Mary Todd Allen

Work History

Secondary Exceptional Children Coordinator

Danville Public Schools

07.2023 - Current

Conferred and resolved education-related issues and problems with students, parents and school officials.
Planned and implemented staff development and in-service training programs to enhance knowledge and skills.
Spearheaded innovative initiatives aimed at improving academic achievement among special education students through continuous assessment.
Coached and observed 25 teachers to improve teaching techniques.
Collaborated with teachers to conduct behavioral assessments and intervention plans for 50+ students.
Maintained contact with parents to address concerns and needs of children.
Collaborated with teachers and staff to develop strategies and interventions tailored to each student''s needs, resulting in improved academic performance.
Used Virginia IEP to maintain student records and prepare reports.
Facilitated IEP meetings by using family-centered, strength-based approach.
Advocated for appropriate resources and supports necessary for special education students to succeed academically and socially.
Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings focused on identifying unique strengths and challenges faced by each child while developing effective solutions.

Interim Senior Executive Director

Chapel Hill - Carrboro City Schools

10.2022 - 07.2023

Responsible for the planning, development, coordination, and management of all exceptional children’s programs, services, budgets, and personnel
Ensured compliance with state and federal regulations governing the delivery of services to students with disabilities
Monitored the overall effectiveness of programs and ensured all aspects were implemented within federal, state, and local regulations
Supervised and evaluated the EC director, coordinators, and department finance manager
Accomplished the following: Restructured the EC department to address major functions of compliance and instruction
Revised job descriptions to ensure they accurately reflect the requirements and expectations of the position
Helped the district avoid costly litigation and hearings through mediation and reconciling the relationship between parents and the district schools

Chief Program Officer for Exceptional Children Program (Retired)

Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools

06.2019 - 04.2022

Collaborated with the district leadership team and superintendent in setting strategic direction for the school district and the exceptional children department
Responsible for the planning, development, coordination, and management of all exceptional children’s programs, services, budgets, and personnel
Partnered with the district legal counsel to avoid costly hearings and litigation through the mediation process and building relationships with parents
Championed a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open feedback channels and embracing opportunities for learning and growth within the district.
Ensured compliance with state and federal regulations governing the delivery of services to students with disabilities
Monitored the overall effectiveness of programs and ensured all aspects were implemented within federal, state, and local regulations
Streamlined communication channels between departments, promoting collaboration and information-sharing among team members.
Supervised and evaluated special education area directors team leaders and department administrative assistants

Secondary Exceptional Children Program Manager (Middle Schools)

Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools

07.2010 - 01.2019

Developed, implemented, and evaluated comprehensive program plans for seventeen middle schools
Assisted in the preparation of budgets; coordinated with other departments and agencies to ensure a full array of services
Shared information about programs with various stakeholders, including parents, community members, agencies, and post-secondary institutions
Assisted in selecting and placing personnel, delegated and supervised staff responsibilities, and assisted in evaluating teaching staff

Exceptional Children Transition Coordinator

Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools

07.2004 - 07.2010

Conducted thorough evaluations of existing transition programs, identifying areas for improvement and implementing necessary changes.
Developed and managed the implementation of the Occupational Course of Study
Collaborated with case managers and parents to provide effective transition planning for students with disabilities
Coordinated with case managers, parents, and support staff to ensure smooth transitions for students between public school and postsecondary settings.
Developed a comprehensive transition curriculum for at-risk students with disabilities that promoted self-advocacy skills, decision-making abilities, and social-emotional growth among students.
Reduced dropout rates by implementing a program and strategies targeting at-risk students early in their high school years.
Improved communication among the school district and local agencies, postsecondary educational institutions and other stakeholders by conducting regular meetings and providing timely updates on programs and services to transitioning students.
Supervised six job coaches, one employment specialist, and one graduation coach
Created local Occupational Course of Study operations manual
Increased parent involvement in transition planning through targeted outreach efforts and educational workshops.
Organized college and career exploration events to help prepare students for post-secondary transitions successfully.

Adjunct Instructor

Winston-Salem State University

06.2003 - 07.2004

Developed and provided an approved syllabus that follows the university’s school of education course template
Managed classroom effectively to maintain a positive learning environment for all students.
Used lectures, discussions and demonstrations to increase learning and classroom success.
Organized, prepared, and regularly updated all course materials
Collaborated with department head to create dynamic, ongoing curriculum development, and instruction improvement program.
Prepared and delivered lectures, class discussions, exams, and activities to ensure that the required content and level of material asked in exams and the practice of education were provided to students
Assisted with the supervision of field placement students
Monitored student progress through regular assessments, providing constructive feedback for improvement.

