Sue Ann Folker
Tacoma ,WA
Summary
Education professional with track record of effectively overseeing special education programs and driving student success. Proven ability to collaborate with teams and adapt to changing needs in dynamic environments. Known for strategic planning and improving student outcomes.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Program Manager
Clover Park School District
07.2025 - Current
- Developed and implemented comprehensive educational programs aligned with district goals.
- Collaborated with educators to enhance curriculum design and instructional strategies.
- Facilitated professional development workshops for staff to improve teaching practices.
- Analyzed student performance data to inform program adjustments and interventions.
Teacher on Special Assignment
Tacoma Public Schools
09.2018 - 06.2025
- Special education liaison between the special education department and building administrators at 8 elementary schools.
- Supported special education staff in evidence based instructional strategies, writing student centered IEPs, and adhering to compliance of IDEA law surrounding special education practices.
- Facilitated contentious IEP meetings and supported decision making around district resources including additional adult supports and consideration for changes of educational placement.
Occupational Therapist
Tacoma Public Schools
09.2014 - 08.2018
- Provide direct and consultative occupational therapy services including assessment and interventions to related to the needs of students age 3-21 yearss. Primary focus of interventions were access to education, fine skills and sensory processing needs.
- Occupational Therapist leadership team.
Adjunct Clinical Instructor
University of Puget Sound
12.2014 - 05.2016
- Provided instruction and supervision to occupational therapy students treating pediatric clients in an instructional on-site outpatient clinic that includes treatment sessions and a weekly group feedback session led by the instructor.
Occupational Therapist
Federal Way Public Schools
09.1999 - 08.2014
- Provided direct occupational therapy services to students ages 3-21 in programs including special education and general education classrooms and 18-21 transition program. Addressed student access with support in handwriting, technology, and sensory processing.
- Part of childfind assessment team for preschool transition evaluations.
- Assistive technology lead; conducted individual assistive technology evaluations and collaborated with instructional technology to provide universal access to technology.
- Lead numerous district trainings to support staff use of a variety of assistive tools for students with low and high incidence disabilities.
Education
M.S. - Occupational Therapy
San Jose State University
08.2010
Program Adminstration - Special Education Leadership
University of Washington Bothell ECSEL
Bothell, WA06-2026
B.S. - Occupational Therapy
University of Puget Sound
12.1998
Skills
- Educational leadership
- Staff development
- Special education compliance
- Program planning
Accomplishments
Whole Child Champion-Tacoma Public Schools
Certification
- Washington Residency Program Administrator Certificate July 2026
- Educational Staff Association (ESA)-1999-present
- Licensed Occupational Therapist - 1999-present
Timeline
Special Education Program Manager
Clover Park School District
07.2025 - Current
Teacher on Special Assignment
Tacoma Public Schools
09.2018 - 06.2025
Adjunct Clinical Instructor
University of Puget Sound
12.2014 - 05.2016
Occupational Therapist
Tacoma Public Schools
09.2014 - 08.2018
Occupational Therapist
Federal Way Public Schools
09.1999 - 08.2014
B.S. - Occupational Therapy
University of Puget Sound
M.S. - Occupational Therapy
San Jose State University
Program Adminstration - Special Education Leadership
University of Washington Bothell ECSEL
Publication
Folker, S. & Woodward, S. (2013). Psychosocial occupational therapy in the school setting. In E. Cara & A. MacRae (Eds.), Psychosocial occupational therapy: An evolving practice (pp. 774-808). Cengage Learning, Clifton Park, NY.