Rachel Lawson
LA MESA,CA
Summary
Dedicated and results-driven Special Education Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA) with extensive experience in supporting students with diverse learning needs, fostering inclusive environments, and empowering educators through collaboration and professional development. Adept at designing and implementing individualized education programs (IEPs), providing targeted interventions, and utilizing evidence-based strategies to drive student growth and achievement. Skilled in training and mentoring staff, facilitating compliance with special education regulations, and building strong partnerships with families and community stakeholders. Passionate about promoting equity, accessibility, and success for all learners.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Education Specialist PPPSS/TOSA
La Mesa-Spring Valley School District
08.2021 - Current
- Assessed individual student needs to create lesson plans addressing academic strengths and interests of students, while fostering development, and growth.
- Provided individualized support for students with special needs, adapting instructional approaches to meet their unique learning requirements.
- Established a positive classroom environment, fostering mutual respect and open communication among students.
- Implemented data-driven instruction by regularly assessing student progress and adjusting lesson plans accordingly.
Education Specialist SAI (grades K-6)
La Mesa-Spring Valley School District
08.2019 - 07.2021
- Assessed individual student needs to create lesson plans addressing academic strengths and interests of students, while fostering development, and growth.
- Provided individualized support for students with special needs, adapting instructional approaches to meet their unique learning requirements.
- Established a positive classroom environment, fostering mutual respect and open communication among students.
- Implemented data-driven instruction by regularly assessing student progress and adjusting lesson plans accordingly.
Education Specialist SAI (grades 4-8)
La Mesa-Spring Valley School District
08.2016 - 07.2019
- Assessed individual student needs to create lesson plans addressing academic strengths and interests of students, while fostering development, and growth.
- Provided individualized support for students with special needs, adapting instructional approaches to meet their unique learning requirements.
- Established a positive classroom environment, fostering mutual respect and open communication among students.
- Implemented data-driven instruction by regularly assessing student progress and adjusting lesson plans accordingly.
Education Specialist RSP (grades: TK-6)
La Mesa-Spring Valley School District
08.2012 - 07.2016
- Compiled and analyzed data as required for documentation and program planning
- Complied with state and federal regulations and District procedures regarding implementation of IDEA
- Participated in district and department activities such as staff meetings, staff development, trainings and Professional Learning Community work
- Consulted with general education classroom teachers and DIS providers regarding individual student's IEPs
- Coordinated assessment procedures with IEP team members, e.g., gathered data, conducted evaluation procedures, communicated with parents and teachers
- Coordinated IEP development, e.g., scheduled meeting dates, contacted participants, assisted parents, and other activities necessary to develop and complete IEPs
- Coordinated special education services with general education school programs for each student enrolled in the Resource Specialist Program
- Implemented an appropriate behavioral classroom management system and assisted general education teachers to implement behavior goals and plans
- Participated in consultation and Student Study Team meetings as appropriate
- Planned, developed, evaluated, and implemented appropriate Individual Education Programs
- Provided resource information/materials to parents and staff
- Provided timely and effective early intervention assistance (Response to Intervention Model) for students struggling with academics and/or behavior
- Served as Case Manager, of assigned students only, to monitor student progress on a regular basis and oversee the review and revision of IEPs
- Organized and demonstrated competency of subject matter for student learning, including demonstration of knowledge of grade-level common core standards and student development
- Administered state and District standardized tests
Eduction Specialist Student Teacher
San Diego Unified School District
01.2012 - 01.2013
- Planned and implemented daily lesson plans in whole group, small group and one-on-one settings
- Utilized push-in model in full inclusion classrooms by co-teaching and parallel teaching in the general education setting
- Utilized pull-out model by teaching in small group and one-on-one environments
- Collected and collaborated data for Individualized Education Plans
- Assessed students using a variety of tools to complete assessment reports
- Accumulated data and applied behavioral management plan
- Worked in partnership with school psychologist, occupational therapist, speech pathologist, nurse and general education teachers to provide appropriate services to students with needs
- Participated in workshops, in-service training sessions, and school meetings that promoted professional development
- Recognized individual student differences and differentiated instruction for all students accordingly, utilizing direct instruction and cooperative learning strategies
- Incorporated evidence based strategies into classroom practice
- Developed competency in operating classroom technology including Promethean Boards, overhead projectors, and online based IEP and curriculum programs
