Melanie Bobo
Memphis,TN
Summary
Dedicated and compassionate special education professional with over 10 years of experience advocating for students with disabilities across school, family, and multidisciplinary teams. Proven expertise in IEP development, 504 Plans, educational advocacy, family guidance, and cross-functional collaboration. Recognized leader with extensive experience coordinating educational programming, facilitating meetings, interpreting educational law, and supporting students with complex academic, developmental, and psychosocial needs. Calm, solutions-oriented, and deeply aligned with patient- and family-centered practice.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Memphis Shelby County School District
Memphis, TN
01.2016 - Current
- Served as Special Education Chairperson and Co-Chairperson for 5 consecutive years, coordinating IEP compliance, timelines, and instructional alignment across grade levels.
- Delivered high-quality instruction and student-centered educational advocacy across resource, inclusion, general education, and functional skills environments, strategically adapting accommodations, modifications, and interventions to meet complex academic, developmental, and medical needs.
- Acted as primary liaison between families, school administrators, district staff, and service providers to advocate for students’ educational needs.
- Led and participated in IEP and 504 Plan meetings, both in person and virtually, ensuring legal compliance, clarity for families, and individualized supports.
- Collaborated regularly with school psychologists, social workers, speech therapists, occupational therapists, nurses, administrators, and counselors to address student needs holistically.
- Developed and delivered individualized academic and functional programming aligned to national and state standards.
- Provided anticipatory guidance and education to families regarding special education law, accommodations, instructional supports, and student rights.
- Coordinated day-to-day educational programming, including schedules, materials, staffing support, and progress monitoring systems.
- Assessed student learning and functional skills using validated tools, data collection methods, and progress monitoring measures.
- Adapted instruction and supports based on student acuity, medical needs, engagement levels, and developmental readiness.
- Maintained detailed documentation, collected program data, and reported outcomes to leadership.
- Supported transitions, attendance planning, and continuity of services for students with changing needs.
- Demonstrated calm, flexibility, and professionalism in high-stakes, dynamic environments involving families and multidisciplinary teams.
Education
Master of Arts - Special Education
University of Memphis
Memphis, TN05.2018
Bachelor of Arts - Interdisciplinary Studies- Psychology & English
Tennessee State University
Nashville, TN05.2013
Skills
- Educational Advocacy & Family Support
- IEP & 504 Plan Development and Facilitation
- School & District Liaison Coordination
- Multidisciplinary Team Collaboration
- Special Education Law & Compliance (IDEA, Section 504)
- Program Coordination & Data Reporting
- Learning Objectives, Pacing Guides & Instructional Design
- Trauma-Informed & Developmentally Appropriate Practice
- Communication with Schools, Families & Care Teams
- Professional Learning & Program Improvement
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Memphis Shelby County School District
01.2016 - Current
Master of Arts - Special Education
University of Memphis
Bachelor of Arts - Interdisciplinary Studies- Psychology & English
Tennessee State University