Rachelle Renteria
Albuquerque,NM
Summary
Dynamic professional with a strong background in special education and social work, notably at Albuquerque Public Schools. Proven leadership and active listening skills enhanced student outcomes through tailored IEPs and community partnerships. Committed to fostering inclusive environments and advocating for diverse populations, ensuring effective support and engagement for all learners.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
LEND Trainee
University of New Mexico
08.2025 - Current
- LEND stands for (Leadership in Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related disabilities)
- I was apart of a year long interdisciplinary cohort that worked on leadership skills; knowledge of Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities with a focus on ASD; Person and Family Centered Care; Public Policy and Health Equity.
Tutor Contract Work
State of New Mexico
06.2025 - 07.2025
- Provided small group tutoring sessions, following the State designated reading curriculum to meet the specific needs of each student while promoting independent learning skills.
Special Education Teacher
Albuquerque Public Schools
08.1999 - 07.2023
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
- 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.
- Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
- Fostered a positive classroom environment by implementing effective behavior management strategies and promoting respect among students.
- Implemented data-driven instructional practices, resulting in improved student performance on assessments and increased mastery of key concepts.
- Initiated partnerships with community organizations, connecting students with valuable resources and learning opportunities outside the classroom setting.
- Served as a member of the school improvement team, contributing ideas for program enhancement and increased student achievement.
- Enhanced student motivation by incorporating hands-on activities and real-world examples into lesson plans.
- Supported inclusion efforts by differentiating instruction to meet the diverse needs of students with special needs.
- Maintained accurate records of student performance, using data analysis tools to inform ongoing instructional planning and decisionmaking.
- Assessed student progress regularly through formative and summative assessments, adapting instruction accordingly to meet individual needs.
- Increased parent involvement in the learning process by maintaining open communication and providing regular updates on student progress.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
- Coordinated with related service providers to ensure seamless delivery of supports for students requiring additional interventions or therapies.
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
Social Worker - Child and Youth
State of New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department
06.1996 - 07.1999
- Enhanced family relationships by conducting regular home visits and providing support for parents and caregivers.
- Collaborated with medical providers to ensure optimal physical health outcomes for children in care or under supervision.
- Delivered specialized case management services tailored to the unique needs of each child or youth on my caseload.
- Supported successful reunification efforts by facilitating family counseling sessions that addressed underlying issues impacting the household dynamics.
- Streamlined processes within multidisciplinary meetings, fostering a more collaborative environment to discuss case progress and improvements.
- Facilitated smoother transitions between foster homes, ensuring proper documentation and communication among stakeholders.
- Advocated for children''s best interests in court proceedings, presenting case findings and recommendations to judges and legal representatives.
- Developed culturally sensitive approaches when working with diverse populations of children and families experiencing various challenges.
- Ensured timely intervention in crisis situations, coordinating with emergency services and other professionals as needed.
- Improved children''s well-being by developing individualized care plans and coordinating with multidisciplinary teams.
Education
Master of Science - Special Education
University of New Mexico
Albuquerque05-2002
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
New Mexico Highlands University
Las Vegas, NM05-1996
Skills
- Leadership qualities
- Research presentation
- Self motivation
- Active listening
- Professionalism
Accomplishments
Presenting my Capstone Project, "Where will I be When I am Five?" (Interactive student/parent/teacher binder) at Parents Reaching Out Family Leadership Conference, Albuquerque, NM May 1, 2026.
Timeline
LEND Trainee
University of New Mexico
08.2025 - Current
Tutor Contract Work
State of New Mexico
06.2025 - 07.2025
Special Education Teacher
Albuquerque Public Schools
08.1999 - 07.2023
Social Worker - Child and Youth
State of New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department
06.1996 - 07.1999
Master of Science - Special Education
University of New Mexico
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
New Mexico Highlands University