Special Education Case Management

Portia Johnson

Rockwall, TX

469-***-**** ****************@*****.*** https://www.linkedin.com/in/portia-phillips-7540a472/

Special Education/Case Management

Educational Leadership / Student Success / Staff Development

Professional Summary:

Dedicated, passionate, and resourceful education professional with proven ability to create and implement effective and engaging lessons, promote a safe learning environment; offering years of achievement in developing productive student-focused environments to maximize learning experiences.

Strong ability to promote positive school culture that encourages continuous improvements and collaboration for teachers and students, and develop open-communication with colleagues, students, parents, and the community.

Dedicated advocate for students in special populations, successful in driving regulatory and standards compliance; mentoring new educators in the creating and implementation of individual education plans, effective first instruction, and student assessment and progress monitoring in conjunction with state learning regulations.

Areas of Expertise:

Student-Centered Instruction

Behavior Interventions

Relationship Building

Parental Communication

Regulatory Compliance

Staff Development

Test Improvement Strategies

Literacy Interventions

Writing Interventions

Career Experience

ARD Facilitator/504 Case Manager / 2022

The primary focus of my role as an ARD Facilitator was to schedule and facilitate all ARD/IEP and 504 meetings. I provided case management services, adhered to state and federal guidelines, maintained open lines of communication with parents, teachers, and service providers, and maintained all state folders.

Program Specialist-Results Driven Accountability-OSES Houston ISD 2021-Current

The focus of my work in the Office of Special Education was analyzing the data as it relates to Results Driven Accountability through a lens of compliance. I served as a special education subject matter expert in the coordination and implementation of compliance and accountability which helps and supports students with disabilities in accordance with district procedures, state, and federal laws. Additionally, I collaborated with special education staff and school personnel responsible for specific functions that supported the implementation of special education, individual education plans, and services.

Adult Basic Education Instructor Houston Community College 2019-2021

In my role as instructor, I established courses following accepted Texas Adult Education and Literacy Content standards, taught students using a variety of effective methodologies and provided engagement and support activities that encouraged adult student learning. I provided quality instruction to adult learners, integrating meaningful classroom activities and valuable experience that facilitated student learning goals and workforce training and employment skills.

Special Education Coordinator 2019-2021 Harmony School of Enrichment

The cornerstone of my administrative role as the Special Education Coordinator was to ensure all parties or members of the ARD committee were fully informed of the law, programming options, the student needs, and evaluation data. After ensuring that the committee members were adequately informed, I facilitate the ARD meetings and worked to develop an IEP for each student based on data and information gathered and developed on an independent case by case basis. I supervised the special education department, through training, professional development, conflict resolution, and assisting in the hiring of qualified individuals. Partnering with the Testing Coordinator and ESL Coordinator to prepare for state testing and monitor the provision of testing accommodations of special education students. Finally, I collaborated with the RTI Committee to properly refer students for special education evaluation for proper early identification in an effort to provide services in a timely manner.

Special Education Resource Teacher 2016 – 2019

Hancock Elementary, Houston, TX

As Special Education teacher and case manager I was responsible for developing and maintaining an effective resource and inclusion program consistent with District, State, and Federal guidelines and the philosophy, policies and goals of the School Board. Convey and implement school and school division special education policies and regulations. Offer a transformative school culture into a result-oriented, inclusive, and collaborative learning community for special education students, para professionals and teachers. Assist in the development of a staff development for teachers and para educators. Coordinate supplies, interventions, and equipment, conduct inventories, and maintain records. Provide intense interventions and small group instruction. Assess, monitor, and address student academic performance. Provide behavior interventions and support to students and teachers. Create and develop supplemental aids and materials. Provide case management services such as parent communication and feedback, create and develop student individual education plans, determine and report student present levels of academic achievement and functional performance. Assisted with information collecting for functional behavioral assessments used to develop and implement behavioral intervention plans.

Selected Accomplishments:

Contributed to the positive school climate by serving as the Behavior intervention Committee chair, resulting in referrals for assessment, minimizing the impact undesired behaviors on the learning environment and increasing the probability that number of desired behaviors would improve.

Served as the Academic Committee Coordinator resulting in the identification and acquisition of Sped. Or 504 services by providing resources and suggestions through Academic Committee and conferring.

Served on the PBIS Committee, resulting in increased positive student behavior and enhanced school climate through the implementation of a student management system.

Ensured accuracy of all inventory, of intervention materials, libraries, and equipment purchased with funds from the special education budget.

Improved leadership skills by engaging in professional development activities and receiving valuable feedback through the district appraisal process and direct feedback from supervisors.

5th Grade Teacher 2015

Felix Cook Elementary, Houston, TX

Developed and administered rigorous and engaging lessons that were aligned with the state standards and TEKs. Followed the general school routine and participated in all 5th grade activities and STAAR camps within the school building. Observed, mentored, and motivated novice teachers toward performances to attain instructional and classroom management goals. Utilized all available school resources, materials, technology, applicable support personnel to achieve a positive, overall student academic performance and experience. Maintained a standard of student behavior designed to expect respect and minimize school and classroom interruptions.

Selected Accomplishments:

Developed data collection and evaluation of student progress for academic measures.

Implemented restorative practices and interventions CHAMPS models to encourage a cooperative and participatory attitude for all students.

Second Grade ELA Teacher 2015

S.S. Connor Elementary, Dallas, TX

Focused instruction on the development of basic reading skills, including phonics, and reading comprehension. Assessed students and monitored students, and I targeted students areas of academic need. curriculum and varied assessments and data analysis. Provided direction and coordination for how the curriculum is taught consistent with District initiatives and recognized best instructional practices. Monitored and sustained the implementation of RtI within my classroom. Through the examination of the standards, instructional blue prints, preplanning common assessments, and progress monitoring I was able to differentiate learning and keep all students engaged.

Selected Accomplishment:

Guided ELA team to develop stronger instructional practices, corrective instruction and activities.

Additional Teaching Experience

1st Grade Teacher 2014 Ruby Young Elementary, Dallas, TX

Observed and evaluated student performance through progress monitoring. Adapted teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' interests. Planned and conducted activities for a balanced literacy program. Provided individualized instruction using various teaching methods such as lectures, discussions, project based learning and demonstrations. Provided communication with parents through written communication, emails, telephone conferences, newsletters and classroom website. Learned strategies and methods to accelerate student learning. Accepted feedback to increase effective teaching and strengthen my efficacy.

Elementary Teacher (Kindergarten) E.L. DeGolyer Elementary, Dallas, TX 2012-2014: Contributed to the Campus Improvement Plan through discussions of curriculum and instruction.Served on the Crisis Management Team. Served as the Professional Development Committee Chair Person. Served as a mentor teacher for Early Childhood teachers.

Elementary Teacher (Pre Kindergarten) George Bush Elementary School, Dallas, TX 2010-2011: Served on the Student Success Team to discuss and review educational and behavior needs of struggling students.

Educational Background

Master of Education in Education in Advanced Literacy Concordia University, Austin, TX

Bachelor of Applied Arts and Science in Human Services/Counseling University of North Texas, Denton, TX

Associates of Arts and Science in Social Work Eastfield Community College, Dallas, TX

Certificates:

Generalist (EC-6)

Special Education (EC-12)

Reading By Design Dyslexia Intervention Program

Professional Experience:

Student Advisory Committee Campus Improvement Committee

Parent Involvement Committee Kidz Kollege Assistant Director

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