Patricia Oliff
Special Educator, EdD, Educational Policy and Leadership
Gwynedd Valley,PA
Summary
Positive, innovative, collaborative leader with passion for fostering inclusive learning environments. Brings a solid understanding of child development and classroom management. Extensive experience with students who have been unsuccessful in traditional classroom settings and who may have a history of school avoidance, truancy, suspension. Extremely skilled at developing behavior management and behavior support plans to support student learning and school safety.
Possesses in-depth understanding of special education laws and regulations and is skilled in curriculum development, program management, staff development and strategic planning. Committed to driving educational excellence and creating impactful outcomes for diverse student populations. Works well with families.
Excels at mentoring new teachers and staff and promotes school and agency wide initiatives to foster collaborative team oriented environments. Ready to use and develop
Quickly adapts to evolving challenges, manages complex projects effectively to achieve strategic objectives.
Detail-oriented individual with exceptional communication skills who enjoys developing efficient processes, ensuring high standards, and aligning efforts with organizational goals.
Recognized for taking proactive approach to identify and address issues, with focus on optimizing processes and supporting team objectives.
Ready to use decades of experience in managing large, diverse groups to work together to achieve organizational goals in an engaging and dynamic environment.
Overview
49
49
years of professional experience
1
1
PA Teacher Certification K-8
1
1
Supervisor of Special Education
9
9
years of post-secondary education
1
1
NY STATE, Nursery, K, Grs 1-6, and Special Classes
Work History
After-School Teacher
Brics For Kids
01.2014 - 08.2020
- Developed strong relationships with students, fostering a positive classroom environment conducive to learning.
- Prepared after-school enrichment activities for children to encourage student participation.
- Increased parent involvement in children''s education through regular communication and conferences.
- Tutored and assisted children in small groups of individuals to help master assignments and reinforce learning concepts.
- Redirected inappropriate student behavior and implemented program discipline system to guide proper student behavior.
- Organized and supervised games and [Type] recreational activities to promote physical, mental and social development in children.
- Served as a mentor to new teachers, sharing expertise and providing guidance on effective teaching strategies.
- Helped students explore concepts with engaging, learning-focused activities.
Supervisor of Special Education
Silver Springs/Martin Luther School
01.2005 - 01.2012
- Responsible for educational and behavioral programming for240 residential and day students from public school districts and IUs in the five county region of southeastern PA
- Daily duties include direct supervision of classroom teachers and assistant teachers; completion and monitoring of IEP goals and objectives including, functional behavioral assessments and transition plans; curriculum, instruction and assessment design; monitoring, planning and delivery of teacher and support staff training, including licensing, certification and professional development activities; and supervision of curriculum, reading, speech, social work, and therapeutic behavioral support staff
- As the Supervisor of Special Education I am the primary liaison with school districts, mental health, behavioral and social service agencies, and a large number of other outside support service agencies who provide services to our students
- Monitored and evaluated educational programs to maintain high-quality performance objectives and standards.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of special education services through ongoing assessment of program goals, objectives, and performance indicators.
- Performed classroom evaluations to assess teacher strategies and effectiveness.
- Ensured compliance with federal and state mandates related to special education services by maintaining accurate documentation and staying informed on policy updates.
- Monitored student progress and implemented intervention strategies to support student success.
- Provided ongoing support and mentorship for newly hired special education personnel, facilitating their successful integration into the school community.
- Developed data-driven progress monitoring systems to track student achievement and inform instructional decision making.
- Established partnerships with community organizations to provide additional resources and supports for students with disabilities both inside and outside the classroom setting.
- Implemented professional development initiatives for special education staff to enhance teaching techniques and knowledge of current best practices.
Instructor, Teach for America
Chestnut Hill College, Graduate School of Education
01.2009 - 01.2010
- Taught certification classes to students enrolled in Teach For America program
- Students were working as teachers in K-12 classrooms in Philadelphia and surrounding school districts.
- Promoted classroom safety, collaboration, and best practices.
- Optimized day-to-day instruction to align educational strategies with industry best practices.
- Developed and clearly presented classroom rules, guidelines and objectives.
