Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic
Tara Geier

Tara Geier

San Diego,CA

Summary

Dynamic education specialist with extensive experience at La Jolla Elementary School, adept in IEP development and individualized instruction. Proven ability to foster inclusive learning environments and advocate for student needs, enhancing social-emotional growth and academic success. Skilled in collaboration with families and teams, ensuring tailored support for diverse learners.

Overview

2026
2026
years of professional experience

Work History

ESN Education Specialist & Case Manager

La Jolla Elementary School, SDUS
San Diego, CA
09.2024 - Current

I worked directly with students who had complex disabilities, ensuring that they received the support they needed to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. As part of a collaborative team, I was responsible for both providing specialized instruction and managing student cases to ensure compliance with IEP (Individualized Education Program) goals.

My key responsibilities included:

Designing and delivering IEPs for students with a range of disabilities, adapting the curriculum to meet their unique learning needs, and ensuring their full participation in the school community.

Providing direct, one-on-one, and small group instruction to students, focusing on academic skills, social-emotional development, communication, and life skills.

· Collaborating with general education teachers, speech therapists, occupational therapists, and other specialists to create an integrated support system for students.

Managing the development, implementation, and ongoing monitoring of IEPs, ensuring that students' goals are being met, and adjusting instructional strategies as needed.

· Acting as the primary point of contact for parents and guardians, regularly communicating student progress, addressing concerns, and fostering positive relationships with families.

· Leading IEP meetings, working with multidisciplinary teams to create meaningful goals, and ensuring all legal and procedural requirements were met.

· Supporting students' transitions between grade levels and different educational settings, ensuring continuity of care and services.

Monitoring and documenting student progress, preparing reports for IEP meetings, and providing data to inform decision-making and program improvement.

Managing the schedules and duties of classroom assistants, ensuring that their support aligns with students' individual needs, and provides effective assistance in instructional and behavioral interventions.

TK Long-Term Substitute Teacher

Burbank Elementary School, San Diego Unified Schoo
San Diego, CA
01.2023 - 12.2023

I was responsible for creating and delivering an engaging, age-appropriate educational experience for 4- and 5-year-olds. I worked closely with the regular teaching staff to maintain consistency and foster a positive, nurturing classroom environment for the students.

key responsibilities included:

· Designing and implementing lesson plans that aligned with district standards and were tailored to meet the developmental needs of young learners.

· Providing individualized instruction and support to ensure that each child made progress in literacy, numeracy, social-emotional development, and fine motor skills.

Working closely with special education students to help them achieve their Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals, offering differentiated instruction and accommodations as needed.

· Managing classroom behavior with a focus on positive reinforcement and creating a safe, supportive environment.

· Integrating the Leader in Me curriculum into daily activities, teaching students foundational leadership principles such as responsibility, goal setting, and teamwork.

· Encouraging students to take ownership of their actions and decisions, fostering self-confidence and personal growth.

· Communicating regularly with parents and guardians to share updates on student progress, concerns, and achievements.

Collaborating with other educators and school staff to create a cohesive learning experience for students.

· Maintaining accurate student records, including assessments and progress reports, to track individual growth and development.

Substitute Teacher, Elementary Level Classrooms

San Diego Unified School District, San Diego, CA
San Diego, CA
02.2023 - 09.2023

Shareholder/Office Manager, CFO, Accounting, Human

LightScape Designs Inc., San Diego, CA
San Diego, CA
01.2003 - 12.2022

Substitute Teacher, Elementary Level Classrooms

San Diego Unified School District, San Diego, CA
San Diego, CA
01.2018 - 12.2019

Substitute Teacher, Elementary Level Classrooms

San Diego Unified School District, San Diego, CA
San Diego, CA
01.2001 - 12.2003

Ninth Grade English Teacher as a Second Language (

Hoover High School, San Diego, CA
San Diego, CA
07.2002 - 12.2002

Reading Intervention Teacher, Kindergarten

Rosa Parks Elementary School, San Diego, CA
San Diego, CA
01.2002 - 12.2002

Substitute Teacher, Elementary Level Classrooms

National School District, National City, CA
San Diego, CA
01.2000 - 12.2001

Substitute Teacher, Elementary Level Classrooms

The Gillispie School, La Jolla, CA
San Diego, CA
01.2000 - 12.2001

Teacher, Kindergarten Class

Puntarenas, Costa Rica

Education

Master of Arts - Teaching

San Diego State University
San Diego, CA
08-2024

California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential,CLAD - Cross-Cultural Language& Academic Development

San Diego State University
San Diego, CA
05-2002

Bachelor of Science - Health Science (Community Health Education)

San Diego State University
San Diego, CA
05-1999

Skills

Special education expertise

IEP development & implementation

Individualized instruction

Classroom management

Inclusive learning environments

Behavior intervention strategies

Assistive technology use

Data-driven teaching

Collaboration with families & teams

Advocacy for student needs

Early childhood education strategies

Social-emotional learning support

Play-based instruction

Developmentally appropriate practices

Foundational literacy & numeracy

Positive behavior reinforcement

Circle time facilitation

Kindergarten readiness preparation

Parent communication & engagement

Classroom routines & structure

Timeline

ESN Education Specialist & Case Manager

La Jolla Elementary School, SDUS
09.2024 - Current

Substitute Teacher, Elementary Level Classrooms

San Diego Unified School District, San Diego, CA
02.2023 - 09.2023

TK Long-Term Substitute Teacher

Burbank Elementary School, San Diego Unified Schoo
01.2023 - 12.2023

Substitute Teacher, Elementary Level Classrooms

San Diego Unified School District, San Diego, CA
01.2018 - 12.2019

Shareholder/Office Manager, CFO, Accounting, Human

LightScape Designs Inc., San Diego, CA
01.2003 - 12.2022

Ninth Grade English Teacher as a Second Language (

Hoover High School, San Diego, CA
07.2002 - 12.2002

Reading Intervention Teacher, Kindergarten

Rosa Parks Elementary School, San Diego, CA
01.2002 - 12.2002

Substitute Teacher, Elementary Level Classrooms

San Diego Unified School District, San Diego, CA
01.2001 - 12.2003

Substitute Teacher, Elementary Level Classrooms

National School District, National City, CA
01.2000 - 12.2001

Substitute Teacher, Elementary Level Classrooms

The Gillispie School, La Jolla, CA
01.2000 - 12.2001

Teacher, Kindergarten Class

Puntarenas, Costa Rica

Master of Arts - Teaching

San Diego State University

California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential,CLAD - Cross-Cultural Language& Academic Development

San Diego State University

Bachelor of Science - Health Science (Community Health Education)

San Diego State University
Tara Geier