Patricia Powell
Tuscaloosa,Alabama
Summary
Diligent administrator/educator with comprehensive background in special education. Successfully implemented individualized education plans, enhancing student engagement and learning outcomes. Demonstrated skills in adapting teaching methods and fostering inclusive classroom environments.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
8
8
Certifications
Work History
Intermediate School Special Educator
Tuscaloosa County School System
08.2023 - Current
- Special Educator for students in a Functional Classroom
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Monitored ongoing performance of students through regular evaluations, adjusting interventions as needed to address gaps in understanding or skill acquisition.
- Implemented data-driven decision-making processes to monitor student progress and refine instructional methods accordingly.
Secondary Special Education Coordinator
Tuscaloosa County School System
07.2005 - 07.2023
- Coordinator of IDEA/state department updates and professional development for teachers of special needs students in grades six to age twenty-one
- Collaboration with local school administrators in support of implementation of IEP service provisions, parent communication, and student needs
- Trainer, Managing Crisis Safely
- Trainer for Problem Solving/Positive Behavior Support Teams
- District representative for the CrossingPoints and Project SEARCH Transition programs
- Assistive technology coordinator and evaluator
- Student Support Services Team membership
- Provided quarterly and annual teacher trainings and updates in conjunction with direct Supervisor leadership
- Complete internal monitoring of secondary IEPs and eligibility reports for AL State Department of Education as related to the position
- Develop community education programming events and other activities designed to increase and improve educational outcomes
- Planned, formulated, and assessed goals, policies and activities designed to implement educational objectives and performance standards
- Create and manage IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals
- Work with students, parents, and teachers to develop strategies, life-planning, and future interagency collaboration for moderate to severe disabilities to increase life skills
- Modify general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies directly and through support for special education teachers and general education teachers
- Coordinate with six state agencies to acquire services for special needs students, including health, mental health, and life-planning/functional agencies
Adjunct Instructor
University of Alabama
08.2021 - 05.2023
- Instructor on-campus and on-line for undergraduate and graduate level students seeking certification in Special Education (Multiple Abilities Program).
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on best teaching practices and industry trends.
- Managed classroom effectively to maintain a positive learning environment for all students.
- Maintained accurate records of student attendance, assignments, and grades, ensuring timely communication with stakeholders regarding academic progress.
Classroom Teacher, Acting Administrator
Bibb County Schools
08.1987 - 06.2005
- Implemented differentiated instruction strategies, ensuring all students were able to access the curriculum and make progress in their learning.
- Secondary educator in both general and special education settings
- Trainer for Problem Solving/Positive Behavior Support Teams
- Assisted in the establishment and enforcement rules of behavior to drive social development and maintain positive interactions in the school setting
- Established and updated work schedules to account for changing staff levels and expected workloads
- Chairperson, Federal Programs budget payroll, transactions, invoicing, and budgeting based on federal guidelines and committee participation
- Adapted to workflow changes and implemented continuous process improvements to overcome obstacles through leadership role in the Southern Regional Education Board
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities, staying current on best practices in education and refining instructional techniques accordingly.
Special Education Teacher
Thomasville City Schools
08.1986 - 05.1987
- 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.
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
Special Education Teacher
Mobile County Schools
10.1985 - 05.1986
- 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.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy - Educational Leadership
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL12.2009
Specialist of Education - Educational Administration
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL08.2003
Master of Education - Special Education
University of West Alabama
Livingston, AL08.2003
Bachelor of Science - Special Education (Intellectual Disabilities)
University of South Alabama
Mobile, AL05.1985
Skills
- Inclusion strategies
- Parent-teacher collaboration
- Visual supports
- Social skills training
- Data collection
- Multisensory teaching
- Functional behavior assessment
- Disability awareness
- Assistive technology
- Transition planning
- IEP planning
Accomplishments
- Trained multiple teams of de-escalation teams for behavioral purposes at local schools and district-wide.