- Cultivated culture of critical thinking and inquiry to prepare new teachers for real-world problem-solving,
Adjunct Faculty Member, School of Ed
Temple University
01.2002 - 01.2008
- Supervised undergraduate Early Childhood, Elementary School and Special Education practicum students in preparation for student teaching
- Currently teaching practicum courses (4) in Curriculum Development and Implementation in Early Childhood Education; Observing, Documenting and Assessing Young Children’s Learning; Family and Community Involvement in Early Childhood; Observation, Curriculum Development, and Assessment of Children with Special Needs
- Curriculum, Instruction and Technology in Education
- Engaged students with insightful and compelling classroom discussion of topics relevant to coursework to boost student learning and retention.
- Utilized various teaching methodologies to accommodate different learning styles within the classroom setting.
- Organized, prepared, and revised [Type] course material and applied technological options for online and course-related software.
- Collaborated with department head to create dynamic, ongoing curriculum development, and instruction improvement program.
Education Director
Crestwood Education Ctr., Woods Services
01.1998 - 06.2003
- Principal of K-12 residential school for children with social-emotional, learning, and behavioral needs
- Responsible for all facets of academic and behavioral program
- Supervised daily operation of15 classrooms including curriculum design and implementation, behavior management plans, IEP goals and objectives, individual and family service plans, OT, PT, speech and clinical therapy plans, discharge and reintegration plans to return to community/family life
- Developed and monitored annual education budget; submission of required paperwork to comply with federal, PA and other states’ requirements.
- Evaluated teacher performance using rigorous observation protocols designed to promote professional growth while ensuring instructional excellence.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by regularly reviewing programmatic outcomes and making necessary adjustments based on data analysis.
- Established mentoring programs that connected experienced educators with new hires or those in need of additional support, fostering a collaborative professional community.
- Observed teachers and students in classrooms to gather data and improve instruction.
- Managed budget for instruction of students.
- Checked on instructor lessons and communication in order to assess quality of education and assistance offered to students.
Educational Consultant
Ventures Education Systems
01.2002 - 02.2003
- Conducted teacher and administrator training including direct classroom observation in K-8 classrooms in PA & NJ to help schools/districts design and implement learning/teaching strategies to meet designated Annual Yearly Progress Goals under No Child Left Behind.
- Provided lesson planning and pacing support to helping educators analyze data and apply it to instruction.
- Reviewed curricula materials ensuring alignment with state standards while optimizing effectiveness for diverse student populations.
Program Director
Montgomery Early Learning Centers
01.1992 - 01.1998
- Responsible for daily operation of12th largest not-for-profit child care provider in the Delaware Valley
- Supervised licensing, monitoring, supervision, training, fiscal management, curriculum development and program implementation in23 self-contained child care centers and school age programs in8 school districts in Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties
- Combined enrollment of over1500 children (infant through school age) and1000 families with a staff of over160 professional and paraprofessional employees
- Opened two new full service centers in1997-98
- Supervised30 foster grandparents, student teachers, graduate interns, and volunteers
- Offered testimony (1996-1997) at the state level to address parent and provider concerns related to welfare reform
- Received funding from the Twenty First Century League (1998) to assist newly employed families in North Philadelphia in meeting childcare costs
- Presented workshops (1992-1994) to teachers and administrators’ at PA Assn of Child Care Agencies annual conventions (1992,93,94) and NAEYC conference (1993,1994)
- Organized and implemented (1995) the first federally approved on-site teacher- training program to award the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential
- Forty CDA’s awarded the first year and an additional20 staff received the credential through this program in1996
- Wrote grant proposals (1994-1998) that received funding in excess of $350,000 from The William Penn Foundation, The Connelly Foundation, Septa, The Terry Lynne Lokoff Foundation, Women’s Way, The United Way and the Junior League of Pennsylvania
- Original stakeholder in the Children’s Literacy Initiative, Philadelphia (1992)
- Served on the Montgomery County Community College advisory committee in the Early Childhood Education Department (1992-1998).
- Scheduled and supervised staff meetings to discuss new ideas and update participants on program details and milestones.
