Leilah Garza
Mission,Texas
Summary
Experienced educational leader with twenty years as an accomplished educator who cares deeply about student success. Committed to keeping parents and guardians involved in students’ education. Coordinates with administrators, families and students to help students reach their full potential. . Expert in closely monitoring student progress while implementing modern educational techniques into daily practices. Committed to long-term student success through well-rounded education.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Supervisor
La Joya ISD
2020.08 - Current
- Supervision for Extended School Year Program (ESY)
- Modified the general education curriculum for special-needs students based upon a variety of instructional techniques and technologies.
- Monitored, the special education program which was consistent with Area 1 campuses- La Joya High School, 3 feeder Middle schools, and 6 feeder Elementary schools.
- Met with staff and parents to resolve conflicting educational priorities and issues.
- Supported special education teachers and administrators in implementing strategies to meet needs of students with IEPs.
- Reviewed progress reports regularly, adjusting IEP goals as needed based on assessment results.
- Enhanced student learning by implementing individualized education plans and coordinating with teachers to meet specific needs.
- Supervised Homebound Teachers , OT, LSSP, LPC, Special Education Counselors.
- Established positive relationships with families, fostering trust and collaboration towards shared goals for their children''s success.
- Met with special education staff and addressed requests for resource allocations throughout school year.
- Checked on instructor lessons and communication in order to assess quality of education and assistance offered to students.
- Coordinated staff evaluations for special education personnel.
- Increased teacher effectiveness by providing training and guidance on special education best practices and strategies.
- Collaborated with families to provide resources for children outside of school district.
- Streamlined processes for special education services, resulting in more efficient service delivery and improved student outcomes.
- Implemented data-driven decision-making processes to evaluate program effectiveness and adjust strategies as needed.
- Represented educational program at meetings and conferences to serve as subject matter liaison for array of services and activities assigned.
- Maintained contact with parents to address concerns and needs of children.
- Facilitated IEP meetings by using family-centered, strength-based approach.
- Coordinated special education services through frequent principal collaboration and consultation.
- Coordinated with outside state agencies to acquire services for special needs children.
- Used Skyward and SuccessEd to maintain student records and prepare reports.
- Evaluated 28-person special education staff through classroom observation, feedback and recommendations.
- Collaborated with teachers to conduct behavioral assessments and intervention plans for special education students.
- Contributed to district-level committees to support needs of students on IEPs.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Gained strong leadership skills by managing projects from start to finish.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
School Counselor
La Joya High School
2017.08 - 2020.08
- Monitored student progress to drive successful academic outcomes.
- Partnered with parents and guardians to promote student success in school environment.
- Helped students develop organizational, time management and study skills.
- Developed and implemented individualized behavior plans to assist students with achieving academic and behavioral goals.
- Supported students transitioning between grade levels by working with teachers to develop effective transition plans aimed at minimizing potential challenges during adjustment periods.
- Reviewed and discussed new students' academic credentials, interests, and educational goals.
- Planned and promoted career planning presentations, work experience programs and career workshops.
- Regularly met with enrolled students to confirm success and identify problem areas.
- Maintained a high level of professional development through continuous education, conference attendance, and participation in professional organizations related to school counseling.
- Delivered supportive and knowledgeable counseling to students with academic or personal concerns.
- Reduced disciplinary incidents through proactive conflict resolution strategies that encouraged open communication between all parties involved.
- Identified and addressed concerns of incoming students and parents.
- Enhanced student emotional well-being by providing individual and group counseling sessions.
- Developed and implemented student guidance plans to foster academic success.
- Provided resources to support students in achieving career goals.
- Developed and implemented individualized academic plans for students.
- Worked with individuals to help understand and overcome personal, social or behavioral problems affecting educational or vocational situations.
- Advised students on educational, career and social opportunities.
- Advocated for students to access available resources.
- Educated students on college admissions process and scholarship requirements.
- Promoted mental health awareness among staff members through training programs on topics such as stress management, self-care, and recognizing warning signs in students.