- Collaborated with team of three in the development of the GRAD Academy (drop-out prevention program).
- Worked to individualize and witness forty graduates who would have otherwise been high school drop-outs for the 2023 school year.
- Documented and help to resolve multiple legal cases which led to the provision of services for students.
Certification
- Mental Health First Aid (Adult and Youth), 11/01/2019, 06/01/2023
- Human Resources, aPHR, 07/01/2023
- Certified Telepractice Provider, 07/01/2020
- Assistive Technology Evaluation, 10/01/2017
- Educational Leadership, 12/01/2009
- Educational Leadership, 12/01/2006
- Mild Learning Handicaps, 05/01/1988
- Intellectual Disabilities, 06/01/1985
Affiliations
- State and Local Multiple Needs Committees
- Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools
- National Education Association
- Alabama Education Association
- Tuscaloosa County Schools Education Association
Leadershipandaccomplishments
- Tuscaloosa County Multi-Needs Committee, District Representative and Chairperson (2005-present).
- Tuscaloosa County Schools Assistive Technology Team, Chairperson and Evaluator (2017-2022).
- Tuscaloosa County Schools Aspiring Administrator (2011).
- Tuscaloosa County Section 504 Committee (2005-2015).
- Bibb County Schools Teacher of the Year 2004.
References
- Frank P. Costanzo, Ed.D., Retired Superintendent, Criterion LLC, 1026 Mallard Circle, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, 35405, 205.343.1508
- Kagendo Mutua, Ph.D., Associate Professor, College of Education, University of Alabama, kmatua@ua.edu, 205.348.0232
- Kathy Wetzel, Ph.D., Associate Dean, College of Education, University of Alabama, kwetzel@ua.edu, 205.348.0232
Conferencepresentations
- Behavior Training: Parts I-IV, De-escalation of Crises, Collection of Data, Development of Behavior Plans, and Physical Restraint, 2006-2023
- Managing Crisis Safely, De-escalation and Physical Restraint, 2006-2023
- Trainer of Trainers: Managing Crisis Safely, 2008-2023
- Inclusion, 2006-2023
- Functional Behavior Assessments-Collecting and Interpreting Data, 2005-2023
- Developing a Behavior Intervention Plan, 2005-2018
- Positive Behavior Intervention Supports, 2005-2023
- I.D.E.A.-What It Means in the General Education Setting, 2010-2015
- Writing Standards-Based IEPs, 2005-2022
- Co-Teaching in the Secondary Setting, 2010-2015
- Guest speaker, UA education intern classes, 2012-2017
- Community Presentation: Local Chapter of Human Resource Directors, Diploma Pathways in the Local Schools, 2019
- Annual presentation to private schools and day care facilities regarding state and federal funding to public school districts, 2018-2022
- Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, district trainer, 2005-2015
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Intermediate School Special Educator
Tuscaloosa County School System
08.2023 - Current
Adjunct Instructor
University of Alabama
08.2021 - 05.2023
Secondary Special Education Coordinator
Tuscaloosa County School System
07.2005 - 07.2023
Classroom Teacher, Acting Administrator
Bibb County Schools
08.1987 - 06.2005
Special Education Teacher
Thomasville City Schools
08.1986 - 05.1987
Special Education Teacher
Mobile County Schools
10.1985 - 05.1986
Specialist of Education - Educational Administration
The University of Alabama
Master of Education - Special Education
University of West Alabama
Bachelor of Science - Special Education (Intellectual Disabilities)
University of South Alabama
- Mental Health First Aid (Adult and Youth), 11/01/2019, 06/01/2023
- Human Resources, aPHR, 07/01/2023
- Certified Telepractice Provider, 07/01/2020
- Assistive Technology Evaluation, 10/01/2017
- Educational Leadership, 12/01/2009
- Educational Leadership, 12/01/2006
- Mild Learning Handicaps, 05/01/1988
- Intellectual Disabilities, 06/01/1985
Doctor of Philosophy - Educational Leadership
The University of Alabama
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