Dynamic Special Education Department Chair at Lamar Consolidated Independent School District, skilled in collaborative leadership and data-driven decision making. Enhanced student outcomes through tailored IEPs and effective parent-teacher communication, fostering inclusive education. Successfully mentored new teachers, promoting best practices and improving classroom management strategies.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Department Chair
Lamar Consolidated Independent School District
08.2021 - Current
Reduced paperwork burden by efficiently managing documentation related to IEPs, assessments, and evaluations.
Boosted student confidence by providing consistent support and encouragement in the classroom setting.
Mentored new special education teachers, providing guidance on best practices and classroom management techniques.
Improved classroom management by consistently implementing behavioral strategies and interventions.
Organized and allocated resources required to meet needs of 75-120 students and 6 instructors.
Represented educational program at meetings and conferences to serve as subject matter liaison for array of services and activities assigned.
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.
Coordinated special education services through frequent principal collaboration and consultation.
Collaborated closely with other department chairs to establish interdisciplinary connections in curriculum planning.
Reviewed assessment results regularly, adjusting instruction as needed based on data-driven insights into student performance trends.
Promoted inclusion by collaborating with general education teachers to adapt lesson plans for students with disabilities.
Optimized data collection methods to track student progress more accurately and inform instructional decisions.
Enhanced individualized learning by developing and implementing tailored IEPs for each student.
Continuously refined instructional approaches, staying current with best practices in special education through ongoing professional development.
Developed meaningful relationships with students'' families through regular meetings and thorough updates on academic progress.
Contributed to school-wide initiatives that supported a positive culture of learning for all students.
Implemented program-level departmental policies and procedures and managed budgets to support educational program and curriculum.
Evaluated programs and monitored implementation and compliance with regulations to achieve objectives.
Contributed to district-level committees to support needs of students on IEPs.
Drove professional development within the department by organizing workshops, trainings, and conferences for staff members.
Strengthened team cohesion among special education teachers, fostering a collaborative work environment.
Streamlined processes for IEP development, ensuring timely completion and compliance with state regulations.
Led professional learning communities focused on sharing expertise in special education teaching strategies among staff members.
Championed an inclusive school culture by advocating for the needs of special education students during administrative discussions.
Kindergarten Teacher
Lamar Consolidated Independent School District
08.2018 - 08.2021
Built positive relationships with students and families for safe, trusted learning support.
Enhanced classroom management by establishing clear expectations, rules, and routines.
Developed and implemented behavior management strategies for creation of ideal learning environment.
Encouraged and prepared students to become independent readers through systematic, multi-sensory instruction in phonemic awareness and decoding skills.
Arranged parent-teacher conferences to address student progress and collaboratively set goals for areas of improvement.
Improved learning with well-prepared lesson plans that cater to various learning styles and needs.
Kindergarten Teacher
La Grange ISD
08.2016 - 05.2018
Built positive relationships with students and families for safe, trusted learning support.
Enhanced classroom management by establishing clear expectations, rules, and routines.
Collaborated with colleagues to share resources, brainstorm ideas, and problem-solve challenges faced in the classroom environment.
Implemented differentiated instruction strategies to meet the diverse learning needs of all students.
Delivered lesson plans, implemented school curriculum and used data to create, monitor, and establish personalized learning plan for each student.
Improved student reading skills by implementing phonics-based instruction and guided reading activities.
Developed strong relationships with families to address any concerns or issues impacting student success.
Education
Master of Science - Special Education/Diagnostician
Lamar University
Beaumont, TX
05-2026
Campus Leadership
Holdsworth Center
Austin, Texas
06-2022
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
Texas State University
San Marcos, TX
05-2009
Skills
Collaborative leadership
Parent-teacher communication
Inclusive education
Data-driven decision making
Special needs advocacy
Legal compliance
Individualized education programs
Instructional leadership
Certification
ESL Supplemental Certificate
Special Education Supplemental Certificate
Timeline
Special Education Department Chair
Lamar Consolidated Independent School District
08.2021 - Current
Kindergarten Teacher
Lamar Consolidated Independent School District
08.2018 - 08.2021
Kindergarten Teacher
La Grange ISD
08.2016 - 05.2018
Master of Science - Special Education/Diagnostician