Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Software
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Tammy Harvey-Fontenot

Summary

Dynamic individual with hands-on experience in special education and a specialized focus on educational diagnostics. Completing a Master's in Special Education at Texas A&M International University, with a specialization in Educational Diagnostics, and possessing 7 years of diverse special education experience. Brings strong problem-solving skills and proactive approach to new tasks. Known for adaptability, creativity, and results-oriented mindset. Committed to making meaningful contributions and advancing organizational goals.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Educational Diagnostician Internship Practicum

CyFair ISD and Diagnostic Learning Services
10.2024 - Current
  • Improved student success rates by identifying specific learning challenges and creating targeted intervention strategies.
  • Supported educators in modifying curriculum and instructional methods, ensuring accessibility for all students.
  • Deployed various assessment instruments and techniques to assist in identifying students eligible for special education services.
  • Conducted thorough evaluations, accurately pinpointing areas requiring additional support or intervention.
  • Assisted school personnel in identification and understanding of students with disabilities.
  • Provided expert guidance to parents and educators on appropriate accommodations and modifications for students with disabilities.
  • Selected, administered and interpreted appropriate formal and informal assessments and evaluations.
  • Developed strong relationships with students, fostering trust and open communication during evaluations and consultations.
  • Established rapport with students quickly during assessments by employing sensitive communication techniques.
  • Applied knowledge of ethnic, linguistic, cultural and socioeconomic diversity for evaluation, planning, and instruction.
  • Contributed positively to the overall functioning of the special education department as part of a collaborative team.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive assessments for students with diverse needs.
  • Served as liaison between school staff, families, and outside service providers, coordinating efforts to maximize student success.
  • Maintained detailed documentation of student progress over time, ensuring accurate records were available for future planning purposes.
  • Utilized data analysis skills to track progress of interventions, adjusting as needed to optimize results.
  • Completed required documentation and reports for compliance and treatment planning.
  • Consulted with teachers and parents to gain in-depth understanding of students.
  • Collaborated with educators, school administrators and external professionals in development of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
  • Compiled and interpreted students' test results along with information from teachers and parents to diagnose conditions and assess eligibility for special services.
  • Met with students to conduct individual assessments and determine academic and mental health needs.
  • Utilized formal and established testing protocols to evaluate educational, emotional and behavioral needs of students.
  • Selected, administered and scored achievement tests.
  • Collaborated with social workers to help students grow in social and emotional capacities.

Special Education Specialist

Stafford Municipal School District-Elementary
08.2022 - 02.2025
  • Improved classroom management by consistently implementing behavioral strategies and interventions.
  • Developed meaningful relationships with students'' families through regular meetings and thorough updates on academic progress.
  • Contributed to school-wide initiatives that supported a positive culture of learning for all students.
  • Led professional learning communities focused on sharing expertise in special education teaching strategies among staff members.
  • Mentored new special education teachers, providing guidance on best practices and classroom management techniques.
  • Collaborated closely with other department chairs to establish interdisciplinary connections in curriculum planning.
  • Reviewed assessment results regularly, adjusting instruction as needed based on data-driven insights into student performance trends.
  • Increased parent involvement through effective communication and collaboration on student progress.
  • Continuously refined instructional approaches, staying current with best practices in special education through ongoing professional development.
  • Optimized data collection methods to track student progress more accurately and inform instructional decisions.
  • Championed an inclusive school culture by advocating for the needs of special education students during administrative discussions.
  • Promoted inclusion by collaborating with general education teachers to adapt lesson plans for students with disabilities.
  • Allocated resources effectively, prioritizing specialized materials and tools for students'' unique needs.
  • Reduced paperwork burden by efficiently managing documentation related to IEPs, assessments, and evaluations.
  • Streamlined processes for IEP development, ensuring timely completion and compliance with state regulations.
  • Enhanced individualized learning by developing and implementing tailored IEPs for each student.
  • Boosted student confidence by providing consistent support and encouragement in the classroom setting.
  • Coordinated special education services through frequent principal collaboration and consultation.
  • Coordinated staff evaluations for special education personnel.
  • Implemented program-level departmental policies and procedures and managed budgets to support educational program and curriculum.
  • Conferred and resolved education-related issues and problems with students, parents and school officials.
  • Checked on instructor lessons and communication in order to assess quality of education and assistance offered to students.
  • Represented educational program at meetings and conferences to serve as subject matter liaison for array of services and activities assigned.
  • Monitored overhead, prepared budgets and directed spending and resources to support fiscal efficiency.

