Wendy Shepard-Bannish
Suffield,CT
Summary
Dynamic and experienced Director of Student Support Services with over 12 years of expertise in creating and implementing comprehensive student support programs. Proven track record of enhancing student success, fostering positive learning environments, and collaborating with stakeholders to achieve organizational goals. Seeking to leverage leadership skills and extensive background to drive excellence in student support services.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Student Support Services
Bloomfield Public Schools
01.2012 - Current
- Programming development and supervision for IDEA and ADA
- Established partnerships with local organizations to provide additional resources and opportunities for students.
- Kept school in full compliance with established policies, legal requirements and student safety standards.
- Managed budgets and resources for educational programs.
- Managed crisis response protocols by collaborating with campus safety and emergency response teams, ensuring timely assistance for students in distress.
- Developed comprehensive mental health services for improved student well-being and academic success.
- Monitored and evaluated educational programs to maintain high-quality performance objectives and standards.
- Prepared school budget and submitted to school board with recommendations for hiring, capital expenditures, and cost-saving initiatives.
- Championed diversity and inclusion initiatives within department, resulting in increased representation of underrepresented groups among staff and enhanced cultural competency across all programs.
- Developed data-driven approaches to evaluate program effectiveness, leading to continuous improvement efforts in service delivery.
- Established comprehensive tutoring program to provide academic support across multiple subject areas, leading to improved student success rates.
- Created welcoming and inclusive environment for all students, fostering sense of belonging and community.
- Performed classroom evaluations to assess teacher strategies and effectiveness.
- Maintained school focus on learning by enforcing rules related to academics, student discipline and class attendance.
- Increased graduation rates through early identification and intensive support of struggling students.
District COVID-19 Liaison
Bloomfield Public Schools
01.2020 - Current
- Collaborated with district administrators, health officials, and community stakeholders to develop and implement comprehensive COVID-19 mitigation strategies.
- Provided guidance and training to school staff on health protocols, including mask-wearing, social distancing, and sanitation measures.
- Conducted regular inspections of school facilities to ensure compliance with health and safety guidelines.
- Acted as liaison between school district and local health departments, communicating updates and addressing concerns promptly.
- Coordinated contact tracing efforts and facilitated communication with affected individuals and families.
Teacher Evaluation Coordinator- Elementary
Bloomfield Public Schools
01.2012 - Current
- Develop and oversee implementation of teacher evaluation procedures in accordance with district policies and state regulations.
- Coordinate training sessions for administrators and evaluators to ensure consistency and fairness in evaluation process.
- Serve as primary point of contact for teachers and administrators regarding evaluation-related inquiries and concerns.
- Collect and analyze evaluation data to identify trends, areas for improvement, and best practices.
- Collaborate with instructional leaders to align evaluation criteria with professional development goals and instructional standards.
- Conduct regular evaluations of evaluator performance to maintain quality and integrity in evaluation process.
- Stay informed about changes in education policy and evaluation frameworks to ensure compliance and effectiveness.
- Facilitate calibration sessions to ensure evaluators are applying standards and rubrics consistently.
- Provide feedback and support to teachers based on evaluation results to promote professional growth and development.
- Maintain accurate records and documentation related to teacher evaluations for compliance and reporting purposes.
Special Education Department Chair
Bloomfield High School
01.2007 - Current
- Lead and supervise special education department, providing guidance and support to special education teachers and staff.
- Develop and implement policies, procedures, and programs to ensure effective delivery of special education services in alignment with state and federal regulations.
- Collaborate with administrators, teachers, parents, and other stakeholders to develop individualized education plans (IEPs) for students with disabilities.
- Coordinate and facilitate team meetings to review student progress, discuss interventions, and make recommendations for instructional and behavioral support.
- Serve as resource for special education teachers in implementing evidence-based practices and accommodations to meet diverse needs of students with disabilities.
- Oversee evaluation and assessment process for students referred for special education services, ensuring compliance with evaluation timelines and procedures.
- Monitor and evaluate effectiveness of special education programs and services through data analysis and stakeholder feedback.
- Provide professional development opportunities for special education staff to enhance their knowledge and skills in supporting students with disabilities.
- Collaborate with general education teachers to promote inclusive practices and create supportive learning environment for all students.
- Represent special education department in meetings, committees, and other forums to advocate for needs of students with disabilities and ensure their equitable access to educational opportunities.
Special Education Teacher
Bloomfield Public Schools
11.2004 - Current
- Grades 9-12
- Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Designed individual education plans to encourage student growth according to different learning abilities and needs.
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Promoted positive learning environment through use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
- Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
- Streamlined classroom processes by integrating technology tools such as interactive whiteboards and assistive devices designed for students with disabilities.
Education
Certificate of Advanced Graduate Standing -
American International College
Springfield, MA12.2012
Clinical Masters of Education -
Westfield State College
Westfield, MA05.2002
Provisional Certification - Special Needs -
Westfield State College
Westfield, MA10.1996
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology -
University of Massachusetts
Amherst, MA05.1995
Associate in Arts - Liberal Arts/Theater -
Holyoke Community College
Holyoke, MA05.1993
Skills
- Supervision and leadership
- Analytical and Critical Thinking
- Decision-Making
- Multitasking
- Relationship Building
- Social Perceptiveness
- Written Communication
- Networking
- Data Management
Accomplishments
Recognized as the Bloomfield Administration Association's Administrator of the Year for the 2020-2021 academic year, highlighting exceptional leadership and strategic decision-making amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Certification
- Administration and Supervision, (092)
- Comprehensive Special Education, Grades K-12 (165)
Leadership Experience
- Director of Student Support Services, 2012, present, Programming Development for IDEA and ADA, Department Budget Development, Supervision/Evaluation 130 staff, Compliance/Data Reporting, District Leadership Team, Administrator for Alternative Programs, District Homeless Liaison, District Keeper of Records, District Medical Supervisor, Professional Development
- District COVID-19 Liaison, 2020, 2023
- Teacher Evaluation Coordinator- Elementary, 2012, 2013
Timeline
District COVID-19 Liaison
Bloomfield Public Schools
01.2020 - Current
Director of Student Support Services
Bloomfield Public Schools
01.2012 - Current
Teacher Evaluation Coordinator- Elementary
Bloomfield Public Schools
01.2012 - Current
Special Education Department Chair
Bloomfield High School
01.2007 - Current
Special Education Teacher
Bloomfield Public Schools
11.2004 - Current
Certificate of Advanced Graduate Standing -
American International College
Clinical Masters of Education -
Westfield State College
Provisional Certification - Special Needs -
Westfield State College
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology -
University of Massachusetts
Associate in Arts - Liberal Arts/Theater -
Holyoke Community College
- Administration and Supervision, (092)
- Comprehensive Special Education, Grades K-12 (165)
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