- Empowered students through counseling and skill-building exercises.
- Collaborated with teachers and other school personnel to create individualized education plans for students with special needs.
- Analyzed student academic records to assess educational and career goals.
Reading Interventionist
La Joya High School
2015.08 - 2017.02
- Taught reading/ literacy to individual and small groups.
- Promoted critical thinking and active engagement by facilitating group discussions around complex texts and literary themes.
- Promoted love of reading and literacy to all students.
- Developed and implemented behavior management plans to improve student behavior.
- Assessed and documented student progress with established goals.
- Helped students prepare for standardized tests and reviewed results against objectives after completion.
- Implemented reading lessons for 120- 9th grade students.
AVID Teacher
La Joya High School
2008.08 - 2015.05
- AVID coordinator for 9-12 graders
- Applied for a received a grant from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation to support student projects and learning.
- Integrated real-world connections into lesson plans, helping students understand the relevance of their studies beyond academics.
- Collaborated with colleagues on interdisciplinary projects, connecting subject matter for a more holistic learning experience.
- Encouraged students to develop perseverance mindset while teaching long-term visualization of success.
English Teacher
La Joya High School
2007.08 - 2008.05
- Utilized data-driven instruction to identify areas of need and implement targeted strategies for improvement.
- Kept classroom organized, clean and safe for students and visitors.
- Created and maintained safe and orderly classroom environment conducive to learning.
- Utilized data to inform instructional decisions and personalize learning.
- Attended department meetings to develop and update course curricula.
- Planned dynamic lessons to increase student comprehension of books and literary concepts.
- Supported students in development of skills and strategies to become independent and successful learners.
- Enhanced student comprehension by incorporating visual aids and hands-on activities in lessons.
- Supported development of individualized education plans for students with special needs.
- Created and implemented activities to foster critical thinking skills of students.
- Designed and facilitated group projects to foster teamwork and problem-solving skills.
- Encouraged students to take active role in learning and academic success.
Education
Master of Arts - Educational Leadership and Policy Study
University of Richmond
Richmond, VA2013
Post- Baccalaureate Certificate - Teacher Licensure
University of Richmond
Richmond, VA2007
Post- Baccalaureate Certificate - Paralegal Studies
University of Richmond
Richmond, VA2003
Bachelor of Arts - Major- History ; Minor - International Affairs
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL2001
Skills
- Fluent in Spanish
- Special Education Programs
- Individualized Education Plans
- Behavior Intervention Plans
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Disability Awareness
- Functional Behavior Assessments
- Multitasking Abilities
- Documentation skills
- Inclusive Practices
- Adaptive Learning
- School district guidelines comprehension
- Summer school coordinating
- Well versed Social-Emotional Learning
- Positive Reinforcement
- Classroom observation
- Legal Compliance
- Written Communication
- Staff Supervision
Affiliations
- Texas Council of Administrators of Special Education
- American School Counselor Association (ASCA)
- Association of Texas Professional Educators
Certification
*TX State Board for Educator Certifications
School Counselor (All levels)
ELA and REading (Grades 8-12)
Special Education (Grades EC -12)
Physical Education (Grades EC-12)
Timeline
Special Education Supervisor
La Joya ISD
2020.08 - Current
School Counselor
La Joya High School
2017.08 - 2020.08
Reading Interventionist
La Joya High School
2015.08 - 2017.02
AVID Teacher
La Joya High School
2008.08 - 2015.05
English Teacher
La Joya High School
2007.08 - 2008.05
Master of Arts - Educational Leadership and Policy Study
University of Richmond
Post- Baccalaureate Certificate - Teacher Licensure
University of Richmond
Post- Baccalaureate Certificate - Paralegal Studies
University of Richmond
Bachelor of Arts - Major- History ; Minor - International Affairs
Florida State University
*TX State Board for Educator Certifications
School Counselor (All levels)
ELA and REading (Grades 8-12)
Special Education (Grades EC -12)
Physical Education (Grades EC-12)
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