Traci Smith LaGanke
Jacksonville
Summary
Dedicated Special Education Teacher with experience in developing and implementing individualized education plans. Expertise in addressing diverse learning needs and fostering inclusive classroom environments. Proven success in enhancing student outcomes through tailored teaching strategies and effective collaboration with parents and school staff.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Special Education Resource Teacher
Sumner County Public Schools
Hendersonville
02.2026 - Current
- Delivered direct instruction in reading, writing, and math, fostering skill development and academic growth.
- Collaborated with teachers to develop and implement targeted teaching strategies, enhancing student engagement.
- Conducted assessments to identify student progress and needs, informing tailored support plans.
Special Education Teacher
Duval County Public Schools
Jacksonville
09.2022 - 02.2026
- Developed IEPs & collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to enhance student support services
- Delivered differentiated instruction in math, science, and life skills using multi-sensory and assistive technology strategies
- Implemented evidence-based teaching strategies that led to measurable improvements in student learning outcomes
- Monitored and assessed student progress to tailor instructional adjustments for individual learning needs
- Facilitated parent-teacher conferences to discuss student development and goals
- Coordinated with speech, OT, PT, and BCBA specialists delivering integrated services
Special Education Teacher
North Florida School of Special Education
Jacksonville
07.2021 - 06.2022
- Fostered a supportive and inclusive learning environment for students with intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and behavioral needs in a self-contained classroom.
- Developed individualized education plans for diverse student needs.
- Collaborated with parents and staff to support student learning goals.
- Implemented behavioral management strategies in classroom settings.
Educator (varying roles)
Henrico County Public Schools
Richmond
01.2015 - 01.2020
- Writing/Reading Interventionist, Brookland Middle School
- ESE Functional Integrated Services Instructional Asst, Kaechele Elementary
- Substitute Teacher, all Henrico County Public Schools
Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
Tap Pharmaceuticals
Philadelphia
09.2002 - 01.2006
- Implemented marketing plans with regular physician visits to drive drug sales growth over 10%
- Developed and maintained relationships with healthcare professionals to promote pharmaceutical products
- Conducted product presentations and demonstrations to educate clients on medication benefits and usage
- Coordinated with cross-functional teams to align marketing initiatives and streamline product launches
- Implemented CRM tools to track customer interactions and enhance relationship management efficiency
- Fostered customer loyalty through exceptional follow-up support and timely response to inquiries
Education
Master of Science - Education
University of Tennessee
Knoxville05-2000
Bachelor of Arts -
University of Tennessee
Knoxville08-1998
Skills
- IEP development
- Differentiated instruction
- Student progress monitoring
- Special education knowledge
- Organizational skills
- Multitasking Abilities
- Attention to detail
- Collaborative teamwork
- Interpersonal Communication
- Relationship building
Certification
State of Florida Department of Education Educator Certificate: Elementary Education K-6, Exceptional Education K-12, English for Speakers of Other Languages K-12
Accomplishments
- Florida's Ambassador to National Down Syndrome Society, 01/21 - Present
- Virginia's Ambassador to National Down Syndrome Society, 01/11 - 12/21
- Participant for NDSS Buddy Walk Hill Days in Washington, D.C., 2012
- Wrote and published children's book to benefit National Down Syndrome Society, 2012
- Nominated for NASCAR Betty J. France Humanitarian Award, 2014
- Advocated for bipartisan support, passage and signing of the ABLE Act at federal and state levels, 2014
- Personal Congressional testimony and published in support of the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act, 2014
- Collaborated with US Congress to gain support for the ABLE Act & NIH research, 2014
- Special Olympics Virginia, 01/11 - 12/21
- Active participant in Hill Days & Advocate, Fundraiser & Face of Over the Edge campaign, 2014
- Board Member to Virginia Board for Persons with Disabilities, 01/16 - 12/19, Appointed by the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia
Locations
- Jacksonville, FL
- Nashville, TN
Timeline
Special Education Resource Teacher
Sumner County Public Schools
02.2026 - Current
Special Education Teacher
Duval County Public Schools
09.2022 - 02.2026
Special Education Teacher
North Florida School of Special Education
07.2021 - 06.2022
Educator (varying roles)
Henrico County Public Schools
01.2015 - 01.2020
Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
Tap Pharmaceuticals
09.2002 - 01.2006
Master of Science - Education
University of Tennessee
Bachelor of Arts -
University of Tennessee