Tiffany Rivera
Escondido,CA
Summary
Dynamic Education Specialist with over 15 years of experience supporting diverse learners across elementary, middle, and high school settings. Skilled instructional coach and former SPED TOSA with a proven ability to lead educators, deliver high-quality professional development, and implement research-based, data-driven practices that elevate student achievement. Experienced in developing and enhancing educational programs, designing inclusive curriculum, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to foster positive outcomes for students with a wide range of needs. Adept at motivating and empowering both students and educators to reach their full potential through innovative strategies, clear communication, and a solutions-oriented mindset.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Education Specialist ESN
Escondido Union High School District
06.2025 - Current
- Developed and implemented educational programs aligning with district standards.
- Collaborated with teachers to enhance instructional strategies and student engagement.
- Analyzed student performance data to identify areas for improvement and intervention.
- Mentored new educators, fostering a collaborative environment for professional growth and support.
- Advocated for student needs by communicating effectively with parents, staff, and administration.
- Established a positive classroom environment, fostering mutual respect and open communication among students.
- Developed curriculum materials that aligned with state standards, ensuring comprehensive coverage of required content.
- Increased parent involvement through regular communication about student progress and collaborative goal-setting for academic success.
Education Specialist - EMPOWER Program
Poway Unified School District
08.2024 - 06.2025
- Develops individualized education programs, enhancing student engagement and attendance outcomes.
- Collaborate with a diverse team including general education teachers, SLP, school psychologist, OT, family, student and outside care teams to address diverse needs of students
- Implement trauma informed practices so all students feel safe and welcome.
- Monitor student progress through data analysis, adjusting interventions for optimal results.
- Integrate technology to teach high school math and science.
- Encouraged positive social interaction among students by incorporating cooperative learning techniques into lessons.
- Provided individualized instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners.
- Researched current trends in special education practices, including evidence-based interventions.
TOSA: District SpEd Coach and Assistive Technology Specialist
Escondido Union School District
08.2022 - 12.2024
- Collaborate with administrators and special education staff to enhance instructional strategies and student engagement through technology and specialized programs.
- Develop and lead professional development sessions and implement district-wide strategies for special education, focusing on Universal Design for Learning and Common Core State Standards.
- Fostered a positive and motivational environment to boost team morale and cohesion.
- Worked closely with special education personnel in order to coordinate services for students with disabilities.
- Mentored new or struggling teachers by offering constructive advice about pedagogical approaches.
- Evaluated existing curricula materials for accuracy and relevance to current educational standards.
- Analyzed data from observations, assessments, and other sources to create action plans for improvement.
Education Specialist - M/M Structured Supports
Poway Unified School District
12.2023 - 06.2024
- Monitored student progress and provided feedback to parents, teachers, and other stakeholders.
- Remained calm and patient in student interactions to support individual growth and development.
- Engaged students through activities designed to promote active learning experiences.
- Provided guidance and support for general education staff in understanding the unique needs of special education students.
- Implemented research-based instructional strategies that promote academic success for all learners.
- Attended IEP meetings, parent conferences, and professional development workshops.
Education Specialist - Mod/Severe Needs
Escondido Union School District
12.2019 - 06.2022
- Spearheaded the design and execution of tailored IEPs, addressing unique student needs.
- Pioneered a fully online program to enhance special needs education accessibility.
- Managed comprehensive support for students and staff in the online program.
- Implemented innovative educational strategies, improving student engagement and learning outcomes.
- Boosted the quality of inclusive education, ensuring a positive impact on student development.
- Advised parents on how to provide effective at-home instruction for their children with special needs.
- Incorporated a variety of teaching methods into lessons to meet diverse learning styles.
Education Specialist - Mod/Severe Needs
Oceanside Unified School District
08.2017 - 12.2019
- Led the Mod/Severe team at Oceanside Unified School District, fostering an effective learning environment
- Guided new teachers, improving their pedagogical skills
- Collaborated with parents and staff for student development
- Addressed learning adaptation issues, enhancing student development
- Improved team dynamics, creating a supportive and efficient educational setting
Paraprofessional
Escondido Union School District
08.2016 - 06.2017
- Developed creative learning activities that engage all types of learners.
- Assisted in the implementation of educational programs for special needs children.
- Supervised small groups of students during instruction time.
- Helped implement behavior management strategies for individual students.
Education Specialist
La Mesa/Spring Valley Union School District
01.2016 - 06.2016
- Engaged students through activities designed to promote active learning experiences.
- Provided individualized instruction to students in a variety of settings.
- Created lesson plans based on curriculum standards and objectives.
- Maintained accurate records of student performance and progress data.
- Attended IEP meetings, parent conferences, and professional development workshops.
Paraprofessional
La Mesa/Spring Valley Union School District
12.2010 - 01.2016
- Provided one-on-one instruction to students with Autism Spectrum Disorders in a classroom setting.
- Assisted teachers in managing challenging behaviors associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder while maintaining a safe learning environment.
- Implemented positive reinforcement techniques such as verbal praise or tangible rewards when appropriate.
- Monitored student performance using evidence based practices to identify areas of need or improvement.
- Participated in school wide initiatives designed to promote inclusion of all learners within the school environment.
- Communicated and collaborated well with educators from various grade levels.
- Assisted with implementation of student's individualized IEP at discretion and direction of teachers and administrators.
Education
MBA - Education Digital Learning and Technology
Azusa Pacific University
San Diego, Ca05.2018
Bachelor's Degree - Sociology
San Diego State University
San Diego, Ca05.2014
Skills
- Strategic troubleshooting
- Professional development programs
- Educational technology
- Effective collaboration skills
- Educational coaching
- Evaluation of education policy frameworks
- Assistive technology
- Data interpretation
- Effective team leadership
- Universal design for learning
- Individualized education plan creation
- Concise written communication
- Online teaching
Accomplishments
- PUSD CAC Excellence In Special Education Award
Languages
Spanish
Professional
Timeline
Education Specialist ESN
Escondido Union High School District
06.2025 - Current
Education Specialist - EMPOWER Program
Poway Unified School District
08.2024 - 06.2025
Education Specialist - M/M Structured Supports
Poway Unified School District
12.2023 - 06.2024
TOSA: District SpEd Coach and Assistive Technology Specialist
Escondido Union School District
08.2022 - 12.2024
Education Specialist - Mod/Severe Needs
Escondido Union School District
12.2019 - 06.2022
Education Specialist - Mod/Severe Needs
Oceanside Unified School District
08.2017 - 12.2019
Paraprofessional
Escondido Union School District
08.2016 - 06.2017
Education Specialist
La Mesa/Spring Valley Union School District
01.2016 - 06.2016
Paraprofessional
La Mesa/Spring Valley Union School District
12.2010 - 01.2016
Bachelor's Degree - Sociology
San Diego State University
MBA - Education Digital Learning and Technology
Azusa Pacific University