Adjunct Instructor

North Carolina Agricultural and State University

06.2000 - 12.2002

Developed and provided an approved syllabus that follows the university’s school of education course template; organized, prepared, and regularly updated all course materials
Prepared and delivered lectures, class discussions, exams, and activities to ensure that the required content and level of material asked in exams and the practice of education were provided to students
Managed classroom effectively to maintain a positive learning environment for all students.
Designed and delivered asynchronous distance education classes
Incorporated technology into all aspects of teaching and learning
Supervised and evaluated student teachers and other field placement students

Adjunct Instructor

Winston-Salem State University

06.1998 - 05.2000

Developed and provided an approved syllabus that follows the university’s school of education course template; organized, prepared, and regularly updated all course materials
Managed classroom effectively to maintain a positive learning environment for all students.
Maintained accurate records of student attendance, assignments, and grades, ensuring timely communication with stakeholders regarding academic progress.
Prepared and delivered lectures, class discussions, exams, and activities to ensure that the required content and level of material asked in exams and the practice of education were provided to students

Adjunct Faculty (part-time)

Radford University

01.1996 - 06.1998

Designed and taught graduate and undergraduate courses in special education
Designed the following courses: Current Trends in Education of Exceptional Individuals, Career and Vocational Transitional Preparation for Special Needs Populations and Multicultural Issues in Special Education
Was granted special graduate faculty status

Research Associate/ Co-director Southwest Virginia Transition Technical Assistance Center

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

01.1993 - 06.1998

Coordinated and delivered targeted training and technical assistance to educators, families, and community-based service providers in Virginia based on identified best practices in special and at-risk education
Streamlined operations for increased efficiency by identifying areas of improvement and implementing necessary changes.
Developed training modules, workshops, technical assistance products, a resource library, and conferences designed to meet regional needs
Developed innovative solutions to complex problems through creative problem-solving techniques and cross-functional collaboration.
Organized intercommunity transition teams to facilitate transition services for youth with disabilities
Facilitated strategic planning, focus group, and project development processes
Provided consultation to school systems and agencies to solve problems, create and improve processes
Conducted research on issues pertaining to the successful transition to adult life for youth with disabilities

Vocational Evaluator

Pulaski County High School

01.1992 - 01.1993

Supported students in identifying suitable employment opportunities through comprehensive vocational assessments.
Provided transition services, vocational evaluation, and career counseling to students at-risk of school failure and students with disabilities
Consulted with teachers, families, and service providers to develop individualized career plans for students
Assisted students in securing additional resources such as job accommodations or adaptive equipment through effective advocacy efforts.
Enhanced the overall quality of vocational evaluation services by continually evaluating and updating program policies, procedures, and practices in accordance with industry standards.
Developed and coordinated community-based experiences for high school students with disabilities

Special Education Teacher

Pulaski County High School

01.1982 - 01.1992

Developed and implemented individualized educational programs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring academic success, personal growth and successful transitions to postsecondary settings.
Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
Developed and delivered in-service workshops for faculty members regarding the inclusion of students with disabilities in the general classroom
Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
Provided targeted specially designed instruction and instructional support to students with disabilities, identifying specific areas for improvement and designing effective intervention plans.
Improved student behavior management skills by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive behavior interventions and supports
Served as faculty advisor to the African American History Club

Summary

Overview

Work History

Secondary Exceptional Children Coordinator

Interim Senior Executive Director

Chief Program Officer for Exceptional Children Program (Retired)

Secondary Exceptional Children Program Manager (Middle Schools)

Exceptional Children Transition Coordinator

Adjunct Instructor

Adjunct Instructor

Adjunct Instructor

Adjunct Faculty (part-time)

Research Associate/ Co-director Southwest Virginia Transition Technical Assistance Center

Vocational Evaluator

Special Education Teacher

Education

Advanced Graduate Studies - Educational Leadership: Special Education

M.S. - Vocational Technical Education, Special Needs Concentration

B.S. - Special Education

Skills

Samples Of Papers Presented

Publications

Research And Grants

Timeline

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