Tony Cochren
Dayton
Summary
Seasoned Director of Pupil Services with a focus in designing and implementing comprehensive student support services. Background includes working closely with school administration, parents, and community organizations to promote inclusive, safe learning environments. Strengths include robust communication skills, strategic planning abilities, and commitment to enhancing student wellbeing. Previous impact includes successful program development that improved student outcomes and fostered positive school climate.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Pupil Services
Eaton Community Schools
Eaton
07.2024 - Current
- Developed comprehensive student support programs for diverse learner needs.
- Collaborated with teachers to implement individualized education plans effectively.
- Facilitated parent meetings to address student progress and concerns.
- Oversaw compliance with federal and state regulations regarding pupil services.
- Managed special education resources and ensured equitable access for all students.
- Participated in multi-disciplinary teams responsible for determining eligibility criteria for specialized instruction or other support services.
- Reviewed assessment results to determine appropriate interventions or modifications needed for each student's plan.
- Oversaw budgeting activities related to special education programs.
- Ensured compliance with state and federal regulations governing pupil service delivery systems.
Director of Special Education/504 Plan Coordinator
Bethel Local Schools
Tipp City
07.2019 - 06.2024
- Developed special education programs aligned with state and federal regulations.
- Coordinated training sessions for teachers on best practices in special education.
- Monitored compliance with special education laws and district policies.
- Led staff meetings to discuss strategies and share resources for student support.
- Managed budgets for special education resources and initiatives effectively.
- Advocated for students' rights within the school community and local organizations.
- Facilitated collaboration between general education teachers and specialists to provide necessary accommodations for students receiving Special Education services.
- Served as an advocate for students with disabilities in school settings.
- Initiated communication with outside agencies such as mental health providers, hospitals or community based organizations regarding resources available for special education students.
Special Education Director
Performance Academies
Columbus
07.2017 - 06.2019
- Trained staff on best practices in special education support.
- Facilitated communication between families and educational staff.
- Monitored compliance with state and federal special education regulations.
- Led professional development workshops for educators in special education techniques.
- Provided ongoing training to address staff needs.
- Maintained appropriate contacts with district, intermediate units and state special education leaders in continued compliance of special education programs.
- Represented school in state meetings and trainings to implement special education programs.
- Developed policies and procedures related to Special Education services provided by the district or organization.
- Reviewed student files regularly to ensure compliance with legal requirements pertaining to Individualized Education Programs.
Special Educaiton Supervisor
Springfield City Schools
Springfield
11.2009 - 06.2017
- Supervised special education programs across multiple schools in the district.
- Maintained records of progress reports, data collection systems, and other relevant documents related to program implementation.
- Followed procedures outlined for placing students in approved, nonpublic facility placements.
- Created team-based problem solving approaches for addressing issues related to implementing IEPs.
- Developed policies and procedures related to Special Education services provided by the district or organization.
- Coordinated all aspects of a comprehensive transition plan for post-secondary options for high school aged students with disabilities.
- Participated in various committees or task forces that addressed topics related to Special Education programming at local, state, or federal levels.
Special Education Supervisor
Miami County Educational Service Center
Troy
08.2008 - 10.2009
- Supervised ED/MD Programming
- Supervised the Seperate Facility for students with emotional disturbance
- Worked collaboratively with Principals and Administrators in Miami County to meet the needs of students with significant disabilities.
- Served on the administrative team of the Miami County ESC.
- Facilitated communication between parents and educational professionals.
- Evaluated program effectiveness and recommended improvements for services provided.
- Provided guidance on how to access available resources within the community that could benefit students with disabilities or their families.
Education
Superintendent Certification - Administration
University of Dayton
Dayton, OH08-2010
PreK-12 Principals Certification -
Wright State University
Dayton, OH05-2005
M.Ed - Special Education
Miami University
Oxford, Ohio, OH08-2000
Master of Science - Education
Indiana University, Bloomington
Bloomington, Indiana, IN05-1994
Skills
- Compliance management
- Special education program development
- Resources allocation
- Individualized education plans
- Staff training coordination
- Stakeholder collaboration
- Data analysis techniques
- Program evaluation
- Conflict resolution
- Relationship building
- Advocacy skills
- Special education expertise
- Educational staff supervision
- Education Law Compliance
- Behavior management
- Federal, state, and local regulations adherence
- Recruiting and hiring
Affiliations
State Advisory Panel for Exceptional Children (2011-2019)
Timeline
Director of Pupil Services
Eaton Community Schools
07.2024 - Current
Director of Special Education/504 Plan Coordinator
Bethel Local Schools
07.2019 - 06.2024
Special Education Director
Performance Academies
07.2017 - 06.2019
Special Educaiton Supervisor
Springfield City Schools
11.2009 - 06.2017
Special Education Supervisor
Miami County Educational Service Center
08.2008 - 10.2009
Superintendent Certification - Administration
University of Dayton
PreK-12 Principals Certification -
Wright State University
M.Ed - Special Education
Miami University
Master of Science - Education
Indiana University, Bloomington