Nina Garwood
Aliso Viejo,CA
Summary
Accomplished Education Specialist with over 30 years of expertise in teaching and leadership, guiding child development with students K-12 by serving as an inspirational figure and encouraging role model to students with diverse needs. Served in a variety of positions in both general and special education. Expert in leading and supporting children overcoming challenges by continually assessing students formally and informally, identifying behavior issues, and adapting lessons in creative ways to highlight learning strengths. Committed to providing an orderly atmosphere, calm environment, safety, and structure in the virtual classroom.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
EDUCATION SPECIALIST (GRADE 4-5)
BLUE RIDGE ACADEMY
06.2020 - Current
- Provided individualized support for students with special needs, adapting instructional approaches to meet their unique learning requirements.
- Managed caseload of 20+ students
- Implemented data-driven instruction by regularly assessing student progress and adjusting lesson plans accordingly.
- Collaborated with other teachers to share best practices and implement effective teaching strategies across the school.
- Executed all areas of the IEP process from pre to post-IEP tasks.
- Advanced use of SEIS
SPECIAL EDUCATION CASE MANAGER
INSPIRE CHARTER SCHOOLS/BLUE RIDGE ACADEMY
03.2018 - 06.2020
HOME SCHOOL TEACHER (K-12)
INSPIRE CHARTER SCHOOLS
06.2016 - 06.2020
- Worked one-on-one with students to determine strengths, weaknesses, and learning patterns.
- Provided a warm, supportive environment for developing academic, social, and emotional growth for a 35-40 student caseload
- Evaluated student progress through ongoing assessments, adjusting instruction as needed to address individual needs.
- Developed positive rapport with students through empathetic listening and genuine interest in their lives outside of school.
- Established open communication and positive relationships with students, parents, peers, and administrative staff.
- Developed positive rapport with students of various and diverse backgrounds.
- Developed strong relationships with parents, leading to increased involvement in their child''s education.
Education Facilitator/Online Virtual Teacher
Golden Valley Charter School
06.2007 - 06.2016
- Developed comprehensive assessment tools that accurately measured student progress and facilitated targeted interventions.
- Delivered impactful instruction using various teaching methods tailored to individual student needs.
- Managed a full student roster of 35+ students in a non-site-based virtual homeschool environment
- Utilized the Advanced Academics platform to oversee online virtual high school students
- Served as a special education coordinator to support our students with IEP's
DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION AND INDEPENDENT STUDY TEACHER
GORMAN LEARNING CENTER
06.1999 - 06.2007
- Contributed to district-level committees to support needs of students on IEPs.
- Coordinated special education services through frequent principal collaboration and consultation.
- Coordinated staff evaluations for special education personnel.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to conduct comprehensive evaluations of students suspected of having disabilities, guiding subsequent eligibility determination and IEP development processes.
- Ensured compliance with federal and state mandates related to special education services by maintaining accurate documentation and staying informed on policy updates.
- Provided guidance on curriculum modifications and accommodations for students with disabilities, enabling academic success in the least restrictive environment possible.
- Conducted regular reviews of individual student progress towards IEP goals, adjusting instructional approaches as needed based on data analysis results.
- Provided ongoing support and mentorship for newly hired special education personnel, facilitating their successful integration into the school community.
- Enhanced the quality of special education programs by implementing evidence-based instructional strategies and interventions.
- Streamlined communication between special education staff, general education teachers, parents, and external service providers to better support student needs.
- Promoted an inclusive learning environment by fostering collaboration between special education and general education personnel.
- Established partnerships with community organizations to provide additional resources and supports for students with disabilities both inside and outside the classroom setting.
- Kept school in full compliance with established policies, legal requirements and student safety standards.
- Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
- Continually refined teaching practice through professional development opportunities, self-reflection, and feedback from peers and administrators.
- Worked cooperatively with other teachers, administrators, and parents to help students reach learning objectives.
