Leah Sylvis
Jefferson Hills,PA
Summary
Positive, collaborative leader with passion for fostering inclusive learning environments. Possesses in-depth understanding of special education laws and regulations and is skilled in curriculum development and program management. Committed to driving educational excellence and creating impactful outcomes for diverse student populations.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Pupil Services
West Mifflin Area School District
06.2018 - 06.2023
- Ensured compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations pertaining to special education programming and reporting requirements.
- Championed inclusive practices within the school district by promoting awareness among all stakeholders about the importance of diversity and inclusion in education settings.
- Streamlined communication between parents, teachers, and administrators through regular meetings and progress reports.
- Facilitated parent workshops focused on topics such as navigating the IEP process, supporting children with disabilities at home, and understanding available resources within the community.
- Created a welcoming and accessible environment for all students by addressing barriers to full participation in the educational process, such as physical accessibility or language support services.
- Oversaw coordination of transportation services for special education students, ensuring timely and safe transportation to and from school.
- Performed classroom evaluations to assess teacher strategies and effectiveness.
- Observed teachers, documented activities and implemented improvement plans to optimize classrooms.
- Proven record of developing and implementing school policies to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
Special Education Teacher & Transition Coordinator
West Mifflin Area School District
08.2006 - 06.2023
- Coordinated with general education teachers to develop accommodations or modifications necessary for successful inclusion of students with special needs in mainstream classrooms.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
- Organized field trips and community-based experiences that enriched students'' understanding of real-world applications for their skills.
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- Integrated social skills training into curriculum, facilitating improved peer interactions and social integration.
- Helped students with special needs integrate into general classroom environments by advocating for individual requirements and helping teachers solve problems.
- Utilized technology to create meaningful lessons that engage students.
- Promoted inclusion within the school community by collaborating with special education staff to facilitate seamless transitions for students with disabilities.
- Organized college and career exploration events to help prepare students for post-secondary transitions successfully.
- Educated individuals on available educational materials, videos, and online sites.
- Developed a comprehensive transition curriculum that promoted self-advocacy skills, decision-making abilities, and social-emotional growth among students.
Director of Special Education
Woodland Hills School District
07.2023 - Current
- Ensured compliance with federal and state mandates related to special education services by maintaining accurate documentation and staying informed on policy updates.
- Managed budgetary allocations for the special education department, maximizing resources to improve student outcomes.
- Oversaw the special education department and programming to include 75 teachers, 45 para-professionals, and 1,000 students with special needs.
- Implemented positive behavior supports within the special education department, reducing instances of disruptive behaviors and creating a more conducive learning environment.
- Contributed to district-level committees to support needs of students on IEPs.
- Facilitated professional development initiatives for special education staff to enhance teaching techniques and knowledge of current best practices.
- Provided guidance on curriculum modifications and accommodations for students with disabilities, enabling academic success in the least restrictive environment possible.
- Advocated for the needs of students with disabilities in school-wide decision-making processes, ensuring equitable access to resources and opportunities.
- Managed caseloads for special education staff members, ensuring timely completion of necessary documentation and adherence to established deadlines.
- Coordinated special education services through frequent principal collaboration and consultation.
- Coordinated transition planning efforts for students moving from elementary to secondary schools or post-secondary opportunities, ensuring a smooth process for all involved parties.
- Communicated with parents to encourage active parental participation in education.
Education
Master of Science - Educational Leadership
Duquesne University
Pittsburgh, PA05-2002
Bachelor of Arts - Elem. Education (K-6); Special Education (N-12)
Bethany College
Bethany, WV05-1998
Skills
- Instructional leadership
- Adaptive learning
- Special education law
- Inclusive education
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Universal design for learning
- Individualized education plans
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Staff training
- Employee performance evaluations
Certification
- Special Education Supervisor Certification - PA Department of Education.
- Elementary Education K-6- PA Department of Education
- Special Education N-12 - PA Department of Education
Timeline
Director of Special Education
Woodland Hills School District
07.2023 - Current
Director of Pupil Services
West Mifflin Area School District
06.2018 - 06.2023
Special Education Teacher & Transition Coordinator
West Mifflin Area School District
08.2006 - 06.2023
- Special Education Supervisor Certification - PA Department of Education.
- Elementary Education K-6- PA Department of Education
- Special Education N-12 - PA Department of Education
Master of Science - Educational Leadership
Duquesne University
Bachelor of Arts - Elem. Education (K-6); Special Education (N-12)
Bethany College
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