- Mentored team members for professional development, resulting in increased productivity and job satisfaction.
- Designed customized CDA training programs to enhance staff knowledge and skills in key areas of responsibility.
- Provided ongoing direction and leadership for program operations.
- Collaborated with various teams to uncover issues, identify applicable solutions, and offer guidance.
- Collaborated closely with executive leadership to develop strategic plans for long-term growth.
Education Coordinator
Little Neighborhood Centers, Inc HEADSTART
01.1990 - 01.1992
- Member of a multi-disciplinary Head Start team
- Supervised daily educational program and teaching staff in30 preschool classrooms at11 sites
- Provided annual and on-going teacher and classroom aide training
- Responsible for curriculum development and implementation
- Designed early intervention services for special needs students
- Designed Early Head Start program services for toddlers, preschoolers and families residing in shelters or transitional housing
- Trained family members as classroom volunteers
- Responsible for licensing of new centers, compliance, inspection and maintenance of on-going centers
- Responsible for writing annual Headstart Education plan; developing and monitoring annual education budget; and quarterly reports to satisfy state and federal requirements and mandated regulations.
Special Education Teacher
Wordsworth Academy
01.1985 - 01.1990
- Classroom teacher secondary math and literacy skills
- Coordinator with Eastern Montgomery County Area Vocational Technical School Program
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support school and career goals.
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- 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.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
Resource Room Teacher, K-5
Pleasantville Union Free SD
01.1984 - 01.1985
- Provided pull-out student services and teacher consultation for K-8 students with special needs to augment regular classroom program
- Communicated effectively with parents regarding student progress, collaborating on strategies to support continuous growth both inside and outside the classroom.
- Assessed student progress regularly through formative and summative assessments, adapting instructional approaches as needed to support growth.
- Improved student comprehension by utilizing a mix of teaching methods and tools, such as hands-on activities and multimedia resources.
Teacher
Small Miracles Pre-School Center
01.1983 - 01.1984
- Preschool/kindergarten teacher; special needs consultant
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress, attendance, and behavior to facilitate ongoing communication with parents about their child''s educational journey.
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
Preschool Coordinator
National Children’s Center
01.1977 - 06.1978
- Supervised eight self-contained preschool classrooms for students with special needs and eight combination classrooms for regular preschool/Kindergarten children and children with special needs
- Responsible for teacher and support staff supervision and training; curriculum development; licensing and compliance
- Supervised in-house training program in developmental pediatrics for Pediatric Interns from Washington National Children’s Medical Center.
- Established strong partnerships across community organizations, schools, service providers to offer comprehensive support systems for families facing challenges related to poverty, trauma exposure or other risk factors.
- Mentored new hires by sharing best practices gleaned from years of experience working in diverse early childhood settings across multiple contexts.
- Provided ongoing feedback about performance levels via parent-teacher conferences held at least twice per year.
- Boosted children''s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development through play-based learning activities.
Teacher/Supervisor
Pre-School Learning Center, Mamaroneck Union Free SD
01.1975 - 06.1977
- Member of Title1 Child Find Program team
- Responsible for screening preschoolers for the early identification of learning problems
- Children with handicapping conditions were enrolled in classes before Kindergarten and provided with prescriptive educational programs.
- Ensured compliance with state and federal regulations by maintaining accurate records, submitting timely reports, and adhering to all policies and procedures.
- Cultivated an inclusive learning environment by implementing differentiated instruction strategies for diverse learners within classrooms.
College Instructor
College of New Rochelle
01.1976 - 01.1977
- Adjunct Professor, Department of Special Education
- Mentored new teachers to promote professional growth and enhance the overall teaching community.
- Enhanced new teachers' comprehension o effectxiv3 teaching strategies for special needs students by utilizing a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, and group activities.
- Provided extra help during office hours or through additional tutoring sessions to ensure all teachers had access to necessary resources for success.
- Presented at conferences or other professional events on topics related to field expertise or pedagogical innovations in higher education settings.