Special Education Coordinator

Harmony School Of Ingenuity - Harmony Public Schools
08.2020 - 07.2022

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  • Managed a caseload of special education students, ensuring timely completion of required documentation and IEP meetings.
  • Implemented research-based teaching methods specifically designed for students with disabilities, promoting increased engagement and comprehension across subjects.
  • Facilitated IEP meetings by using family-centered, strength-based approach.
  • Advocated for appropriate resources and supports necessary for special education students to succeed academically and socially.
  • Coordinated with outside state agencies to acquire services for special needs children.
  • Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings focused on identifying unique strengths and challenges faced by each child while developing effective solutions.
  • Coached and observed 16 teachers to improve teaching techniques.
  • Evaluated 16 person special education staff through classroom observation, feedback and recommendations.
  • Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
  • Collaborated with teachers to conduct behavioral assessments and intervention plans for 100 students.
  • Maintained contact with parents to address concerns and needs of children.
  • Supported general education teachers and administrators in implementing strategies to meet needs of students with IEPs.
  • Collaborated with families to provide resources for children outside of school district.
  • Interpreted and analyzed academic data to maintain student development and retention.
  • Used Easy IEP, Success Ed and Skyward to maintain student records and prepare reports.
  • Coordinated the delivery of specialized services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and counseling for eligible students.
  • Managed and monitored annual budget allocations for the special education department, ensuring optimal use of resources to meet student needs.
  • Collaborated with teachers to integrate special education students into mainstream classrooms, promoting inclusivity and understanding among peers.
  • Streamlined process for assessing student needs and implementing accommodations, reducing time to support by half.
  • Provided ongoing support and guidance to teachers in the implementation of evidence-based instructional strategies designed for special education students.
  • Organized professional development workshops focused on special education topics, increasing staff knowledge and expertise in the field.
  • Evaluated the effectiveness of instructional programs by analyzing student data trends, leading to informed decisions about program modifications.
  • Established mentorship program pairing special education students with peers, fostering empathy and mutual respect.
  • Collaborated with teachers and staff to develop strategies and interventions tailored to each student''s needs, resulting in improved academic performance.
  • Conducted detailed evaluations to identify students' strengths and areas for improvement, formulating effective strategies to address challenges.
  • Advocated for policy changes at district level that led to increased funding and resources for special education services.
  • Assisted general education teachers with adapting lesson plans to accommodate diverse learning needs within inclusive classrooms settings.
  • Trained faculty members on best practices for accommodating diverse learners, fostering inclusive school culture.
  • Organized extracurricular activities tailored to special education students, promoting social skills and community integration.
  • Reduced classroom disruptions by implementing positive behavioral support strategies tailored to individual student needs.
  • Created a positive learning environment by establishing behavioral expectations and building strong rapport with students, families, and colleagues.
  • Facilitated ongoing communication between school personnel, families, service providers, specialists, regarding student goals and progress.
  • Monitored student progress through data analysis, adjusting instruction accordingly to maximize learning outcomes.
  • Designed and conducted surveys to gather feedback from students, parents, and teachers, using insights to continuously improve program effectiveness.
  • Planned and implemented staff development and in-service training programs to enhance knowledge and skills.
  • Conferred and resolved education-related issues and problems with students, parents and school officials.
  • Implemented program-level departmental policies and procedures and managed budgets to support educational program and curriculum.
  • Checked on instructor lessons and communication in order to assess quality of education and assistance offered to students.

