Leann Sorrell
Hampton,VA
Summary
Dedicated Special Education Administrator adept at working with teachers and educational professionals to improve educational programming for students with disabilities. Well-versed in local, state, and federal regulations, policies, and procedures governing special education. Skilled leader with proven success in strategic planning and program improvement.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Program Coordinator
New Horizons Center for Autism
07.2019 - Current
- Enhanced program efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing innovative solutions.
- Developed strong relationships with parents, caregivers, and outside service providers to support student progress both in school and at home.
- Organized professional development workshops focused on special education topics, increasing staff knowledge and expertise in the field.
- Advocated for appropriate resources and supports necessary for special education students to succeed academically and socially.
- Implemented research-based teaching methods specifically designed for students with disabilities, promoting increased engagement and comprehension across subjects.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of instructional programs by analyzing student data trends, leading to informed decisions about program modifications.
- Facilitated ongoing communication between school personnel, families, service providers, and specialists regarding student goals and progress.
- Created a positive learning environment by establishing behavioral expectations and building strong rapport with students, families, and colleagues.
- Managed and monitored annual budget allocations for the special education department, ensuring optimal use of resources to meet student needs.
- Coached and observed 64 teachers and paraprofessionals to improve instructional techniques.
Student Services Coordinator
York County School Division
07.2017 - 07.2019
- Provide support to division staff in required procedures and services for students with disabilities.
- Responsible for identification of students with disabilities in accordance with criteria established by Virginia Department of Education, coordination of student services, and for the evaluation of federal and state compliance.
- Plan and facilitate relevant professional development designed to maximize outcomes for students with disabilities and students requiring a tiered system of support.
- Responsible for coordinating implementation of policies and procedures in accordance with federal and state guidelines for students with disabilities receiving specialized instruction or protections under Section 504
- Coordinates and supervises the implementation of the division’s Dyslexia Initiative in accordance with House Bill 842
- Supervise the home-based and homebound instructional programs.
Special Education Instructional Coach
Hampton City Schools
, Virginia
07.2014 - 07.2017
- Responsible for working with special education teachers and inclusion teams to provide ongoing job-embedded professional development
- Performs classroom observations and coaches teachers on implementing and improving evidenced-based classroom practices to impact student achievement
- Collaborates with building administrators, special education coordinators, general education teachers, and support staff to develop comprehensive interventions for students based on individual needs
- Develops and implements targeted professional development opportunities for teachers to include but not limited to instructional strategies, evidenced-based practices, behavior interventions, and district and departmental initiatives
- Manages and trains staff on the Virginia Alternative Assessment Program
Summer School Site Coordinator
Hampton City Schools
Hampton, Virginia
04.2016 - 01.2017
- Hired and supervised staff to include an administrative assistant, a school nurse, two special education teachers, four instructional assistants, and thirteen general education teachers.
- Planned and coordinated relevant professional development and staff training
- Coordinated transportation services for students
- Implemented grade-level Collaborative Learning Team meetings to desegregate student data to make informed instructional decisions
Special Education Teacher
Hampton City Schools
Hampton, Virginia
08.2002 - 06.2014
- Responsible for working with children with various disabilities, including Autism, Down Syndrome, and Intellectual Disabilities, in a public school setting
- Planned, created, and implemented Individualized Education Programs and Behavior Intervention
- Plans for students in accordance with district, state, and federal regulations
- Collaborated effectively with parents, school professionals, building principals, and community agencies to implement and review services in accordance with programmatic requirements
- Implemented and adapted curriculum to meet individual needs of students
- Monitored IEP and BIP progress through data collection, standardized assessment tools, and direct observation methods
- Utilized evidenced-based classroom practices effectively to maximize learner outcomes
- Extensive knowledge of the Aligned Standards of Learning and the Virginia Alternative Assessment
- Program
- In-depth knowledge of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act.
Education
MS - Educational Leadership, Supervision
Old Dominion University
2016
Shenandoah University
2006
Bachelor of Arts - undefined
Christopher Newport University
2003
Skills
- Curriculum and Instruction program design and implementation
- Extensive knowledge of current state and federal regulations governing special education
- Knowledgeable and highly effective instructional coach
- Collaborative and service-oriented leader
Affiliations
- Professional Development Center on Autism through the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2011-2014 Conference Presentations
- Using Visual Supports to Enhance Functional Literacy, 21st Annual School-System Symposium: Designing Intervention and Environments for Social Participation, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, March 14-15, 2014.
- Environmental Structures, Visual and Communication Supports, Effective Practices in Special Education Conference 2014, The College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia, January 27, 2014
Timeline
Program Coordinator
New Horizons Center for Autism
07.2019 - Current
Student Services Coordinator
York County School Division
07.2017 - 07.2019
Summer School Site Coordinator
Hampton City Schools
04.2016 - 01.2017
Special Education Instructional Coach
Hampton City Schools
07.2014 - 07.2017
Special Education Teacher
Hampton City Schools
08.2002 - 06.2014
MS - Educational Leadership, Supervision
Old Dominion University
Shenandoah University
Bachelor of Arts - undefined
Christopher Newport University
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