Noon Duty Supervisor
San Diego Unified School District
01.2010 - 01.2012
- Supervised groups of kindergarten through fifth graders during lunch and lunch recess periods
- Implemented Positive Behavior Support Interventions
- Maintained positive working relationships with teachers and other staff members by effectively communicating to meet students' needs
- Responsible for setting up outdoor play equipment and leading organized games
Site Sup./Assistant Site Sup./Activity Leader
Social Advocates for Youth, San Diego
01.2004 - 01.2012
- Responsible for computer based attendance system to account for child's whereabouts
- Planned and implemented daily age appropriate activities
- Responsible for supervising and training staff
- Planned nutritious snacks and cooking activities
- Performed simple first aid in emergencies
- Prepared play and learning materials; set up the children's environment
- Responsible for program budget to purchase food and supplies
- Guided children's behavior and social development
- Integrated children with special needs into the program, modifying the program and the physical environment when necessary
- Worked as a member of a cooperative team sharing and delegating duties when necessary
- Followed housekeeping practices which ensured that the site was maintained at an optimal level
- Observed and recorded children's growth, behavior and development, and discussed with parents
CHILDCARE PROVIDER/NANNY
01.2002 - Current
- Supervised children in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings and ensured their safety, well-being and happiness
- Provided guidance on children's behavior and social development
- Helped children with daily routines such as bathing, dressing, toileting, eating, and sleeping
- Responsible for preparing meals and snacks
- Transported children to and from various activities
- Maintained a clean and safe environment
- Helped foster academic achievement
- Undertook the physical duties involved in working with young children
- Stayed with children over extended periods of time while parents were out of town
UNIT LEADER
YMCA Mission Valley
01.2004
- Provided a healthy, safe, and welcoming environment
- Supervised and coordinated activities for a group of 5-20 four and five year olds at Friendship Camp
- Managed budget to purchase and maintain supplies
- Supervised staff and delegated duties
- Communicated and developed positive relationships with campers and their families
Education
Masters Degree - Special Education
National University
09.2014
Teaching Credential - K-12 Mild/ Moderate Education Specialist
National University
08.2012
Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Arts and Sciences, Liberal Studies, Blended Teacher Education
San Diego State University
01.2010
Skills
- Special Education Expertise
- Instructional Support
- Collaboration and Communication
Skills
Development and implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
Knowledge of IDEA, 504 Plans, and ADA compliance
Differentiated instruction and Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) and Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs)
Coaching and mentoring educators in evidence-based practices
Designing and delivering professional development workshops
Supporting co-teaching and inclusion models
Curriculum modification and adaptation for diverse learners
- Data and Assessment
- Leadership and Compliance
Facilitating multi-disciplinary team meetings and case conferences
Building strong relationships with families and community stakeholders
Partnering with general education teachers to support student success
Conflict resolution and mediation with stakeholders
Conducting assessments to inform instruction and intervention
Progress monitoring and data-driven decision-making
Use of assessment tools (eg, standardized tests, progress monitoring software)
Analysis of student performance to guide program adjustments
Ensuring adherence to special education laws and policies
Supporting schools with state and federal reporting requirements
Leading equity and accessibility initiatives
Coordinating services across multiple settings and providers
Certificationsandclearances
Added Autism Authorization
Bridge
Certification
Certificate in Inclusive School Practices
ProACT certified
Timeline
Education Specialist PPPSS/TOSA
La Mesa-Spring Valley School District
08.2021 - Current
Education Specialist SAI (grades K-6)
La Mesa-Spring Valley School District
08.2019 - 07.2021
Education Specialist SAI (grades 4-8)
La Mesa-Spring Valley School District
08.2016 - 07.2019
Education Specialist RSP (grades: TK-6)
La Mesa-Spring Valley School District
08.2012 - 07.2016
Eduction Specialist Student Teacher
San Diego Unified School District
01.2012 - 01.2013
Noon Duty Supervisor
San Diego Unified School District
01.2010 - 01.2012
Site Sup./Assistant Site Sup./Activity Leader
Social Advocates for Youth, San Diego
01.2004 - 01.2012
UNIT LEADER
YMCA Mission Valley
01.2004
CHILDCARE PROVIDER/NANNY
01.2002 - Current
Teaching Credential - K-12 Mild/ Moderate Education Specialist
National University
Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Arts and Sciences, Liberal Studies, Blended Teacher Education
San Diego State University
Certificate in Inclusive School Practices
ProACT certified
Masters Degree - Special Education
National University
Similar Profiles
Julie MyerJulie Myer
ELEMENTARY GENERAL MUSIC TEACHER at La Mesa-Spring Valley School DistrictELEMENTARY GENERAL MUSIC TEACHER at La Mesa-Spring Valley School District
Jeanette NewmanJeanette Newman
Teacher at La Mesa Spring Valley School DistrictTeacher at La Mesa Spring Valley School District
Carlos EspazraCarlos Espazra
ESS Site Lead at La Mesa Spring Valley School DistrictESS Site Lead at La Mesa Spring Valley School District