Sarah Gears
Clayton,Delaware
Summary
Dynamic and dedicated education leader with extensive experience at Specialized Education Schools Inc., excelling in organizational development and training. Someone who is passionate about serving students with special needs to ensure they can perform at their highest level and realize productive, fulfilling futures. Excel at building relationships, collaborating with a team, and persevering through difficult challenges. Have a sense of optimism, a willingness to learn and grow, and a commitment to improving outcomes for clients, stakeholders, and all personal involved in the process.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Educational Diagnostician
Smyrna School District
Smyrna, Delaware
08.2025 - Current
- Assisted with direct and district administrations in ensuring the implementation of programs for exceptional children, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) regulations, and Smyrna School District operational procedures.
- Facilitated Independent Education Plan (IEP)(Initial and Annual), Evaluation Summary Reports (ESR) (Initial and Re-evaluations), and Child Study Meetings to determine appropriate plans, settings, and/or fundings for students.
- Collaborated with teachers, administrators, parents, related services, and/or school psychologist to ensure the success of each student qualified for special services.
- Maintaining confidentiality with student’s records and files, according to FERPA.
- Manage communication with families to schedule IEP Meetings in compliance with Special Education timelines.
- Monitor and secure required signatures on documents to ensure compliance with district timelines.
- Finalize, organize, file, and upload IEP documentation in Infinite Campus, in accordance with district procedures and compliance requirements.
Associate Director High Road School
Specialized Education Schools Inc.
Felton, DE
11.2021 - 06.2025
- Liaised between executive leadership and team members to ensure information was accurately conveyed.
- Fostered positive work environment by promoting teamwork and open communication among staff members.
- Mentored 6 Teachers, 2 into leadership roles and 11 teacher assistants, 2 moving into a behavior specialist position.
- Conducted performance evaluations and provided feedback for improvement weekly.
- Designed and facilitated monthly professional development sessions, resulting in 95% staff satisfaction on annual evaluations.
- Conducted research, compiled data, and delivered presentations to stakeholders and board members in a weekly presentation.
- Implemented a new student information system, improving data accuracy by 90% and reducing reporting time by 25%
Special Education Teacher
Specialized Education Schools Inc.
Felton, DE
09.2015 - 11.2021
- Supported caseload of 12+ students with diverse needs, with 70% showing measurable academic or behavioral growth.
- Tracked and documented progress toward IEP goals for 22+ students weekly, ensuring 100% compliance with district and state reporting timelines.
- Managed behavior and promoted positive learning environment 100% utilizing daily PBIS.
- Coached and mentored support staff on effective strategies for students with disabilities 2 times per week.
- Collaborated teacher assistants across 6 subject areas to co-plan and differentiate instruction for students with disabilities.
- Improved student independence in daily tasks by 60% using assistive technology and structured routines.
Education
Masters in School Leadership, M.Ed. -
Wilmington University
New Castle, DelawareBachelor of Arts (B.A.) - English Literature and Fine Art
University of Delaware
Newark, DelawareCertification - Alternative Routes to Teacher Certification
University of Delaware
Newark, DelawareSkills
- Crisis management
- Proficient in Infinite Campus
- Reporting and documentation
- Program coordination with stakeholders
- Proficient in MS office
- Proficient in Adobe tools
- Training and Development
- Collaborative Problem-solving
Timeline
Educational Diagnostician
Smyrna School District
08.2025 - Current
Associate Director High Road School
Specialized Education Schools Inc.
11.2021 - 06.2025
Special Education Teacher
Specialized Education Schools Inc.
09.2015 - 11.2021
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - English Literature and Fine Art
University of Delaware
Certification - Alternative Routes to Teacher Certification
University of Delaware
Masters in School Leadership, M.Ed. -
Wilmington University