Teacher/Supervisor Nursery-Pre-School Deaf/Blind Department
New York Institute of the Education of the Blind (NYIEB)
01.1972 - 01.1975
- Preschool/Kindergarten teacher multi-handicapped unit
- Supervisor, multi-handicapped summer program
- Cultivated an inclusive learning environment by implementing differentiated instruction strategies for diverse learners within classrooms.
- Ensured compliance with state and federal regulations by maintaining accurate records, submitting timely reports, and adhering to all policies and procedures.
Education
Doctorate - Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA 01.2002 - 05.2006
Masters of Education - Special Education
The Pennsylvania State University
State College, PA 07.1971 - 08.1972
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology and Psychology
Brandeis University
Waltham, MA 09.1967 - 06.1971
Skills
- Early intervention
- Instructional leadership
- Ongoing Parent-teacher communication
- Adaptive learning
- Multicultural sensitivity, diverse and inclusive milieu
- Classroom observation
- Special education law
- Assistive technology
- 504 plan coordination
- Transition planning
- Social-emotional learning
- Autism spectrum disorders
- IEP implementation and monitoring
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving abilities
- Excellent written and verbal communication
- Critical thinking
- Organizational skills
- Classroom management techniques
- Active listening
- Relationship building and networking
- School improvements planning
- Student engagement
- Safety and security procedures
- Positive Behavior management and Behavior Support Plans
- Student performance data analysis
- Coaching and mentoring
- Analytical thinking
- Strategic planning
- Professional development
- Employee performance evaluations
- Continuous improvement
- Educational staff supervision
- Student-centered learning
- Administrative management
- Community relations
- Mission planning
- Policy implementation
- Technology integration
- Collaborative teaching
- Curriculum adaptation
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Decision-making
- Goal setting
- Time management abilities
- Facility and budget management
- Curriculum implementation
- Assessment tools
- Project-based learning
- Standards compliance with ongoing learning assessments to check for understanding
- Student centered teaching and learning strategies to increase motivation and engagement
- Documentation and reporting
- Differentiated instruction
- Effective Program design
- Social emotional development
- Nonviolent crisis intervention
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Multitasking Abilities
- Verbal and written communication
- Creative problem solving
Certification
- PA Mentally and/or Physically Handicapped (Inst II)
- PA Supervisor Special Education
Affiliations
Delegate to National HeadStart annual conference
Speaker at the Council for Exceptional Children annual meeting.
Founding Member Children’s Literacy Initiative
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
After-School Teacher
Brics For Kids
01.2014 - 08.2020
Instructor, Teach for America
Chestnut Hill College, Graduate School of Education
01.2009 - 01.2010
Supervisor of Special Education
Silver Springs/Martin Luther School
01.2005 - 01.2012
Doctorate - Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
Temple University
01.2002 - 05.2006
Adjunct Faculty Member, School of Ed
Temple University
01.2002 - 01.2008
Educational Consultant
Ventures Education Systems
01.2002 - 02.2003
Education Director
Crestwood Education Ctr., Woods Services
01.1998 - 06.2003
Program Director
Montgomery Early Learning Centers
01.1992 - 01.1998
Education Coordinator
Little Neighborhood Centers, Inc HEADSTART
01.1990 - 01.1992
Special Education Teacher
Wordsworth Academy
01.1985 - 01.1990
Resource Room Teacher, K-5
Pleasantville Union Free SD
01.1984 - 01.1985
Teacher
Small Miracles Pre-School Center
01.1983 - 01.1984
Preschool Coordinator
National Children’s Center
01.1977 - 06.1978
College Instructor
College of New Rochelle
01.1976 - 01.1977
Teacher/Supervisor
Pre-School Learning Center, Mamaroneck Union Free SD
01.1975 - 06.1977
Teacher/Supervisor Nursery-Pre-School Deaf/Blind Department
New York Institute of the Education of the Blind (NYIEB)
01.1972 - 01.1975
Masters of Education - Special Education
The Pennsylvania State University
07.1971 - 08.1972
- Mentally and/or Physically Handicapped (Inst II)
- Supervisor Special Education
- Elementary School Administrator
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology and Psychology
Brandeis University
09.1967 - 06.1971
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