Zane Samarasinghe
Anaheim,CA
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Education Specialist
Rowland Unified School District
Rowland Heights, California
08.2025 - Current
- Collaborated with teachers to enhance instructional strategies and student engagement.
- Developed educational programs aligned with district curriculum standards.
- Conducted workshops for educators on best practices and teaching techniques.
- Analyzed student performance data to identify areas for improvement.
- Facilitated communication between parents and school staff regarding student progress.
- Provided individualized instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners.
- Assisted teachers in the implementation of Individual Education Plans.
- Conducted assessments to determine appropriate instructional strategies for each student.
- Attended IEP meetings, parent conferences, and professional development workshops.
- Assisted teachers in developing behavior management plans for students exhibiting challenging behaviors.
- Incorporated a variety of teaching methods into lessons to meet diverse learning styles.
- Utilized technology-based resources such as online simulations and adaptive software to enhance student learning outcomes.
- Maintained accurate records of student performance and progress data.
- Collaborated with school administrators, counselors, and other professionals to ensure best practices were being followed.
Education Specialist
Menlo Park City School District
Menlo Park, California
07.2023 - 07.2025
- Provided individualized instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners.
- Observed teachers to assist with planning and classroom instruction methodologies.
- Participated in workshops, trainings, and conferences to improve educational skills.
- Built and strengthened positive relationships with students, parents, and teaching staff.
- Attended IEP meetings, parent conferences, and professional development workshops.
- Collaborated with service providers, general education teachers, and administrators to ensure progress on students' goals.
- Collaborated with supervisors to examine effectiveness of program and instruction. Met with parents to discuss students' progress and review areas requiring improvement.
- Recruited, trained, and evaluated paraprofessionals; directed professional development activities.
- Incorporated a variety of teaching methods into lessons to meet diverse learning styles.
- Educated parents and caregivers to drive cooperation, learning achievement, performance and classroom behavior.
- Met with administrators and department team members to work on curriculum planning and assessment methods.
- Maintained accurate records of student performance and progress data.
- Created lesson plans and chose supporting materials to promote positive learning experiences.
PARAEDUCATOR
MENLO PARK CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
06.2021 - 07.2023
- Assists in the instruction of students with social emotional, educational, physical and/or behavioral needs
- Supports multiple ed specialists with case management by providing individual academic assistance to students in order to address their IEP goals that are aligned with Common Core standards
- Records data on IEP goals
- Facilitates peer social interactions
- Collaborates with school psychologist, behavior specialist, speech language pathologist, occupational therapist, and other related service providers
- Implements Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs)
- Modifies curriculum and activities in general education settings to create accessible curriculum for students in their Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)
- Supports students across settings (Learning Centers, Resource, General Education)
- Develops videos for students and staff that supports neurodiversity, recognizes ableism, and reinforces inclusive practices in the gen ed classroom
- Designs and teaches mini-lessons on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to promote empathy and inclusion amongst all peers in the classroom
- Uses crisis management strategies when necessary
RECREATION LEADER
CAMPBELL UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT
08.2018 - 01.2021
- Supervised classroom of 12-25 students ranging in age from 5-11
- Fostered a safe and productive learning environment
- Created and adapted lesson plans targeting SEL, theme days, and STEAM
- Maintained classroom management with positive reinforcement
- Supervised unstructured play for all students with assistance from other adults
- Planed and conducted outdoor activities/games, both small- and large-group
- Collaborated with other recreation leaders to create arts/crafts and activities for students
- Communicated consistently with parents to strengthen student relationships
INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT II
PUENTE HILLS SELPA
02.2017 - 06.2018
- Provided behavior and academic support to the special education classroom teacher
- Assisted students in special education program classes who have a variety of physical handicaps, learning disabilities, emotional or behavioral differences
- Instructed students who were Deaf or Hard of Hearing (mild to profound hearing loss) on a one-to-one or small group basis under the guidance of the teacher
- Assisted students during mainstreaming opportunities
- Maintained student discipline by implementing behavior management strategies
- Maintained records and student data
- Assisted with personal care of students – feeding, diapering, and toileting
- Supervised playground and lunch times
Education
Master of Arts - Special Education
San Jose State University
San Jose, CA05-2023
Bachelor of Arts - Child Development, Teacher Prep
San Jose State University
San Jose, CA05-2021
AA - INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES
FULLERTON COLLEGE
06-2018
Skills
- Calm and Patient Demeanor
- Commitment to reliability and attendance
- Relationship Building
- Teacher Support and Collaboration
- Helping Students with Special Needs
- Verbal and Written Communication
- Organization and Prioritization
- Delivering ELA and Math services
- Small Group and Individual Assistance
- Creating a Safe Learning Environment
- Effective Communication
- Lesson Planning and Preparation
Mission Statement
Seeking a challenging and key position within the field of education of students with learning differences where my abilities, experience, and enthusiasm can be effectively utilized. Ideally seeking a position that provides an atmosphere conducive to professional growth and development.
Certifications
- Handle with Care training, 2022
- Handwriting Without Tears training, 2022
- How to Support Twice Exceptional Learners training, 2022
Timeline
Education Specialist
Rowland Unified School District
08.2025 - Current
Education Specialist
Menlo Park City School District
07.2023 - 07.2025
PARAEDUCATOR
MENLO PARK CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
06.2021 - 07.2023
RECREATION LEADER
CAMPBELL UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT
08.2018 - 01.2021
INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT II
PUENTE HILLS SELPA
02.2017 - 06.2018
Master of Arts - Special Education
San Jose State University
Bachelor of Arts - Child Development, Teacher Prep
San Jose State University
AA - INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES
FULLERTON COLLEGE