Lisa A. Harper
Bellport
Summary
I am a passionate and forward-thinking educational leader devoted to fostering a collaborative team culture that promotes a nurturing, inclusive learning environment—empowering every student to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. With a commanding foundation in organizational skills and a passionate in-depth mastery of Special Education, I bring a detail-oriented, solutions-based approach to supporting diverse learners and advancing equitable practices.
In my roles as Department Chairperson and Administrative Intern, I have demonstrated effective leadership in key operational areas including scheduling, staffing, budgeting, testing coordination, and data-driven decision-making. Additionally, I have provided mentorship and instructional support to teachers through observation and feedback, while also facilitating professional and CSE meetings and leading with a focus on transparency, trust, and teamwork.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Department Chairperson
Mattituck-Cutchogue Union Free School District
01.2021 - Current
- Mentor new educators in classroom management, curriculum planning, and differentiation, as well as coaching peers to boost engagement and reduce behavioral issues.
- Support general education teachers, special education teachers and teaching assistants in implementing strategies to meet the needs of students with IEP's.
- Create and coordinate scheduling for all local, state and standardized testing for SWD grades 7-12 ensuring that all modifications and accommodations are implemented.
- Lead and direct department meetings, ensuring clear objectives and effective team collaboration.
- Conduct in-depth analysis of student data using multiple digital platforms to inform instructional decisions.
- Manage and coordinate teaching assistant schedules and daily responsibilities to meet instructional and student needs.
- Partner with administrators to align special education department goals with school-wide mission statement.
- Ability to communicate effectively with excellent written and public speaking skills.
Special Education Teacher
Mattituck-Cutchogue Union Free School District
01.2010 - Current
- Strong pedagogical knowledge and deep understanding of curriculum and student development across diverse needs, abilities and learning styles.
- Partner with parents/guardians and all team members to support an inclusive learning environment, while maintaining detailed student records to inform instruction and enhance communication with stakeholders.
- Adapt instruction to learning styles and create clear, accurate materials to simplify complex topics and boost engagement.
- Use data to guide instruction, monitor progress, and implement interventions that support optimal student growth.
- Coordinate and lead CSE meetings, maintaining strong communication between families, educators, and service providers.
- Engage in ongoing/daily communication with all team members including parents and/or guardians.
Administrative Intern
Mattituck-Cutchogue Union Free School District
12.2024 - 06.2025
- Assist in the coordination of all school operations, including scheduling, testing and event planning.
- Develop special projects focused on school improvement, such as the two-year strategic plan for special education.
- Assist in analyzing student performance data to inform instructional planning and interventions.
- Serve on interview committees to evaluate and select qualified candidates for various school positions.
- Support behavior management initiatives and restorative practices to maintain a positive school culture.
- Help manage attendance, enrollment and scheduling systems utilizing Infinite Campus.
- Mentor and observe teachers using the Marzano Framework.
- Lead CSE and team meetings.
Behavior Intervention Specialist/Parent Trainer
Life's WORC
01.2013 - Current
- Conduct thorough assessments to understand the triggers, functions, and patterns of challenging behaviors exhibited by individuals.
- Develop individualized plans that outline strategies and techniques to address specific behavioral challenges, promoting behavior change through positive reinforcement.
- Teach appropriate replacement behaviors to reduce and replace maladaptive behaviors.
- Collaborate with teachers, parents, school staff, and other professionals to ensure a consistent and unified approach for managing and supporting the individual's behavioral needs.
- Provide training and coaching to teachers, parents, and caregivers on effective behavior management strategies and techniques to maintain consistency across various environments.
- Collect, analyze and document data for progress monitoring and to determine the effectiveness of behavior intervention strategies.
- Employ de-escalation techniques when challenging behaviors arise to ensure the safety and well-being of all involved.
- Create resources and materials that support the implementation of behavior intervention plans, such as visual schedules, social stories, and reinforcement systems.
Special Education Teacher
Taconic Hills Central School District
01.1997 - 01.2002
- Initiated and implemented cooperative learning projects across curriculums.
- Recognized as a pioneer in the development and implementation of collaborative teaching practices, promoting co-teaching strategies and interdisciplinary collaboration to enrich the educational experience and improve student achievement.
- Special Education Department Chairperson, teacher specialist and mentor teacher.
- Daily supervision of teacher assistants ensuring alignment with IEP's and best practices.
- Served as a liaison among staff, administrators, and families to foster collaboration, enhance communication and support student success.
- Led professional development sessions on inclusive classrooms, co-teaching and IEP writing.
Education
Master of Science - Psychology
The College of Saint Rose
1996
Master of Science - Special Education
The College of Saint Rose
1997
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
The College of Saint Rose
1996
Skills
New York State School District Leader (Expected June, 2026)
New York State School Building Leader (Expected June 2026)
NYS Teacher Certification, Professional: K-12 Special Education, 1997
NYS Teacher Certification Special Class Biology Extension, 2020
PUBLISHED RESEARCH
Zak, A., Collins, C., Harper, L., & Masher, M. (1998). Self-Reported Control over Decision-Making and its Relationship to Intimate Relationships. Psychological Reports, 82(2), 560-562.
TRAININGS
Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) and Committee on Special Education (CSE) Chairpersons Training LI regional Partnership Center
Affiliations
- American Association of School Administrators (AASA)
- School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS)
PRESENTER
“Strategies for Creating an Active, Student-Centered Learning Environment” Eastern Psychological Association Convention
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FACILITATOR
- Inclusive Classrooms
- Co-teaching
- IEP Writing
OTHER
- Mentor Teacher Specialist
- Shared Decision Making Committee
- CARES Committee
- Principal's Advisory Committee
- Japanese Exchange Program Facilitator
- Attendance Committee
- Junior Class/Prom Advisor 10+ years
- Analyze Indicator 8
- Analyze Indicator 13
- Sunshine Club President
Timeline
Administrative Intern
Mattituck-Cutchogue Union Free School District
12.2024 - 06.2025
Special Education Department Chairperson
Mattituck-Cutchogue Union Free School District
01.2021 - Current
Behavior Intervention Specialist/Parent Trainer
Life's WORC
01.2013 - Current
Special Education Teacher
Mattituck-Cutchogue Union Free School District
01.2010 - Current
Special Education Teacher
Taconic Hills Central School District
01.1997 - 01.2002
Master of Science - Psychology
The College of Saint Rose
Master of Science - Special Education
The College of Saint Rose
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
The College of Saint Rose