- Specialize in creating unique designs in crafts
- Enjoys sewing with expressions hands
- Cooking
- Gardening
- Community engagement with youth
Meta Johnson
Baton Rouge,LA
Summary
Dynamic Director of Pupil Services with a proven track record in enhancing student support systems, fostering inclusive practices, and driving organizational efficiency. Expertise in program development and partnership collaboration ensures impactful outcomes for diverse learners.
Overview
42
42
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Pupil Services
Redesign Schools Louisiana
Baton Rouge, LA
07.2022 - Current
- Developed and implemented comprehensive pupil services programs to enhance student support systems.
- Collaborated with educators to create individualized education plans for diverse student needs.
- Led professional development sessions focused on best practices in pupil services and student engagement.
- Established partnerships with community organizations to provide resources for students and families.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of existing pupil services programs and recommended improvements based on best practices research.
- Championed inclusive practices within the school district by promoting awareness among all stakeholders about the importance of diversity and inclusion in education settings.
- Worked closely with school administrators to address discipline issues involving special education students, promoting restorative justice practices that foster positive behavior change.
- Championed a district-wide culture of continuous improvement by regularly reviewing pupil services policies, procedures, and performance indicators.
- Developed comprehensive programs for special education students, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations.
- Collaborated with school psychologists, social workers, and counselors to address the unique needs of each individual student.
- Established strong partnerships with community organizations to provide additional resources and support for students in need.
- Facilitated parent workshops focused on topics such as navigating the IEP process, supporting children with disabilities at home, and understanding available resources within the community.
- Managed a diverse team of pupil services staff, providing ongoing professional development opportunities to enhance their skills.
- Ensured compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations pertaining to special education programming and reporting requirements. Include state reporting of all eSER data.
- Conducted statewide assessments and screening including the Dyslexia Screenings, Kindergarten screeners, Alternative Assessments, etc.
- Communicated with parents to encourage active parental participation in education.
- Managed services and support for English Language (EL) learners including EL Institutes sponsored by LDOE.
- Conducted assessments (ELPS/ELPT) for EL students.
- Supervised contract support for related service personnel (Occupational Therapist and Speech Therapist), School Psychologist, School Counselor; Special Service personnel-Adaptive Physical Education Specialist, and Educational Diagnostician.
- Monitored Truancy and Attendance for the district.
- Attended Special Education and Pupil Appraisal Institutes conferences for district
- Coordinated and completed 504 plans as mandated by state and federal guidelines.
Educational Diagnostician
Am Academy
Hammond, LA
01.2018 - 05.2018
- Deployed various assessment instruments and techniques to assist in identifying students eligible for special education services.
- Enhanced student learning outcomes by implementing individualized educational plans and interventions.
- Implemented evidence-based practices to support diverse learners in various settings.
- Supported educators in modifying curriculum and instructional methods, ensuring accessibility for all students.
- Selected, administered and interpreted appropriate formal and informal assessments and evaluations.
- Developed strong relationships with students, fostering trust and open communication during evaluations and consultations.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive assessments for students with diverse needs.
Pupil Appraisal Coordinator
East Baton Rouge Parish School System
Baton Rouge, LA
07.2000 - 06.2017
- Coordinated appraisal processes to ensure compliance with district standards and regulations.
- Analyzed data to support accurate property valuations and assessments for educational purposes.
- Developed training resources for staff on appraisal procedures and best practices.
- Streamlined workflow between assessment teams, enhancing communication and efficiency across departments.
- Improved overall efficiency by maintaining organized records of active projects, completed appraisals, and relevant documentation.
- Evaluated appraiser performance on a regular basis, providing constructive feedback that contributed to their professional development and overall growth within the organization.
Educational Diagnostician
East Baton Rouge Parish School System
Baton Rouge
08.1996 - 06.2000
- Conducted comprehensive educational assessments to identify student learning needs.
- Collaborated with educators and parents to create individualized education plans (IEPs).
- Developed tailored intervention strategies to enhance student academic performance.
- Led training sessions for staff on effective assessment practices and special education policies.
- Advocated for students' rights, ensuring compliance with federal and state education regulations.
- Improved student success rates by identifying specific learning challenges and creating targeted intervention strategies.
- Mentored new diagnosticians in assessment techniques and report writing standards.
- Analyzed assessment data to inform instructional practices and improve student outcomes.
Special Education Teacher
East Baton Rouge Parish School System
Baton Rouge, LA
08.1988 - 05.1996
- Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
- Provided targeted instructional support to struggling learners, identifying specific areas for improvement and designing effective intervention plans.
- Coordinated with general education teachers to develop accommodations or modifications necessary for successful inclusion of students with special needs in mainstream classrooms.
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to a range of neurodiverse students.
- Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
Special Education Teacher
St. Helena Parish School District
Amite, LA
08.1985 - 05.1988
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Utilized assistive technology tools to facilitate learning opportunities for students.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
Special Education Teacher
Pointe Coupee Parish School System
New Roads, LA
08.1984 - 05.1985
- Developed individualized education plans tailored to student needs.
- Implemented behavior management strategies to enhance classroom engagement.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to support student progress.
- Adapted instructional materials for diverse learning styles and abilities.
- Monitored student assessments to track academic growth and challenges.
- Provided training and resources for classroom aides supporting students.
- Communicated regularly with parents regarding student performance and needs.
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
Education
High School Diploma -
Woodlawn High School
Amite, LAPh.D. in Special Education
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, LAEducation Specialist - Special Education
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, LA08.2017
Master of Education in Special Education - Special Education
Southern University And A&M College
Baton Rouge, LA08.1996
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education/Special Education
Southern University And A&M College
Baton Rouge, LA12.1982
Skills
- Instructional leadership
- Organizational management
- Compliance monitoring
- Special education
- Student advocacy
- Parent communication
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Critical thinking
- Dependability
- Data-driven decision making
- Prioritization strategies
- Multitasking
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Excellent communication
- Dependability
- Problem-solving abilities
Certification
- Certified Educational Diagnostician, - 1996-
- Educational Leadership
- Teacher
Interests
Timeline
Director of Pupil Services
Redesign Schools Louisiana
07.2022 - Current
Educational Diagnostician
Am Academy
01.2018 - 05.2018
Pupil Appraisal Coordinator
East Baton Rouge Parish School System
07.2000 - 06.2017
Educational Diagnostician
East Baton Rouge Parish School System
08.1996 - 06.2000
Special Education Teacher
East Baton Rouge Parish School System
08.1988 - 05.1996
Special Education Teacher
St. Helena Parish School District
08.1985 - 05.1988
Special Education Teacher
Pointe Coupee Parish School System
08.1984 - 05.1985
High School Diploma -
Woodlawn High School
Ph.D. in Special Education
Louisiana State University
Education Specialist - Special Education
Louisiana State University
Master of Education in Special Education - Special Education
Southern University And A&M College
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education/Special Education
Southern University And A&M College
Louisiana's Educational Diagnostician of the Year, 2014
In 2014, I was nominated by my co-workers of Educational Diagnosticians to represent the state of Louisiana, as the Educational Diagnostician of the Year. It was truly an amazing honor to nominated by a team who saw that my work stood out and was worthy of the honor.