TALITHIA F. NEWSOME
Augusta,GA
Summary
As the interim director and special education coordinator, I direct plan coordinate and supervise the school system's Special Education Services and programs. I am responsible for ensuring compliance and providing the special education services for students with disabilities ages 3 through 21 to ensure the provision of a free and appropriate public education. My professional career reflects more than 18 years of education, training, administration, program management and development in the unique and challenging field of Special Education. I am a versatile and dedicated child advocate, teacher and administrator. I have successfully demonstrated the ability to multi-task, create and customize learning programs for students in all grades and ability levels. I have built and continue to cultivate positive working relationships with stakeholders, support staff, teachers, administrators, parents, and students.
Overview
40
40
years of professional experience
Work History
Sand Hills GNETS Director
Richmond County School System
01.2020 - Current
- Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.
- Leveraged data analytics insights for informed decision-making in critical areas such as sales forecasting, budgeting, or personnel management.
Special Education Director
Richmond County School System
09.2009 - 12.2019
- Implemented data-driven decision-making processes to monitor student progress, inform instructional strategies, and improve overall program effectiveness.
- Enhanced curriculum quality by collaborating with faculty and staff to develop innovative educational programs.
- Streamlined program operations by managing budgets, allocating resources, and overseeing staff performance evaluations.
- Collaborated with parents, guardians, and stakeholders to address concerns related to student achievement or wellbeing.
Interim Director of Special Education
Richmond County Board of Education
07.2009 - 09.2009
- As the interim director and special education coordinator, I direct plan coordinate and supervise the school system's Special Education Services and programs
- I am responsible for ensuring compliance and providing the special education services for students with disabilities ages 3 through 21 to ensure the provision of a free and appropriate public education
Special Education and Gifted Coordinator
Richmond County Board of Education
09.2003 - 07.2009
- Assisted with the supervision, organization and coordination of all program services for Special Education, Gifted Education Program, Hospital/Homebound Services and Section 504 of ADA
- Monitored Discipline Data for students with disabilities
- Observed and evaluated staff
- Prepared and presented system reports for students with disabilities
- Assisted with the preparation and management of the budget for Special Education
- Prepared, submitted and managed Comprehensive Plan for federal and state special education funds
- Assisted with preparing documents and collaborated with the school board attorney for Due Process Hearings, mediations and all legal issues related to special education
- Monitored the implementation of Preschool Special Needs and Home School Service plans for Special Education
- Trained, guided, assisted and supervised special education department staff with the implementation of effective program, policies and procedures
- Increased support for effective school program implementation and improved classroom instruction through coordinated efforts with system level and school-based administrators and specialists
- Provided leadership in program evaluations and follow-up procedures
- Assisted with the development of Special Education and Gifted Education Handbooks
- Collaborated with central office leadership team for program service implementation
- Maintained open lines of communication among parents, staff, students, administration and the Board of Education regarding special education
- Assisted with student/staff projections
- Assisted schools with development of master schedules
- Conducted special education meetings and professional development to keep staff knowledgeable about policy changes, new programs, current best practices and other pertinent information regarding special education
- Monitored implementation of IEP services to students for compliance with IDEA
- Monitored staffing plans at each school for compliance with GA DOE maximum class size
- Assisted schools in developing school improvement plans that incorporate students with disabilities
- Served as a liaison between the school system and other agencies dealing with meeting the needs of students with disabilities
- Prepared and submitted documents and forms required and/or requested by federal, state, and local agencies
Special Education Consultant
Richmond County Board of Education
08.2001 - 09.2003
- Served as the liaison between central office, the Department of Special Education Services and school-based administrators on issues related to special education staffing and programming
- Monitored the provision of a free appropriate education in the least restrictive environment based on an individualized education program for each student with disabilities served
- Assisted with improving instruction in schools through the provision of well-designed curriculum, high quality instructional materials, and the identification of effective instructional practices, including implementation of state standards, curriculum and special curricula
- Assisted general and special education staff with the implementation of effective instructional program
- Achieved goals that may be outlined in various reports, strategic plan or audit
- Established partnerships among general and special educators, parents, other government agencies, the community, and the business sector to promote the success of students with disabilities in all aspects of RCSS and the community
- Provided high quality of support to schools and special centers, including the coordination, planning, monitoring of services
- Assisted with design, implementation, and evaluation of the programs and services
- Monitored and provided feedback regarding programs for students with disabilities throughout the system
- Assisted system and school with meeting the requirements set by federal and state legislation for educating children and youth with disabilities
- Assisted other instructional departments in conducting research and evaluation studies related to the instructional program
Special Education Teacher - Elementary Level: Interrelated (K-3)
Richmond County Board of Education
