Sandy Teel
Dadeville,AL
Summary
Qualified Special Education Administrator with history in general, gifted, and special education and dedication to teacher and student success. Experienced with managing special education programs to enhance student success. Utilizes strategic planning and team collaboration to implement effective educational initiatives. Track record of ensuring compliance with educational standards and fostering professional development for staff.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Special Education/504 Accommodations
Chambers County Schools
07.2022 - Current
- Collaborated with school leaders to align special education initiatives with district-wide educational goals and standards.
- Championed inclusive practices that fostered a supportive learning environment for students with diverse needs.
- Evaluated and refined departmental processes to improve service delivery and compliance within special education services.
- Provided mentorship and professional development opportunities for teachers and service providers in special education practices.
- Advocated for students' rights by ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations governing special education.
- Fostered partnerships with community agencies to support families of students receiving special education services.
- Allocated special education staff and addressed requests for additional allocations throughout school year.
- Implemented professional development initiatives for special education staff to enhance teaching techniques and knowledge of current best practices.
- Conducted regular reviews of individual student progress towards IEP goals, adjusting instructional approaches as needed based on data analysis results.
- Managed caseloads for special education staff members, ensuring timely completion of necessary documentation and adherence to established deadlines.
- Provided ongoing support and mentorship for newly hired special education personnel, facilitating their successful integration into the school community.
- Managed budgetary allocations for the special education department, maximizing resources to improve student outcomes.
- 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.
- Implemented positive behavior supports within the special education department, reducing instances of disruptive behaviors and creating a more conducive learning environment.
- 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.
- Coordinated transition planning efforts for students moving from elementary to secondary schools or post-secondary opportunities, ensuring a smooth process for all involved parties.
- Trained teachers on effective teaching techniques, classroom management strategies, and behavior modification.
- Communicated with parents to encourage active parental participation in education.
- Collaborated with administration staff to develop functional budgets within allocated funds.
- Coordinated retrieval and distribution of student records from other schools and institutions.
Director of Special Education/504 Accommodations
Alexander City Schools
07.2019 - 06.2022
- Resolved various situations to cultivate strong parent and school staff relationships.
- Supervised special education department comprised of 40+ staff as well as other contracted service providers.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of special education services through ongoing assessment of program goals, objectives, and performance indicators.
- 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.
- Coordinated transition planning efforts for students moving from elementary to secondary schools or post-secondary opportunities, ensuring a smooth process for all involved parties.
- 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.
- Developed training programs for staff to enhance skills in managing diverse learning needs.
- Monitored compliance with federal and state regulations impacting special education service delivery.
- Coordinated assessments and evaluations to ensure accurate identification of students' special education needs.
- Engaged with community resources to support families and improve access to educational services.
- Fostered collaboration between general and special education teachers to promote inclusive classroom practices.
- Coordinated special education services through frequent principal collaboration and consultation.
- Allocated special education staff and addressed requests for additional allocations throughout school year.
Director of Student Support Services (Special Ed)
Hale County Schools
07.2017 - 06.2019
- Implemented methods for streamlining District special education processes to assist case managers in organization and compliance deadlines.
- Supervised special education department compromised of 30+ staff in addition to contracted service providers.
- Collaboration with external mental health or social service organizations to enhance student support.
- Provided professional development in Trauma-Informed practices to staff on trauma-informed care to better support students facing challenges.
Special Education Teacher
Enterprise City Schools
08.2014 - 07.2017
- Conducted small group and individual classroom activities with students based on differentiated learning needs.
- Developed individual educational plans designed to promote educational, physical and social development.
- Monitored and analyzed student progress data to inform instructional adjustments and interventions.
- Maintained compliance with federal and state regulations regarding special education documentation and reporting.
Gifted Education Teacher
Enterprise City Schools
08.2012 - 08.2014
- Screened and identified potential gifted students in order to provide appropriate services.
- Expanded, enriched and accelerated district curriculum as appropriate for advanced learners.
- Developed and delivered targeted instruction designed to challenge gifted learners' critical thinking skills.
Elementary School Teacher
Enterprise City Schools
08.2000 - 08.2012
- Implemented multiple methods to improve student educational success.
- Involved parents in student education by cultivating strong relationships.
- Designed engaging lesson plans that addressed diverse learning styles and fostered student participation.
- Collaborated with colleagues to create cohesive instructional strategies aligning with curriculum standards and objectives.
- Utilized assessment data to tailor instruction and provide targeted interventions for struggling students.
Education
Master of Science - Instructional Leader And Administration
Troy University
05-2016
NBCT, Education Generalist, Middle Childhood
National Board For Professional Teaching Standards
Alabama12-2006
Master of Science - Collaborative Special Education Teacher
Troy State University
05-2003
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Troy State University
05-2000
Skills
- Grant Writing
- Coaching and Mentoring
- Learning disability support
- Individualized education plans
- 504 plan coordination
- Excellent communication
- Special education law
- Relationship Building
- Staff Training
- Conflict Resolution
- Early intervention
- Instructional leadership
Additional Information
- Awarded Catastrophic/High Needs Grant for three consecutive years ($270,000 for FY20; $320,000 for FY21 and FY22)
- Procured curriculum and resources for Special Ed department (Sonday System, MindPlay, VMath, Unique Learning System, Brigance)
- Worked with District to revise District's Private School Plan
- Updated the District's Independent Education Evaluation Policy
- District 504 Director/Coordinator
- Member of Alabama Association for 504 Coordinators
- Member of County Multi-Needs Committee
- Member of Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS)
Professional Development provided/coordinated
- Addressing Disproportionality in Alabama Public Schools
- Mastering the Maze
- Back to School Training (Reminders, Reevaluations, CVFs)
- Paraprofessional Training (Roles, Responsibilities, Relationships, Academic Strategies)
- Monthly Training for Special Ed Teachers
- Curriculum/Resource Training
- LEArn & LEAd for School Administrators
Timeline
Director of Special Education/504 Accommodations
Chambers County Schools
07.2022 - Current
Director of Special Education/504 Accommodations
Alexander City Schools
07.2019 - 06.2022
Director of Student Support Services (Special Ed)
Hale County Schools
07.2017 - 06.2019
Special Education Teacher
Enterprise City Schools
08.2014 - 07.2017
Gifted Education Teacher
Enterprise City Schools
08.2012 - 08.2014
Elementary School Teacher
Enterprise City Schools
08.2000 - 08.2012
NBCT, Education Generalist, Middle Childhood
National Board For Professional Teaching Standards
Master of Science - Collaborative Special Education Teacher
Troy State University
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Troy State University
Master of Science - Instructional Leader And Administration
Troy University