Lead Special Education Teacher

Kipp Texas Public Schools
10.2018 - 07.2022
  • Enhanced student comprehension by utilizing differentiated instruction techniques tailored to individual learning styles.
  • Boosted students'' critical thinking skills through the implementation of inquiry-based teaching methods.
  • Contributed to improved standardized test scores by providing targeted test preparation sessions and resources for students.
  • Improved classroom engagement by incorporating hands-on activities and real-world examples into lesson plans.
  • Served as a mentor to new teachers entering the field, offering guidance, support, and sharing best practices for successful classroom management.
  • Developed strong relationships with parents through consistent communication, resulting in increased parent involvement in their child''s education.
  • Supported student success with personalized attention and targeted interventions for those struggling academically.
  • Participated actively in school-wide initiatives focused on improving overall student achievement levels and school climate.
  • Collaborated with fellow educators to develop cross-curricular projects, enhancing students'' understanding of subject matter connections.
  • Promoted a positive classroom culture by implementing effective behavior management strategies and clear expectations for conduct.
  • Evaluated students'' progress regularly using formative assessments, adjusting instructional strategies as needed for optimal learning outcomes.
  • Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
  • Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
  • Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
  • Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
  • Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
  • Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
  • Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
  • Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
  • Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
  • Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
  • Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
  • Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
  • Facilitated small group instruction to address individual learning needs.
  • Planned daily activities to keep students engaged and on track with learning goals.
  • Collaborated with other educators to develop instructional strategies.
  • Conducted assessments of students to determine individual needs.
  • Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance.
  • Monitored student performance to evaluate effectiveness of instructional strategies.
  • Coordinated regular meetings to share and analyze student performance data and success plans with colleagues and parents.
  • Worked closely with parents and guardians to address students' issues on multiple fronts.
  • Developed Individual Education Plans for students with special needs.
  • Helped students with special needs integrate into general classroom environments by advocating for individual requirements and helping teachers solve problems.
  • Improved behavior by modeling positive choices and teaching socially-acceptable options.
  • Provided emotional support to students and families.
  • Utilized technology to create meaningful lessons that engage students.
  • Promoted memory, cognition and language development with hands-on activities and individualized instruction.
  • Applied proven strategies to improve students' sensory- and perceptual-motor skills.
  • Provided professional development training to educate faculty and staff on laws and regulations governing special education.

Director of Career Services

Fortis College/Fortis Institute
06.2008 - 09.2015
  • Monitored system of electronic records to keep data accurate and enforce timely entry of new information.
  • Strengthened partnerships with employers by conducting regular outreach and fostering professional relationships.
  • Mentored and coached students individually or in group settings on topics like resume writing, interviewing skills, and personal branding.
  • Managed a team of career advisors, providing guidance and supervision while encouraging continuous professional growth.
  • Evaluated program effectiveness using data-driven assessment methods, making adjustments as needed to improve outcomes over time.
  • Collaborated with academic departments to integrate career readiness into program offerings and coursework.
  • Educated students on job duties, complete compensation packages and pathways to career advancement.
  • Established a strong alumni network to support current students and recent graduates in their professional endeavors.
  • Activated and maintained relationships with graduates up to and beyond successful placement within field or related field of study.
  • Promoted diversity and inclusion in all aspects of Career Services operations, from staff recruitment to student engagement efforts.
  • Advised individuals on job search strategies, resume development and interviewing.
  • Identified entry-level job openings for students and graduates through phone calls, written correspondence and personal networking.
  • Coordinated on-campus recruitment events that attracted top employers from a variety of industries, creating valuable opportunities for students to network and secure job offers.
  • Maintained active lead generation system to drive high volume of job opportunities available to students and graduates.
  • Fostered a culture of continuous improvement by regularly reviewing policies, procedures, and service offerings based on feedback from stakeholders.
  • Oversaw the implementation of technology platforms that streamlined appointment scheduling, event registration, and resource management.
  • Served as an ambassador for the institution at regional and national conferences, showcasing best practices in career development services.
  • Developed annual budgets and allocated resources effectively to ensure optimal service delivery for students.
  • Analyzed labor market trends to inform strategic planning and programmatic decisions within the Career Services department.
  • Prepared graduates for interviewing and followed up post-interview regarding perceived performance.
  • Assisted students and graduates with securing employment by building relationships with employers on regional and national levels.
  • Improved job placement rates through the development of targeted internship, co-op, and job search strategies for students.
  • Launched innovative initiatives such as mentorship programs and networking events to connect students with industry professionals.
  • Championed a comprehensive career development curriculum, incorporating workshops, panels, and seminars on various topics.
  • Collaborated with faculty, staff and students to identify and address institutional challenges.
  • Guided and supported faculty and staff in development of new programs.
  • Implemented strategies to increase student recruiting, engagement and retention.

