objectives.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Assisted school personnel in identification and understanding of students with disabilities.
- Applied knowledge of ethnic, linguistic, cultural and socioeconomic diversity for evaluation, planning, and instruction.Keep up with state and federal regulations for special education programs
- Ensured local, state, and federal regulations were followed
Educational Diagnostician
Forney ISD
07.2015 - 07.2018
- Managed and coordinated the district’s Child Find program to identify and support students with special needs.
- Led ARD/IEP committee meetings and staff meetings, ensuring effective collaboration and compliance.
- Prepared, completed, and finalized ARD/IEP meeting documentation with accuracy and efficiency.
- Acted as a liaison between administration and the special education team, fostering clear communication and alignment.
- Developed and implemented a structured system for scheduling ARDs and staffings to meet required timelines.
- Oversaw annual and re-evaluation due dates to optimize scheduling, reduce the number of ARDs, and maintain compliance.
- Conducted evaluations and assessments, compiling comprehensive reports for initial and re-evaluations.
Special Education Teacher
Mesquite ISD
08.2013 - 06.2015
- Develop and implement individualized education programs (IEPs) for diverse special education students, including those with ADD/ADHD, autism, learning disabilities, emotional disturbances, speech impairments, and physical challenges.
- Establish and execute student-centered goals tailored to individual needs, strengths, and learning abilities.
- Differentiate and modify instruction in core elementary subjects to foster critical thinking, communication skills, and adaptability.
- Collaborate with parents, teachers, teacher assistants, and multidisciplinary service providers, including speech therapists, occupational therapists, diagnosticians, and licensed specialists in school psychology (LSSPs).
- Analyze assessment data to identify areas for improvement and lead the development of departmental strategies to enhance student outcomes.
- Provide training, consultation, and support to teachers on implementing accommodations and modifications to ensure the success of diverse learners in inclusive classrooms.
- Integrate technology, hands-on activities, manipulatives, learning centers, and thematic instruction to enhance student engagement and knowledge retention.
- Adapt teaching strategies to meet individual student needs through personalized accommodations, motivation, and a supportive learning environment.
- Contribute to grant writing efforts to secure funding for special education programs and resources.
Special Education Teacher
Lancaster ISD
11.2009 - 06.2013
- Foster collaboration and teamwork through peer coaching and cooperative learning strategies.
- Assess student learning processes and identify areas of difficulty to inform targeted instruction.
- Deliver constructive evaluative feedback, guiding students in maintaining progress and overcoming challenges.
- Differentiate and modify instruction in core elementary subjects to promote critical thinking, adaptability, and communication skills.
- Integrate technology to enhance instruction and engage students across diverse learning levels.
- Develop and implement curriculum and multi-sensory lesson plans to support comprehensive subject-area learning.
Education
M.ED - SPECIAL EDUCATION CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION W/DIAGNOSTICIAN CERTIFICATION
WEST TEXAS A&M
CANYON, TEXASMS - MANAGEMENT/BAAS
TEXAS A&M COMMERCE
COMMERCE, TEXASSkills
- Special Education Law & Compliance
- Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)
- Student Evaluations & Assessments
- ARD/IEP Meeting Facilitation
- Multi-Disciplinary Collaboration
- Program Monitoring & Development
- Educator Training & Mentorship
- Data Analysis & Progress Tracking
- Curriculum & Instructional Strategies
Certification
Texas Educator Certificate, EC-12 Educational Diagnostician, EC-12 Special Education, EC-4 Generalist, EC-6 Generalist, EC-12 Physical Education
Timeline
Educational Diagnostician
Mesquite ISD
08.2018 - Current
Educational Diagnostician
Forney ISD
07.2015 - 07.2018
Special Education Teacher
Mesquite ISD
08.2013 - 06.2015
Special Education Teacher
Lancaster ISD
11.2009 - 06.2013
M.ED - SPECIAL EDUCATION CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION W/DIAGNOSTICIAN CERTIFICATION
WEST TEXAS A&M
MS - MANAGEMENT/BAAS
TEXAS A&M COMMERCE
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