Special Education Academic Program
Resume:
Vicki Ahern
Davie, FL *****
*************@***.***
Authorized to work in the US for any employer
Work Experience
ESE Specialist and 504 Liaison
Amer.-Hollywood, FL
July 2024 to Present
• The ESE Specialist and 504 Liaison is responsible for implementing and ensuring compliance to established policies, procedures and/or regulations, and addressing other duties and processes required to maintain the schools program of services
• Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: providing student interventions and modifications to the academic program as needed; managing the schools ESE programs and services including students with IEPs, and 504s; developing related goals, objectives and recommending policies; planning, implementing and working with staff in evaluating the special education programs and services; acting as a liaison with other district staff, serving as a resource of information regarding the ESE programs and services; and ensuring that procedures are appropriate in relation to policies required by state and federal regulatory requirements
• The ESE Specialist/504 Liaison works alongside the instructional team in order to meet the needs of the school and for the school to remain compliant by providing consultative and collaborative expert services in support of the instructional program
• The specialist/liaison provides training coaching, guidance and assistance to educational staff and agencies regarding best practices in assessment, instructional methodologies and curriculum for special education students with a variety of disabilities
• Lead and manage student study team to develop interventions to support students academically and socially;
• Case manage all students education plans and all section 504 plans;
• Assist Principal with resolving issues regarding staff / parents/ students in exceptional Student Support Service programs;
• Monitor quality of Individual Educational Plans (IEP) and 504 Plans.
• Provide consultation for staffing and placement of exceptional students;
• Overseeing the program to ensure that all students receive the appropriate educational service in compliance with the school board county and department of education;
• Communicating regularly with School Board personnel, students and their families regarding IEP goals, accommodations;
• Process and follow up on in-coming calls including those of prospective individuals and / or other community agencies and referrals;
• Coordinate the continual evaluation of the quality of ESE program;
• Prepare all required report and maintain appropriate records;
• Serves as the principals designee for all Exceptional Student Education (ESE) staff in accordance with the annual Local Education Agency (LEA) Memo
• Coordinate and conduct all required ESE Meetings in accordance with the sponsoring districts approved policies and expectations
• Maintain and secure all ESE program records as required by the sponsoring district and as determined by the School Principal
• Coordinate the provision of services per the students learning needs and as identified in the students IEP/EP or 504 Plan
• Progress monitor all ESE students and assist in the identification and implementation of all instructional interventions as needed, to ensure that students are on target to meet their IEP or EP goals
• Ensure that all student learning plans adhere to the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) and Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) guidelines as specified in IDEA regulations and state guidelines
• Ensure that all initial referrals for ESE services are completed within the required timeline and reporting periods as required by the sponsoring district
• Collaborate with regular education personnel on the Multi-tiered System of Support - Response to Intervention/Comprehensive Student Services initiatives
• Provide school leadership team regularly with the following: reports on issues regarding ESE services, progress monitoring data, and compliance data
• Collaborate with school personnel (e.g., administration, regular education teachers, special education coordinators or teachers etc.) on ESE service models (i.e., monitoring; collaboration or consultation; co- teaching or team teaching; facilitated instruction; resource room; direct instruction.)
• Correct compliance errors identified internally (within the school) and externally, in accordance with federal, state and local laws, rules, policies and procedures
• Coordinate progress monitoring of ESE students and provide appropriate modifications as needed
• Communicate effectively and regularly with parents, colleagues and the ESE Director of Specialized Student Services on IDEA, FAPE, LRE, and IEP testing, reporting and compliance successes and challenges at assigned school(s)
• Utilize the districts approved electronic management system to generate ESE documents and upload all ESE related documents as required by the sponsoring district
• Participate in district and in-house training programs offered to enhance the individual skills and proficiency related to the job responsibilities
• Utilize facilitative behaviors consistent with the Facilitated IEP/EP or 504 training provided by the District in order to conduct efficient and productive IEP/EP or 504 meetings, in which all participants feel valued and heard
• Provide explanations to parent(s) of the Procedural Safeguards as well as the availability of resources within the District to meet the unique needs if the student
• When developing IEPs or 504 Plans, seek and utilize input from instructional and relevant supporting staff and ensure parents receive draft IEPs for all annual reviews
• Attend all in-house and district ESE Compliance Meetings or achievement related meetings as scheduled by the sponsoring district or the school site
• Maintain accurate and current inventory on instructional and curricular resources and materials
• Replenish inventory as needed
• Contribute to a culture of professionalism among team members;
• Coordinating various activities with agencies providing services to students with disabilities;
• Maintaining Accurate records and files, and prepare documents and reports
• Helps others to secure resources and provides guidance in decision making and problem solving;
• Maintains accurate records across multiple sites;
• Plans and organizes for a schedule that requires flexibility and structure to serve students at multiple sites
• Establishes appropriate and supportive relationships with students, parents and staff Sunday School Teacher and Language Tutor
Temple Bat Yam-Fort Lauderdale, FL
September 2021 to Present
Create and implement hands-on, interactive, and engaging lessons. Use core curriculum to teach history, current events, culture, holidays, traditions, social justice, biblical stories, and the geography of Israel. Work with students 1-1 on becoming proficient in reading, writing, and speaking Hebrew. Work with students on various chants and prayers to prepare them for their haftorah bar/bat mitzvah. ESE Specialist and Department Chair
Broward County Public Schools-Davie, FL
August 2023 to June 2024
Serve as the principal’s designee for all exceptional student education (ESE) staff in accordance with the annual Local Education Agency (LEA) Memo. Administration and the ESE Specialists are required to submit a signed agreement annually.
