Michelle Rosa Derdowski
Williamston,MI
Summary
Efficient and dependable employee specializing in innovative problem-solving and practices. Strong focus on communication and collaboration to drive positive growth. Empowers colleagues and clients to maximize potential. Seeking opportunities to contribute skills and passion to improve experiences and outcomes for all learners.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director, Program Accountability
Ingham Intermediate School District
Mason, USA
08.2021 - 08.2023
- Led the development of accountability systems to ensure the delivery of comprehensive and integrated education programs and services for at-risk and special education-eligible populations through research-based practices.
- Collaborated with the Michigan Department of Education, Office of Special Education, to remediate non-compliant practices under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
- Formulated and executed policies and procedures for special education service delivery, improving outcomes, and compliance with laws and regulations.
- Authored and facilitated in-person and virtual professional development sessions on educational compliance laws and regulations, as well as research-based learning theories to enhance teaching and learning.
- Oversaw data collection, analysis, and utilization to enhance programming for students in Ingham County's special education programs.
- Supervised assigned staff and implemented personnel procedures and appraisal systems, including the Marzano Evaluation Model and Standards for Success.
- Managed recruitment, hiring, staff assignments, and mentoring of the program accountability team.
- Directed the development and allocation of the program accountability budget, overseeing all administrative and staff purchases.
Adjunct Instructor
Lansing Community College
Lansing, USA
08.2015 - 08.2023
- Authored and taught literacy curriculum, integrating science, technology, and mathematics, in accordance with established guidelines and learning objectives for teacher education courses.
- Fostered an interactive and collaborative learning environment conducive to student engagement, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
- Provided timely and constructive feedback on student assignments, addressing inquiries, and offering academic guidance to support student success.
- Revised course curriculum and materials to ensure alignment with research-based pedagogical practices, technological advancements, and the integration of STEM practices.
- Utilized Desire2Learn, a virtual learning management system, and other educational technologies to deliver course content, facilitate discussions, and assess student learning outcomes.
- Ensured compliance with institutional policies and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility guidelines.
Director, Program for Students With Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
Ingham Intermediate School District
Mason, USA
08.2021 - 08.2023
- Guided the implementation of curriculum that meets the diverse needs of students, aligning with state standards in science, literacy, technology, and math
- Provided guidance and support to teachers and staff in implementing integrated instructional strategies and interventions that promote collaborative problem-solving to prepare students for real-world challenges
- Collaborated with teachers, parents, and special education professionals to develop and review individualized education programs (IEPs) for students
- Coordinated and facilitated professional development opportunities for staff to enhance their knowledge and skills in working with students with ASD, including training on behavior management techniques, communication strategies, and sensory integration
- Collected and analyzed data on student progress and outcomes to inform data-driven adjustments to instructional practices
- Fostered positive relationships with parents through ongoing communication and support, ensuring collaboration in meeting student needs
- Ensured compliance with all relevant federal, state, and local regulations regarding special education services, including timely reporting and documentation
- Managed recruitment, hiring, and mentoring of the program’s classroom teams
Teacher Consultant - Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Ingham Intermediate School District
Mason, USA
08.2010 - 07.2021
- Facilitated the special education evaluation, eligibility, and placement process for students with disabilities
- Supported the development and implementation of individualized education programs (IEPs) and Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs)
- Assisted parents in understanding disability-specific educational needs, special education law, and parental rights, while supporting their access to local and state resources
- Acted as a liaison among community services, applied behavior analysis (ABA) providers, and IISD service providers
- Coordinated the integration of students into general education settings to maximize independence and provide access to an integrated curriculum that promotes critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills
- Authored and facilitated professional development related to effective education strategies, curriculum modifications, positive behavioral interventions, and the effective use of paraprofessional support
- Coordinated peer-to-peer programs to promote interactions between typically developing peers and students with disabilities
Special Education Teacher - Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) & Emotional Impairments (EI)
Ingham Intermediate School District
Mason, USA
08.1998 - 07.2010
- Developed and adapted curriculum materials and instructional strategies to meet the diverse learning needs of students, ensuring alignment with state standards in science, literacy, technology, and math
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop, implement, and monitor IEPs addressing academic, social, and emotional development
- Implemented evidence-based behavior management techniques and interventions to support students in developing self-regulation skills while maintaining a safe and supportive classroom environment
- Provided differentiated instruction and support to promote collaborative problem-solving, preparing students to address real-world challenges
- Established and maintained open communication with parents to provide updates on student progress, discuss concerns, and collaborate on strategies to support learning and behavior across settings
Education
Education Specialist - K-12 Administration
Michigan State University
05.2004
Supervisor of Special Education Approval -
Saginaw Valley State University
05.2004
Master of Arts - Special Education
Western Michigan University
05.1999
Bachelor of Science - Special Education
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI05-1996
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Endorsement -
Grand Valley State University
05.2009
Skills
- Thorough Quality Assurance
- Solution-Oriented Thinker
- Proficient in Technology
- Skilled Verbal Communicator
- Effective Collaboration
- Versatile in Dynamic Environments
- Strategic Planning
- Results-Oriented
- Data-Driven Insights
- Staff Management
- Content Development
- Project Management
Affiliations
- Michigan Council for Exceptional Children
- Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education
- Disability Rights Michigan PAIMI Advisory Council
Certification
- Michigan School Administrator Certificate, #SA0000001100689
- Michigan Professional Education Certificate, #IF0000000030013
- Educational Technology Certificate
- Teaching Online Certification
Professionalpresentations
- Functional Behavior Assessment & Behavior Intervention Plans, 2023
- Secondary Transition: Compliance, Planning & Implementation, 2023
- Individualized Education Program Development, 2023
- Analyzing Data to Improve Outcomes for Students, 2023
- Supporting Students with Executive Function Skill Deficits, 2022
- Understanding the Role of the Paraprofessional in the Classroom Setting, 2022
- Educating Students Using Visual Strategies, 2022
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Director, Program Accountability
Ingham Intermediate School District
08.2021 - 08.2023
Director, Program for Students With Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
Ingham Intermediate School District
08.2021 - 08.2023
Adjunct Instructor
Lansing Community College
08.2015 - 08.2023
Teacher Consultant - Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Ingham Intermediate School District
08.2010 - 07.2021
Special Education Teacher - Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) & Emotional Impairments (EI)
Ingham Intermediate School District
08.1998 - 07.2010
- Michigan School Administrator Certificate, #SA0000001100689
- Michigan Professional Education Certificate, #IF0000000030013
- Educational Technology Certificate
- Teaching Online Certification
Education Specialist - K-12 Administration
Michigan State University
Supervisor of Special Education Approval -
Saginaw Valley State University
Master of Arts - Special Education
Western Michigan University
Bachelor of Science - Special Education
Western Michigan University
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Endorsement -
Grand Valley State University
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