08.2000 - 08.2001
- Student Support Team Chairperson
- Extended Day Instructional Program Supervising Teacher
- Teacher of the Year School and System Finalist
- Supervised students/staff assigned to classroom
- Evaluated students to determine progress made in the mastery of IEP goals/objectives
- Developed weekly lesson plans based on goals/objectives, and performance standards
- Planned field trips to supplement instruction
- Consulted with therapists and service providers to determine best way(s) to meet student needs on their caseloads to master IEP goals
- Scheduled meetings as needed & kept in contact with parent/guardian(s) of students via face-to-face contact, notes home, quarterly newsletters, checklists etc
- Mentored new teachers regarding special education and related services
- Assisted with the development of school handbook
- Served as SACS chairperson and member of the SACS Steering Committee
- Served as a member of the textbook and budget committee
- Presenter/ Facilitator: Conducted system wide and school based Professional Development sessions
- Served as a Special Education and Student Support Team Chairperson
Special Education Teacher
Russell County Board of Education
08.1991 - 08.2000
- Elementary: Mild Disabilities (K-6)
- Special Education Chairperson (School and District)
- SACS Steering Committee Chairperson
- Supervised students/staff assigned to classroom
- Evaluated students to determine progress made in the mastery of IEP goals/objectives
- Developed weekly lesson plans based on goals/objectives, and performance standards
- Planned field trips to supplement instruction
- Consulted with therapists and service providers to determine best way(s) to meet students' needs on their caseloads to master IEP goals
- Scheduled meetings as needed & kept in contact with parent/guardian(s) of students via face-to-face contact, notes home, quarterly newsletters, checklists etc
- Mentored new teachers regarding special education and related services
- Assisted with the development of school handbook
- Served as SACS chairperson and member of the SACS Steering Committee
- Served as a member of the textbook and budget committee
- Special Education Trainer: Identifying Gifted Students, Inclusion, Student Support Team, Special Education Laws, Writing IEP's, Meeting the Needs of Students with Disabilities, Nature and Characteristics of Students with Disabilities Using Computer Based IEP Programs, and other areas of Special Education
- Mentor Teacher (Six Years), Grade Leader, Budget Committee, School Improvement Team
- Served as Special Education Department and System Chairperson
- After School Program Co-Director-Author and Recipient of After School Grant
Administrative Assistant
06.1998 - 09.1999
- Logged employee work hours
- Light bookkeeping and filing
- Monitored security cameras and entrances/exits
- Received and logged deliveries
- Assisted customers and employees with concerns and questions
- Facility Management: safety/ cleanliness
Night/Weekend Supervisor
AAFES Burger Bar
10.1984 - 09.1985
- Supervised night and weekend crew (6-8 employees)
- Trained new employees
- Financial Bookkeeping (counting till, making deposits)
- Completed Inventories, made orders received and inspected shipments
- Evaluated/Counseled employees, setup work schedules
- Handled Customer Service Issues
- Facility Management (Opening/Closing and Safety/ Cleanliness)
Education
PhD - Special Education
National University
La Jolla, CASixth Year - Educational Leadership and Supervision
Troy State University
Phenix City, Alabama12.2005
Add-on Certification - Educational Leadership and Supervision
Troy State University
Phenix City, Alabama05.2000
Master of Education - Special Education: Mild Disabilities
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, Louisiana08.1997
Bachelor of Science in Education - Special Education: Mental Retardation (P-12), Early Childhood (P-5)
Georgia Southern University
Statesboro, Georgia06.1991
Skills
- Strategic Planning
- Verbal and written communication
- People Management
- Operations Management
- Project Management
- Team Management
- Creativity and Innovation
- Strategies and goals
- Project Coordination
- Staff Management
- Organizational Development
- Budget Control
- Budget Management
- Staff Development
- Issues Resolution
- Negotiation
- Contract and Vendor Management
- Hiring and Retention
- Financial Reporting
- Rules and regulations
- Charismatic Leader
- Legal and Regulatory Compliance
- Partnerships and Alliances
- Crisis Management
- Facilities Management
- Human Resources Management
- Content Development
- Corporate Social Responsibility
- Cross-functional team leadership
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Team Leadership
- Relationship Building
- Effective leader
- Decision-Making
- Process Improvements
- Staff training/development
- Employee Development
- Customer Service
- Performance Evaluation and Monitoring
- Goal Setting
- Performance Improvement
- Change Management
- Staff hiring
- KPI Tracking
- Data Analysis
- Department Oversight
- Data Management
- Organizational Structuring
Affiliations
- Georgia Association of Educators (GAE)
- National Education Association (NEA)
- Council of Exceptional Children (CEC)
- Georgia Association of Education Leaders (GAEL)
- Georgia Council of Administrators of Special Education (GCASE)
References
Available upon request
Timeline
Sand Hills GNETS Director
Richmond County School System
01.2020 - Current
Special Education Director
Richmond County School System
09.2009 - 12.2019
Interim Director of Special Education
Richmond County Board of Education
07.2009 - 09.2009
Special Education and Gifted Coordinator
Richmond County Board of Education
09.2003 - 07.2009
Special Education Consultant
Richmond County Board of Education
08.2001 - 09.2003
Special Education Teacher - Elementary Level: Interrelated (K-3)
Richmond County Board of Education
08.2000 - 08.2001
Administrative Assistant
06.1998 - 09.1999
Special Education Teacher
Russell County Board of Education
08.1991 - 08.2000
Night/Weekend Supervisor
AAFES Burger Bar
10.1984 - 09.1985
Sixth Year - Educational Leadership and Supervision
Troy State University
Add-on Certification - Educational Leadership and Supervision
Troy State University
Master of Education - Special Education: Mild Disabilities
Northwestern State University
Bachelor of Science in Education - Special Education: Mental Retardation (P-12), Early Childhood (P-5)
Georgia Southern University
PhD - Special Education
National University
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