Vicki Markham
Chicago,IL
Summary
Dynamic Early Childhood Special Education Administrator with a proven track record at Chicago Public Schools, excelling in special education policy development and staff coaching. Successfully led citywide initiatives, fostering collaborative partnerships and advocating for impactful education reforms. Committed to enhancing educational outcomes for students with disabilities through innovative program evaluation and strategic advocacy.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Early Childhood Special Education Administrator
Chicago Public Schools
01.2023 - Current
- In this role, I have the privilege of partnering with 56 schools across Chicago's North Side to ensure that our youngest learners with disabilities receive a rigorous, joyful, and equitable educational experience.
- As an Early Childhood Specialized Education Administrator (EC SEA), I led citywide professional learning initiatives, coached staff supporting Pre-K students with IEPs, guided the development of high-quality IEPs, and contributed to thoughtful program and setting decisions.
- I also collaborate across multiple departments to align efforts and drive positive outcomes for early childhood students with disabilities.
- I have also had the privilege of working with fellow educators on guidance for instruction, procedures, and special education policies and programming for SwD, including supporting the launch of new programs.
Early Childhood Educator Policy Fellow
TeachPlus Illinois
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Throughout the fellowship, I participated in expert-led training modules and stakeholder engagements focused on education reform, public policy, op-ed writing, policy brief development, and education research.
- I also organized and facilitated house meetings with over 100 educators across Illinois, conducted in-depth research, and actively advocated for impactful education policy changes.
PreK Intensive Support Teacher
Chicago Public Schools
01.2019 - 01.2023
- In this role, I had the incredible opportunity to lead many students and their families through their first-ever experience at school.
- I wrote and hosted IEP meetings, advocated for data-informed supports for students to promote their outcomes, and instructed students leveraging high-quality curriculum while collaborating with families, SECAs, and clinicians.
- In my time at LaSalle 2, I developed a Parents-as-Partners learning community where staff could provide parents with educational learning opportunities to enhance their support and understanding of all things SpEd.
SpEd Teacher
Chicago Public Schools
01.2019 - 01.2022
- As a SpEd teacher on Saturday Assessment for CATs, I supported evaluations, eligibility determinations, and initial IEP development and communication of the process and next steps with families.
- In this unique and special role, I and a team of educators celebrated the entry point for many students and families into Chicago Public Schools.
Education
Master of Arts - Education Policy & Leadership
American University
DC05-2022
Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Special Education
Loyola University Chicago
Chicago, IL05-2019
Skills
- Special education policy development
- Early childhood policy development
- Program evaluation
- Staff coaching
- Policy advocacy
- Managing multiple projects at once
- Maintaining collaborative partnerships across multiple offices
Certification
- Early Intervention
- Professional Educators License: Early Childhood Special Education & General Education
- Early Childhood
- Wilson Reading System
- Multi-Lingual Learners
- American University Antiracist Administration, Supervision, and Leadership Certification Program
References
- Juman Kekhia, Manager of Instructional Support, Office for Students with Disabilities, CPS, jkekhia@cps.edu
- Dr. Lauren Albani, Principal of LaSalle 2 Elementary School and former employer, CPS, laalbani@cps.edu
- Dana Galati, Principal at Catalpa Early Childhood Center, DDGalati@cps.edu
- Brianna Minando, PreK Intensive Support Teacher, bmminando@cps.edu
Timeline
Early Childhood Special Education Administrator
Chicago Public Schools
01.2023 - Current
Early Childhood Educator Policy Fellow
TeachPlus Illinois
01.2022 - 01.2023
PreK Intensive Support Teacher
Chicago Public Schools
01.2019 - 01.2023
SpEd Teacher
Chicago Public Schools
01.2019 - 01.2022
Master of Arts - Education Policy & Leadership
American University
Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Special Education
Loyola University Chicago
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