Leann Sorrell
Hampton,VA
Summary
Experienced special education leader with over 20 years in instructional leadership, program development, and compliance. Expertise in IDEA, Section 504, Virginia regulations, and behavior support. Led multidisciplinary teams, coached educators, and facilitated IEP processes while ensuring compliance and implementing evidence-based practices. Built partnerships with families, administrators, and community agencies to promote inclusive educational environments.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Coordinator
Hampton City Schools
Hampton, VA
07.2024 - Current
- Coordinate and monitor special education services to ensure compliance with IDEA, state regulations, and division policies.
- Provide leadership and guidance to school administrators, special education teachers, and related service providers regarding legal and procedural requirements.
- Review Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), eligibility documentation, Prior Written Notices, and evaluation reports for procedural and instructional quality.
- Facilitate complex IEP meetings and support collaborative problem-solving among multidisciplinary teams and families.
- Provide technical assistance regarding eligibility determinations, manifestation determinations, Extended School Year (ESY), and specialized programming.
- Analyze student performance and compliance data to identify trends and implement continuous program improvements.
- Support schools in developing appropriate behavioral supports, Functional Behavioral Assessments, and Behavior Intervention Plans.
- Collaborate with district leadership to strengthen inclusive practices and improve educational outcomes for students with disabilities.
Program Coordinator
New Horizons Center for Autism
Newport News
07.2019 - Current
- Developed strong relationships with parents, caregivers, and outside service providers to support student progress both in school and at home.
- Cultivated relationships with parents, caregivers, and service providers to enhance student progress in school and at home.
- Advocated for appropriate resources and supports necessary for special education students to succeed academically and socially.
- Organized professional development workshops focused on special education topics, increasing staff knowledge and expertise in the field.
- Coached and observed 64 teachers and paraprofessionals to improve instructional techniques.
- Implemented research-based teaching methods specifically designed for students with disabilities, promoting increased engagement and comprehension across subjects.
- Coordinated communication among school personnel, families, service providers, and specialists to align on student goals and progress.
- Enhanced program efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing innovative solutions.
- Coached and mentored 64 teachers and paraprofessionals, enhancing instructional techniques and promoting best practices.
Student Services Coordinator
York County School Division
Yorktown, VA
07.2017 - 07.2019
- Provided support to division staff in procedures and services for students with disabilities.
- Identified students with disabilities according to criteria established by the Virginia Department of Education, coordinated student services, and evaluated federal and state compliance.
- Planned and facilitated professional development to enhance outcomes for students with disabilities and those needing tiered support.
- Coordinated the implementation of policies and procedures according to 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
- Collaborated with special education teachers and inclusion teams to deliver ongoing job-embedded professional development.
- Performs classroom observations and coaches teachers on implementing and improving evidence-based classroom practices to impact student achievement.
- Performs classroom observations and coaches teachers on implementing and improving evidenced-based classroom practices to impact student achievement.
- Develops and implements targeted professional development opportunities for teachers to include but not limited to instructional strategies, evidence-based practices, behavior interventions, and district and departmental initiatives.
- Managed and trained staff on Virginia Alternative Assessment Program, ensuring compliance and effective implementation.
Summer School Site Coordinator
Hampton City Schools
Hampton, Virginia
04.2016 - 01.2017
- Hired and supervised administrative assistant, school nurse, two special education teachers, four instructional assistants, and thirteen general education teachers to support diverse student needs.
- Planned and coordinated professional development and staff training to enhance instructional practices and support student learning.
- Coordinated transportation services for students to ensure safe and timely arrival at school.
Special Education Teacher
Hampton City Schools
Hampton, Virginia
08.2002 - 06.2014
- Worked with children with various disabilities, including Autism, Down Syndrome, and Intellectual Disabilities, in a public school setting.
- Planned and implemented Individualized Education Programs and Behavior Intervention to address diverse learning needs and promote student success.
- Implemented and adapted curriculum to meet individual needs of students.
- Collaborated with parents, school professionals, building principals, and community agencies to align services with programmatic requirements and enhance student support.
- Utilized evidenced-based classroom practices effectively to maximize learner outcomes.
- Collaborated effectively with parents, school professionals, building principals, and community agencies to implement and review services in accordance with programmatic requirements.
- Plans for students in accordance with district, state, and federal regulations.
- 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
Master of Arts - Educational Leadership, Supervision
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, Va01-2016
Some College (No Degree) - Special Education Licensure
Shenandoah University
Winchester, VaBachelor of Arts - History
Christopher Newport University
Newport News, Va01-2003
Skills
- Curriculum design
- Special education regulations
- Collaborative leadership
- Inclusion strategies
- Parent-teacher communication
- IEP Development
- Instructional coaching
- Collaborative and service-oriented leader
Professional Presentations
- Model Site Classroom: Professional Development Center on Autism through the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2011-2014
- Using Visual Supports to Enhance Functional Literacy, 21st Annual School-System Symposium: Designing Intervention and Environments for Social Participation, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia
- 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
Special Education Coordinator
Hampton City Schools
07.2024 - Current
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
Bachelor of Arts - History
Christopher Newport University
Some College (No Degree) - Special Education Licensure
Shenandoah University
Master of Arts - Educational Leadership, Supervision
Old Dominion University