Lori Garner
Tallahassee,FL
Summary
Special Education professional with 20 plus years of experience leading student services, ensuring IDEA compliance, and scaling programs across multiple schools. Proven ability to build and expand programs, coordinate services, analyze data, and partner with stakeholders to improve outcomes while reducing compliance risk. Experienced in training design, audit readiness, contract coordination, and managing services at scale.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
VE (Varying Exceptionalities) Teacher
Chiles High School
Tallahassee, FL
08.2024 - Current
- Provide specialized instruction aligned with IEPs and 504 plans while ensuring compliance with documentation and service requirements
- Monitor student progress and adjust instruction using data to support goal attainment
- Collaborate with general education teachers, staff, and families to ensure continuity of services
- Implement accommodations, modifications, and behavioral strategies to support diverse learners
Program Representative
Duval County Public Schools
06.2015 - 07.2024
- Served as liaison supporting curriculum implementation across 117 classrooms and 15 schools
- Ensured compliance with IDEA and special education regulations, reducing risk and preventing escalations to district, board, and state levels
- Built and expanded a Pre-K support program into a comprehensive instructional and behavioral support system serving VE, general education, and low-incidence populations
- Connected cross-functional stakeholders with appropriate services, resources, and supports to ensure consistent and compliant service delivery
- Developed and implemented Pre-K program plans in collaboration with leadership, aligning services to student and program needs
- Led large-scale professional development, including planning venues, coordinating presenters, and ensuring effective follow-up and implementation
- Analyzed program data and provided actionable recommendations to improve student outcomes and program effectiveness
- Fostered vendor and contractor relationships and supported contract coordination for services and instructional resources
- Managed procurement of instructional materials within budget
Pre-K ESE Itinerant Teacher
Duval County Public Schools
02.2007 - 06.2015
- Delivered services aligned to IEP goals for students ages 3–5 across multiple settings
- Collaborated with educators, therapists, and families to ensure consistent implementation
- Conducted assessments and used data to guide instructional decisions
- Contributed to the development and early expansion of Pre-K support systems and collaborative service models
- Recognized as Teacher of the Year (2012)
ESE Teacher
Duval County Public Schools
11.1996 - 01.2003
- Developed and implemented IEPs for students with intellectual disabilities
- Utilized differentiated instruction and assistive technology to support learning
- Monitored and documented student progress to inform instruction and ensure compliance
Education
Bachelor of Education - ESE
University of North Florida
Skills
- Oversaw compliance with special education laws, including IDEA, IEPs, and 504 plans, to promote equitable access to education Managed student services programs, driving improvements in service delivery and student outcomes Analyzed data to inform program enhancements and strategic initiatives Developed and implemented training programs to strengthen staff capabilities Fostered collaboration among stakeholders to align goals and resources Led efforts in audit preparation and documentation to ensure compliance Leveraged Microsoft Office and virtual tools to optimize operational efficiency
Certification
- Exceptional Student Education Certification
- Early Childhood (Birth – Age 4)
- ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) Endorsement
HONORS
Teacher of the Year, Duval County Public Schools (2012)
Timeline
VE (Varying Exceptionalities) Teacher
Chiles High School
08.2024 - Current
Program Representative
Duval County Public Schools
06.2015 - 07.2024
Pre-K ESE Itinerant Teacher
Duval County Public Schools
02.2007 - 06.2015
ESE Teacher
Duval County Public Schools
11.1996 - 01.2003
Bachelor of Education - ESE
University of North Florida