SPECIAL DAY CLASS TEACHER SC-1
SIERRA VISTA JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
06.2003 - 06.2005
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Provided one-on-one support for students with learning disabilities, enabling them to excel in their coursework.
- Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
- Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
- Implemented behavior management strategies to maintain a structured, supportive learning environment for all students.
- Boosted student engagement and motivation by creating a positive, inclusive classroom environment.
- Increased parent involvement in their child''s education through consistent communication, updates on progress, and opportunities to participate in classroom events.
- Enhanced student understanding of complex concepts by incorporating hands-on activities and real-life examples into lessons.
- Participated in ongoing professional development activities to stay current on research-based instructional strategies for special education classrooms.
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, colleagues, and administrators through open communication channels and collaborative teamwork efforts.
- Assessed student progress regularly using both formative and summative assessments, adjusting instructional approaches as needed.
- Collaborated with other Special Day Class teachers to develop interdisciplinary lesson plans and share best practices for instruction.
Special Education Teacher Gr. 3-5
Riverside Drive Elementary School
09.1995 - 06.1999
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
- Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
- Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
- Provided targeted instructional support to struggling learners, identifying specific areas for improvement and designing effective intervention plans.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support for students with special needs.
Master Teacher (Gr. 5-8)
Northpoint Non-Public School
09.1994 - 08.1995
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
- Implemented differentiated instruction techniques to accommodate diverse learning styles and abilities within the classroom, ensuring that all students could access the curriculum effectively.
- Supported student physical, mental, and social development using classroom games and activities.
- Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Met with students, parents and administrators to address and resolve students' behavioral and academic issues.
Teacher Assistant (Gr. 5-8)
Northpoint Non-Public School
08.1992 - 08.1994
Education
Master of Arts - Special Education (Learning Handicapped)
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, NORTHRIDGE
Northridge, CA05.1996
Bachelor of Arts - English
University of California, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA06.1992
Theater Arts
MOUNT HOLYOKE COLLEGE
South Hadley, MAL’Ecole Bossuet Paris, France
07.1987
SCHOOL LEADERSHIP LICENSURE EXAM
Skills
- Leadership trained
- Student Engagement
- Budgeting understanding
- Educational technology
- Special Education
- IEP expertise
- Instructional Strategies
- Parent-teacher collaboration
- Attention to Detail
- Responsible and Dependable
- Team Collaboration
- Relationship building and networking
References
References furnished upon request
Mothering, holistic health and wellness, lifelong learner, reading, traveling, entrepreneurship
I have many interests and endeavors outside of my career that add diversity and richness to my life. I am grateful to continually pursue a growth mindset as I develop in body, mind, and spirit.
Timeline
EDUCATION SPECIALIST (GRADE 4-5)
BLUE RIDGE ACADEMY
06.2020 - Current
SPECIAL EDUCATION CASE MANAGER
INSPIRE CHARTER SCHOOLS/BLUE RIDGE ACADEMY
03.2018 - 06.2020
HOME SCHOOL TEACHER (K-12)
INSPIRE CHARTER SCHOOLS
06.2016 - 06.2020
Education Facilitator/Online Virtual Teacher
Golden Valley Charter School
06.2007 - 06.2016
SPECIAL DAY CLASS TEACHER SC-1
SIERRA VISTA JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
06.2003 - 06.2005
DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION AND INDEPENDENT STUDY TEACHER
GORMAN LEARNING CENTER
06.1999 - 06.2007
Special Education Teacher Gr. 3-5
Riverside Drive Elementary School
09.1995 - 06.1999
Master Teacher (Gr. 5-8)
Northpoint Non-Public School
09.1994 - 08.1995
Teacher Assistant (Gr. 5-8)
Northpoint Non-Public School
08.1992 - 08.1994
Master of Arts - Special Education (Learning Handicapped)
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, NORTHRIDGE
Bachelor of Arts - English
University of California, Los Angeles
Theater Arts
MOUNT HOLYOKE COLLEGE
L’Ecole Bossuet Paris, France
SCHOOL LEADERSHIP LICENSURE EXAM