SARAH MARCHENA
STEVENS POINT
Summary
Dedicated educator seeking an assistant principal position to leverage extensive leadership experience and specialized knowledge in special education, combined with a strong passion for fostering student and staff development. Committed to cultivating an inclusive and supportive school culture, mentoring teachers, and implementing data-driven strategies that enhance academic growth and social-emotional development. A proven track record in promoting equitable opportunities for all students underscores a deep commitment to educational excellence. Eager to contribute innovative solutions that empower students and educators to achieve their fullest potential.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher and Elementary Special Education Team Lead
Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools
08.2022 - Current
- Lead and mentor a team of 21 special education teachers, supporting instructional planning and professional growth.
- Develop and oversee IEP implementation for diverse learners, monitoring student progress and adjusting strategies school-wide.
- Foster collaboration among teachers, staff, and families to support inclusive, high-quality instruction.
- Coordinate professional development sessions and facilitate faculty meetings and professional learning communities.
- Implement and model effective behavior management systems and student engagement strategies.
- Collaborate with Speech and Language Pathologist to introduce visual and augmented communication supports to enhance learning for all students.
- Increased reader scores by one academic year in 100% of student caseload that attended school more than 80% of school year.
Special Education Teacher
Stevens Point Area Public School District
01.2020 - 06.2022
- Developed and executed individualized education plans for students with diverse needs.
- Collaborated with parents, staff, and multidisciplinary teams to develop strategies that supported both academic and social-emotional growth.
- Applied evidence-based behavioral management and instructional strategies to improve classroom outcomes.
- Maintained detailed records to inform data-driven decisions and school improvement initiatives.
Special Education Teacher
Wausau School District
08.2019 - 01.2020
- Developed and implemented individualized education plans (IEPs) for students with diverse needs.
- Collaborated with parents and staff to enhance student support and engagement.
- Applied evidence-based behavioral management strategies to improve classroom outcomes.
- Maintained accurate records to monitor progress toward IEP goals and inform data-driven decisions.
- Created a safe and inclusive learning environment for students with disabilities.
- Advocated for students’ academic, social, and emotional needs within the school community.
- Participated in professional development to refine teaching strategies and support student growth.
Special Education Assistant
Stevens Point Area Public School District
10.2017 - 05.2019
- Assisted teachers in implementing IEPs and supporting classroom activities.
- Documented student progress and contributed to assessment reports.
- Provided academic and behavioral guidance for students needing extra support.
- Encouraged empathy, confidence, and positive self-image in students.
- Maintained safe classroom and outdoor environments while fostering a collaborative school culture.
Education
Certification - Principal Certification
Viterbo University
La Crosse, Wisconsin06.2026
Masters - General Education with Special Education Certification
University of Wisconsin
Stevens Point05.2020
Bachelor - Liberal Studies
Viterbo University
La Crosse, Wisconsin05.1999
Skills
- Instructional leadership
- Individualized Education Plans (IEP) & Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP)
- Inclusive classroom & behavior management strategies
- Parent and family engagement
- CPI (Crisis Prevention Institute) & de-escalation techniques
- Student advocacy & relationship building
- Facilitation of professional development
- Functional behavior assessments & data-driven decision making
- Visual supports & augmentative communication
- Scheduling, student records management, community resource coordination
- Effective classroom management
- Differentiated instruction
Certification
- Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) trained Dec 2024
- Responsive Classroom August 2022
- Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) V1 and V2 trained 2023 and 2024 school year
Timeline
Special Education Teacher and Elementary Special Education Team Lead
Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools
08.2022 - Current
Special Education Teacher
Stevens Point Area Public School District
01.2020 - 06.2022
Special Education Teacher
Wausau School District
08.2019 - 01.2020
Special Education Assistant
Stevens Point Area Public School District
10.2017 - 05.2019
Masters - General Education with Special Education Certification
University of Wisconsin
Bachelor - Liberal Studies
Viterbo University
Certification - Principal Certification
Viterbo University