Lisa McDonal
Roseburg,Oregon
Summary
Dedicated Special Education Teacher with nearly 25 years of experience supporting students with diverse academic, behavioral, and developmental needs. Expert in designing and implementing Individualized Education Programs and Behavior Support Plans that promote measurable student growth. Known for fostering strong, collaborative relationships with families, general education teachers, support staff, and multidisciplinary teams to create inclusive learning environments. Skilled in differentiated instruction, data-driven decision-making, and compliance with special education laws and best practices. Committed to building engaging, student-centered classrooms where all learners are supported, valued, and empowered to achieve their full potential.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Learning Resource Center Teacher, K-5
Roseburg Schools
08.2022 - Current
- Case managed an average of 25-35 students with a variety of academic and behaviorial needs.
- Supervised up to 7 Instructional Assistants at one time.
- Supervised a program for a student who was losing her vision, deaf and hard of hearing, and required a Service Dog.
- Facilitated the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) implementation, both district-wide and school-wide.
- Implemented classroom management strategies to enhance student behavior and engagement.
- Collaborated with colleagues to include the Learning Specialist, Child Development Specialist, Autism Consultant, Behavioral Specialists.
- Supervised teachers obtaining their special education certification.
- Assessed student performance and provided constructive feedback to support academic growth at intervention review meetings.
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Received the Golden Apple Teacher Award for Douglas County.
Resource Teacher: Primary & Intermediate
Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
08.2005 - 07.2022
- Facilitated special education meetings & developed Individualized Education Plans and Behavior Support Plans.
- Collaborated with parents, specialists, school psychologists, general education teachers, and outside agencies.
- Facilitated professional development workshops for staff on direct instruction programs, including Reading Mastery & Corrective Reading.
- Supervised paraprofessionals.
- Case managed students with a variety of disabilities, including a homebound student with an immune condition.
- Co-taught with general education teachers in the classroom.
- Served as Building Test Coordinator for statewide and national testing.
- Participated on the district & school-wide Response to Intervention Teams.
- Taught reading, writing, math and social skills groups.
- Taught Extended School Year (ESY).
- Designed and implemented remote learning via Zoom and Google Classroom with ongoing connection and support to families.
- Implemented assessment tools to evaluate student progress and adjust interventions accordingly.
Resource Teacher: K-12
Lake & Peninsula Borough School District
08.2002 - 05.2005
- Taught in a remote Native Alaskan Village of 200 residents.
- Coordinated Transition/School-to-Work programs for high-school students.
- Directly implemented related services for the itinerant SLP & OT.
- Supervised paraprofessionals.
- Facilitated after school art program.
- Collaborated on reading curriculum committee.
Paraprofessional/Student Teaching, Pre-K-6th Grade
Northwest Regional Education Service District
09.1999 - 06.2002
- Facilitated Individualized Family Service Plan meetings.
- Coordinated parent support groups for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
- Completed home visits to complete assessments and assist families.
- Conducted Curriculum-Based Assessments.
- Discrete Trial and Pivotal Response training and implementation.
- Applied Behavior Analysis and Picture Exchange Communication System training and implementation.
Education
Master of Science - Special Education
Portland State University
Portland, Oregon, OR06-2002
Bachelor of Arts - Anthropology
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR09-1997
Skills
- Co-teaching
- Mult-tiered System of Supports/Response to Intervention
- PBIS
- Development of visual supports & social stories
- PBIS
- Functional Behavioral Assessment & Behavior Support Plans
- Love & Logic (including resources/support for parents)
- Aimsweb/Dibels/Woodcock-Johnson IV
- Social Thinking Curriculum (Social Detective/Superflex) & Model Me Kids
- Direct Instruction Training, University of Oregon
- Sensory Processing/Self Regulation Training
Timeline
Learning Resource Center Teacher, K-5
Roseburg Schools
08.2022 - Current
Resource Teacher: Primary & Intermediate
Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
08.2005 - 07.2022
Resource Teacher: K-12
Lake & Peninsula Borough School District
08.2002 - 05.2005
Paraprofessional/Student Teaching, Pre-K-6th Grade
Northwest Regional Education Service District
09.1999 - 06.2002
Master of Science - Special Education
Portland State University
Bachelor of Arts - Anthropology
Oregon State University