Leslee Weaks
Amarillo
Summary
Visionary and results-driven Special Education Executive with over 25 years of comprehensive experience spanning district-level administration, regional consulting, and classroom instruction. Proven track record of directing complex special education programs and leading diverse, multidisciplinary teams to elevate student outcomes. Recognized state-level leader and TCASE Board Member with deep expertise in federal/state compliance (IDEA, Section 504), strategic policy development, and campus-wide auditing. Committed to fostering inclusive, high-performing educational environments through collaborative leadership and data-driven systems.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Director of Special Education
Amarillo ISD
Amarillo, TX
07.2012 - Current
- Direct district-wide special education initiatives, ensuring rigorous compliance, high-quality service delivery, and instructional excellence across all campuses.
- Team Leadership: Direct and mentor a robust multidisciplinary team of specialists, including School Psychologists, Behavior Intervention Counselors, Music Therapists, Adapted PE Teachers, and Speech-Language Pathologists.
- Compliance & Data Integrity: Spearhead district initiatives for State Performance Indicators 11 (Child Find) and 12 (Early Childhood Transition)
- Fiscal Stewardship: Strategically manage and allocate specialized departmental budgets, maximizing resources for Dyslexia, Section 504, Extended School Year (ESY), and Medicaid/SHARS reimbursement software (Onward, MSB).
- Quality Assurance: Design and execute comprehensive campus-level Special Education audits, identifying systemic gaps and mitigating legal risks.
- Policy & Training: Author and implement modernized departmental policies and procedures.
- Facilitate district-wide professional development to cultivate inclusive, high-impact instructional practices.
Educational Consultant
Region 16 Education Service Center
Amarillo, TX
07.2010 - 06.2012
- Provided expert specialized consultation, technical assistance, and capacity-building strategies to school districts across Region 16.
- Regional Training & Capacity Building: Served as the regional consultant for behavioral frameworks, including Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), Love & Logic, and the Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI).
- District Advisory: Partnered with Special Education Directors and district staff to identify behavioral and instructional deficits, delivering customized intervention strategies for diverse learners.
Special & General Education Teacher
Texas School Districts: Slaton ISD, Lubbock ISD, Burleson ISD, Alvarado ISD, Tulia ISD
08.1999 - 05.2010
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans aligned with TEKS for 4th Grade General Education Math, Science, and Social Studies.
- Fostered a positive classroom environment to enhance student learning and behavioral development.
- Taught Resource & Inclusion Elementary & Middle School Special Education classes.
- Assessed student performance through formative and summative evaluations to inform instructional strategies.
- Developed, implemented, and modified Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) while collaborating closely with ARD committees and families.
Education
Master of Education (M.Ed.) - Educational Administration
Lubbock Christian University
Lubbock, TX12-2010
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) -
Lubbock Christian University
Lubbock, TX05-1999
Skills
- Special education law
- Complex Problem-solving
- Professional development
- Organizational management
- Responsible and dependable
- Reliability
- Project management
- Teamwork and collaboration
Affiliations
- Texas Council of Administrators of Special Education (TCASE)
- Board of Directors | July 2022 – July 2025
- Selected to serve on the governing board, contributing to strategic decision-making and legislative advocacy shaping special education policy across Texas.
- Conference Chair – Great Ideas Conference | 2024
- Spearheaded the planning, curation, and execution of a premier state conference for special education administrators.
- House of Delegates | July 2018 – July 2022
- State Conference Presenter | February 2022 & July 2025
- Planning Committees: Dyslexia Conference Committee (2022) | Behavior Conference Committee (2020)
Certification
- Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System (T-TESS) Certified Appraiser
- Reading by Design Trainer (Dyslexia Program)
- Handle With Care (Crisis Intervention)
- Safe & Civil Schools | Love & Logic
Timeline
Assistant Director of Special Education
Amarillo ISD
07.2012 - Current
Educational Consultant
Region 16 Education Service Center
07.2010 - 06.2012
Special & General Education Teacher
Texas School Districts: Slaton ISD, Lubbock ISD, Burleson ISD, Alvarado ISD, Tulia ISD
08.1999 - 05.2010
Master of Education (M.Ed.) - Educational Administration
Lubbock Christian University
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) -
Lubbock Christian University