Education

Master of Science - Special Education

Texas A&M International University
Laredo, TX
07-2025

Skills

  • Assessment administration
  • Individualized education plans
  • Behavioral intervention strategies
  • Curriculum modification
  • Data analysis
  • Team collaboration
  • Effective communication
  • Parent engagement
  • Cultural competency
  • Assessment interpretation
  • Autism spectrum disorder
  • Early intervention strategies
  • Collaborative Problem-solving
  • Trauma-informed practices
  • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
  • Instructional strategies
  • Progress monitoring
  • Behavior management techniques
  • Curriculum adaptation
  • Psychoeducational assessment
  • Assistive technology integration
  • Physical therapy collaboration
  • Mathematics intervention techniques
  • Writing intervention techniques
  • Special education expertise
  • Social-emotional learning
  • Emotional disturbance expertise
  • Intellectual disability assessment
  • Reading intervention techniques
  • Parent-teacher conferencing
  • Transition planning
  • Individualized education plan development
  • Gifted and talented assessment
  • Learning disabilities identification
  • Occupational therapy collaboration
  • Multitasking capacity
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Problem-solving
  • Time management
  • Collaboration with teachers
  • Attention to detail
  • Reliability
  • Excellent communication
  • Organizational skills
  • Team leadership
  • Decision-making skills
  • Creative thinking
  • Active listening
  • Adaptability and flexibility
  • Privacy and confidentiality
  • Relationship building
  • Decision-making
  • Emotional support
  • Task prioritization
  • Response to intervention
  • Evidence-based practices
  • Positive behavior support
  • Self motivation
  • Data-driven decision making
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Analytical thinking
  • Conflict resolution
  • Social skills training
  • Goal setting
  • Professionalism
  • Ethical practice
  • Data collection
  • Crisis intervention
  • Classroom observation
  • Suicide prevention
  • Strategic planning
  • Professional development
  • IEP compliance''''''
  • IEP compliance
  • Written communication
  • Youth and adolescent development
  • Report writing
  • Family systems theory
  • Professional demeanor

Software

eSped/Frontline Education, Easy IEP, Success Ed, and Empower, Skyward, and Eduphoria, 

Certification

Certification in Special Education EC-12




Timeline

Educational Diagnostician Internship Practicum

CyFair ISD and Diagnostic Learning Services
10.2024 - Current

Special Education Specialist

Stafford Municipal School District-Elementary
08.2022 - 02.2025

Special Education Coordinator

Harmony School Of Ingenuity - Harmony Public Schools
08.2020 - 07.2022

Lead Special Education Teacher

Kipp Texas Public Schools
10.2018 - 07.2022

Director of Career Services

Fortis College/Fortis Institute
06.2008 - 09.2015

Master of Science - Special Education

Texas A&M International University
Tammy Harvey-Fontenot