Starr Caldwell

Transition Specialist/Lead Special Education Educator

• Advocate on behalf of students transitioning to young adult services, ensuring that appropriate accommodations are accessible.
• Analyze data to determine eligibility and services.
• Collaborate with community partners to facilitate employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
• Foster a culture of collaboration and shared responsibility for student success during times of transition by engaging all stakeholders in the planning process.
• Design processes and systems supporting business needs before, during, and after transitions.
• Enhance transition processes by identifying areas for improvement and implementing customized strategies.
• Facilitate professional development of targeted topics and designs for 1600 staff members.
• Lead teams to evaluate, plan, and execute projects.
• Organize college and career exploration events to help prepare students for post-secondary transitions successfully.
• Oversee change management efforts to support the implementation of critical initiatives driving technology, process, and culture changes.
• Provide professional development opportunities for staff members to enhance their knowledge of best practices in transition coordination.

Principal Intern

• Assisted in the development of data-driven instruction methods to track student progress and improve performance.
• Assisted in managing budget allocations, ensuring efficient use of resources for optimal student outcomes.
• Conducted regular reviews of operations and identified areas for improvement.
• Created and managed project plans, timelines and budgets
• Educated staff on organizational mission and goals to help employees achieve success.
• Ensured compliance with district policies by regularly reviewing curriculum materials used in classrooms.
• Evaluated staff performance and provided coaching to address inefficiencies.
• Gathered, organized, and input information into a digital database.
• Generated reports detailing findings and recommendations.
• Improved communication between students, parents, and school administration through regular updates and meetings.
• Oversaw safety protocols during emergencies, ensuring prompt response times from all staff members involved in crisis management procedures.
• Streamlined communication between stakeholders, resulting in more efficient collaboration during the transition period.

Special Education Self-Contained Resource Teacher

• Conducted assessments of students to determine individual needs.
• Enhanced learning experiences by incorporating specialized tools and resources tailored to the needs of special education students.
• Mentored new teachers on best practices for classroom management and instructional techniques, contributing to their professional growth and effectiveness in the classroom.

Co-Teacher Several Subject Areas-Highly Qualified

• Coordinated with general education teachers to modify curriculum materials, ensuring accessibility for all learners in an inclusive setting.
• Collaborated with students with multiple degrees of special needs to accomplish various tasks.
• Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
• Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
• Developed and implemented differentiated instruction strategies to accommodate diverse learning styles, resulting in increased student engagement and success.
• Partnered with general education teachers from across academic departments.
• Supported 20 teachers and 4 administrators in using data to improve instruction on all levels.

Transition Specialist

• Enhanced transition processes by identifying areas for improvement and implementing customized strategies.
• Implemented behavior modification techniques to improve student social and academic performance.
• Provided life skills programming for students with moderate to severe autism.
• Provided targeted instructional support to struggling learners, identifying specific areas for improvement and designing effective intervention plans.
• Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.

Special Education LI Student Program

• Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans for optimal results.
• Participated in team meetings to discuss client updates, share best practices, and strategize on effective approaches for continued success.
• Utilized formal and established testing protocols to evaluate the educational, emotional, and behavioral needs of students.
• Worked with students with moderate to severe autism to increase life skills.

• Enhanced learning experiences by incorporating specialized tools and resources tailored to the needs of special education students.
• Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
• Improved behavior by modeling positive choices and teaching socially acceptable options.
• Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
• Served as a mentor to new teachers, sharing best practices in special education instruction and classroom management techniques.
• Streamlined classroom processes by integrating technology tools such as interactive whiteboards and assistive devices designed for students with disabilities.
• Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
• Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
• Worked with related service providers and deans when applicable.

• Diversity Equity Advisory Council Member
• Diversity Equity and Inclusion Facilitator
• The National SEED Project (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity) Facilitator
• Teach-Plus Illinois State Board of Education Liaison

• Christian Montessori School, Executive Board Member
• ISBE-DEI Liaison Affinity Group Facilitator, Illinois State Board of Education Teach-Plus
• Sister(HOOD) of Hope INC., Executive Board Member and Communication Director