Experienced Educational Leader driven to provide a rigorous and nurturing environment that prioritizes student learning and success. Specializes in working with students and families lacking resources, students with special needs and managing difficult/emotional relational conflicts.
Highlights
20 years educational leadership experience
Reliable, dependable with strong sense of integrity and work ethic
Ability to work under pressure, and effectively prioritize and execute tasks
Ability to motivate, develop and direct people
Accomplishments
High School "Transformation" school improvement process
Professional Development Presentations: PA Educator Effectiveness Evaluation System (Danielson); IEP Academy; New Teacher Induction Program; Why Culture Counts-Teaching students in Poverty
Designed/Implemented Alternative Education Program, Dropout Prevention Program, Bus Driver Training-Disability Awareness
Established Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (SEPAC)
Implemented partnership with Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and Goodwill Services Inc. "Project YES" pre-employment training program, grades 9-12
Experience
Director of Special EducationFeb 2006 to Current Corry Area School District － Corry, PA
Direct district K-12 special education, 504 and gifted programs and services; supervise/ evaluate special education staff; communicate effectively with all stakeholders; maintain compliance federal laws and regulations governing the delivery of special education services; oversee special education budget, medical access billing; promote parent involvement, coordinate parent workshops; direct K-12 transition activities; establish student transition pre-employment training partnerships; coordinate Child Find and enrollment activities; facilitate solution-based dispute resolution process; collaborate with principals regarding discipline, promote positive behavior support efforts and related services; coordinate with outside agencies to ensure continuum of service and access to resources; coordinate professional development activities to meet staff, administration, and parent needs.
Middle School PrincipalFeb 1998 to Feb 2006 Corry Area Middle High School － Corry, PA
Special education liaison 7-12; coordinator of secondary curriculum, budget, professional development, managed operational, educational, and personnel policies, assisted and guided all educational activities, reviewed lesson plans, held pre/post observation conferences; maintained student intervention/discipline; oversaw 7-12 student enrollment; lead joint staff/departmental meetings supervised/evaluated Level I instructors 7-12 , facilitated building level teams, LEA for IEP's , coordinated student summer programs; assessment coordinator; oversaw secondary data analysis teams; facilitated school activities such as: faculty meetings, open house, commencement ceremonies, parent/teacher conferences, chaperone student activities; participated in professional learning communities; performed student home visits; managed interaction with students, parents and school board, and community partners.
Emotional Support TeacherAug 1990 to Jun 1991 Corry Middle-High School － Corry, PA
Coordinated/facilitated all special education instruction and support services for students with emotional disturbance/social disabilities, grades 7-12. Facilitated IEP and reevaluation process. Provided pro-social skills training, transition services and supports, facilitated field trips, student art shows, and parent conferences.
Education
Superintendent2006Edinboro University of PA
Secondary Principal1998Edinboro University of PA
Master of Arts, Special Education1990Edinboro University of PA
Bachelor of Arts, Art Education1988Edinboro University of PA
Skills
Proficient computer operations Google Docs, Slides, Sheets; Microsoft Office Suite; email, internet applications; Student Information System Software (Sapphire)
Strong ability to gather, analyze, and interpret student data to make sound educational decisions
Demonstrate flexibility with regard to decision-making, daily challenges, and job duties
Strong sense of integrity with "team player" attitude
Ability to work in diverse educational communities and understand community and student demographics
Ability to defuse difficult or emotional situations with students, staff, parents and community members
Ability to coach teachers to improve their instructional planning, instructional practices and classroom culture
