Wendy Clifford
Scottsdale,Arizona
Summary
Accomplished Special Education Site Leader with 27 years of experience advancing equity, compliance, and instructional excellence across Mesa Public Schools. Oversee 54 staff, serve 500+ students, and manage 140+ annual transfers while acting as Behavior Strategist, Instructional Coach, DCS Liaison, and Testing Coordinator. Recognized for uniting systems and people through the philosophy of “compliance and connection,” ensuring that students, families, and staff feel both supported and accountable. Guided by Mesa’s Portrait of a Graduate—preparing every student for college, career, and community through purposeful collaboration and inclusive design.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Site Leader
Mesa Public Schools – Westwood High School
08.2017 - Current
- Lead a comprehensive special education program currently serving 460+ students with disabilities
- Supervise and co-supervise 23 instructional assistants and chair a department of 31 certified teachers, aligning practice with IDEA, district policy, and UDL principles.
- Serve as case manager for high-needs and complex IEP cases, coordinating multi-agency supports, functional behavior assessments, and intensive plans.
- Collaborate with parent advocates and attorneys to reach consensus on complex cases, balancing compliance and positive relationships.
- Act as campus Behavior Strategist, coaching staff on tiered interventions and crisis response.
- Manage caseloads and IEPs for teachers on leave, maintaining service continuity and legal timelines.
- Create and manage the master schedule for special education, aligning services with grades 9–11 Professional Learning Teams (PLTs) through collaboration with administration and department chairs.
- Serve as Special Education Testing Coordinator, overseeing all ACT, PSAT, and SAT accommodation requests through the College Board and ACT platforms to ensure equitable college-readiness access.
- Oversee 140+ annual transfer records, ensuring accuracy and timely communication with ADE and district offices.
- Create and adjust schedules for transient and mid-year students, preserving appropriate placements and service minutes.
- Represent Westwood at Best Interest Determination (BID) meetings with DCS, advocating for educational stability for students in care.
- Provide instructional coaching and curriculum support for general and special educators, strengthening lesson design, accommodations, and progress monitoring.
- Connect staff with district-level experts to collaborate on service plans and instructional solutions.
- Lead MDRs and IEPs using structured agendas, maximizing efficiency and ensuring compliance with clarity and professionalism.
- Conduct internal audits and coach teams on data-driven decision making and legal fidelity.
- Provide professional learning on compliance, restorative practices, and evidence-based instruction.
- Coordinate transition planning from junior high through postsecondary programs to ensure continuity and student readiness.
- Collaborate with regional leaders to align service models and caseload distribution.
- Model the “compliance and connection” paradox—upholding rigor while cultivating trust and empathy.
- Led UDL transformation across campus since 2014 and implemented CHAMPS Safe & Civil Schools framework.
- Launched Amazon warehouse job-skills partnership, providing work experience for students and basic-needs support for families.
- Authored the Westwood Special Education Compendium, an electronic resource with UDL strategies, exemplar IEPs, PBIPs, and legal templates.
- Developed feeder-school registration systems, personally leading junior-high visits and reading assessments for incoming students.
- Rolled out restorative practice training, strengthening team communication and student accountability.
- Led site operational strategies and coordinated staff to enhance student learning environment
- Implemented instructional programs aligned with district goals, improving academic performance
- Developed professional development workshops for faculty, fostering continuous improvement in teaching practices
- Established strong relationships with stakeholders, clients, and vendors for seamless communication and collaboration throughout the project lifecycle.
- Evaluated employee performance regularly, providing constructive feedback and identifying opportunities for growth and development.
Special Education Department Chair & Transition Facilitator
Mesa Public Schools – Westwood High School
08.2008 - 05.2017
- Directed department operations and compliance for 25+ teachers.
- Led transition planning and community partnerships for postsecondary readiness.
- Mentored staff in goal writing and work-based learning documentation.
District Transition Coordinator
Mesa Public Schools
05.2007 - 05.2008
- Supported secondary sites in developing transition assessments and career training programs.
EVIT Special Education Liaison
Mesa Public Schools
08.2006 - 05.2007
- Ensured accommodations and IEP alignment for students attending EVIT.
Transition Facilitator & Student Council Advisor
Skyline High School – Mesa Public Schools
08.2000 - 05.2006
- Directed school transition initiatives and served as Career Ladder Coach (2003–2006).
Special Education Teacher – Emotional Disabilities
Skyline High School
08.1999 - 05.2000
Special Education Teacher – Emotional Disabilities
Shepherd Junior High School
08.1997 - 05.1999
Special Education Teacher – Significant & Cognitive Disabilities
Vigo County Schools
08.1994 - 05.1997
Education
M.D. - Special Education (Transition Focus)
University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS01.2014
M.D. - Secondary Education
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ01.2000
B.S. - Special Education
Indiana State University
Terre Haute, IN01.1994
Skills
- Manage staff in a comprehensive special education program
- Campus-wide UDL implementation
- Developed electronic special education resources
- Coordinated community and agency partnerships to expand student employment and family resources
- Known for solution-focused leadership and calm, professional problem-solving
- Professional guidance is an ongoing personal value, reflected through study of Katie Novak, Brené Brown, Stephen Covey, and Simon Sinek, and through podcasts and leadership networks that strengthen instructional and strategic skills
- Special Education Leadership
- Compliance & Legal Expertise
- Testing Accommodations
- Coordination
- Transition Planning
- Restorative Practices
- Behavior Strategy
- Staff Coaching
- Master Scheduling
- UDL Implementation
- Data-Driven Decision Making
- Inter-Agency Collaboration
- Equity-Centered Leadership
Accomplishments
Terre Haute North Supportive Sports Teacher of the year, Skyline teacher of the month, Spirit of Westwood teacher of the month, Westwood Eula B Harris teacher of the year, Student Council Appreciation award
Certification
Intellectual Disabilities, Emotional Disabilities, Learning Disabilities, Secondary Education, SEI Endorsement
Timeline
Special Education Site Leader
Mesa Public Schools – Westwood High School
08.2017 - Current
Special Education Department Chair & Transition Facilitator
Mesa Public Schools – Westwood High School
08.2008 - 05.2017
District Transition Coordinator
Mesa Public Schools
05.2007 - 05.2008
EVIT Special Education Liaison
Mesa Public Schools
08.2006 - 05.2007
Transition Facilitator & Student Council Advisor
Skyline High School – Mesa Public Schools
08.2000 - 05.2006
Special Education Teacher – Emotional Disabilities
Skyline High School
08.1999 - 05.2000
Special Education Teacher – Emotional Disabilities
Shepherd Junior High School
08.1997 - 05.1999
Special Education Teacher – Significant & Cognitive Disabilities
Vigo County Schools
08.1994 - 05.1997
M.D. - Special Education (Transition Focus)
University of Kansas
M.D. - Secondary Education
Northern Arizona University
B.S. - Special Education
Indiana State University