• Highest IEP Caseload in the entire County compared to 332 BCPS and 88 Charter Schools
• Achieved 100% FTE Compliance Only 1/4 High Schools out of 40 in the Entire County
• Coordinate required ESE meetings.
• Provide information to school-based personnel on a variety of topics to include updating staff on policy changes. Assist regular education teachers of students with disabilities to implement the Individual Education Plan (IEP) and monitor progress of IEP goals.
• Assist staffing committee members in developing appropriate IEPs and ensure parents receive draft IEPs for all annual reviews.
• Meet with ESE curriculum supervisors monthly with regard to curricula, related services and program delivery systems for students
with disabilities.
• Provide explanations to parent(s) of the Procedural Safeguards as well as the availability of resources within the District to meet the
unique needs of the student.
• Utilize facilitative behaviors consistent with the Facilitated IEP training provided by the District in order to conduct efficient and
productive IEP meetings, in which all participants feel valued and heard.
• Assist in identifying, reporting and correcting IDEA compliance concerns identified internally.
• Shall report all compliance concerns directly to the school-based leadership.
• Correct compliance errors identified internally (within the school) and externally, in accordance with federal, state and local laws, rules, policies and procedures.
• Communicate effectively with parents, colleagues and other stakeholders to ensure that IEPs for students with disabilities are
implemented with fidelity.
• Utilize the electronic management system to generate IEP documents.
• Perform and promote all activities in compliance with the equal employment and non-discrimination policies of The School Board of
• Participate in training programs offered to enhance the individual skills and proficiency related to job responsibilities.
• Review current developments, literature and technical sources of information related to job responsibilities.
• Ensure adherence to safety rules and procedures.
• Follow federal and state, as well as School Board policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor or designee. ELA Teacher 6th-7th and Civics 7th
CHAMPIONSHIP ACADEMY OF DISTINCTION OF DISTINCTION AT HOLLYWOOD-FL August 2022 to August 2023
Create lesson plans, prepare students for FAST and EOC; work with 81% title 1 students and 51% ELL. Ensure all lessons are translated and students are accommodated under ELL/IDEA/Section 504/EP.
• Create instructional resources for use in the classroom; Plan, prepare and deliver instructional activities; Create positive educational climate for students to learn in.
• Meet course and school-wide student performance goals; Participate in ongoing training sessions; Create lesson plans and modify accordingly throughout the year.
• Maintain grade books; Grade papers and perform other administrative duties as needed; Read and stay abreast of current topics in education.
• Create lesson plans; Utilize various curriculum resources; Integrate competencies, goals, and objectives into lesson plans; Utilize curricula that reflect the diverse educational, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds of the students served.
• Develop incentives to keep participants in class; Work with program coordinators to ensure initiatives are being met; Tutor students on an individual basis; Establish and communicate clear objectives for all learning activities; Prepare and distribute required reports; Observe and evaluate student's performance; Manage student behavior in the classroom by invoking approved disciplinary procedures. Social Science Teacher 6-12
Academica-Miami, FL
January 2022 to July 2022
• 70% of Civics students received a passing grade on 2022 EOC/FSA, 39% earned a score of 4 or 5. Achieved this goal in three months, as compared to BSA scores upon just joining team, 0% had passed. Beat out 2021' Civics EOC by 21 points, {49%.}
• Instructed students on global, national, and social issues. Taught students geographical, historical, cultural, and political factors that influence the development of world regions. Lectured on the operation of political and economic systems. Taught eight classes including Civics, Us History, AP Human Geography, American Government and Economics using core curriculum and other appropriate learning activities approved by the Board of Education.
• Created instructional resources for use in the classroom; Plan, prepare and deliver instructional activities; Created positive educational climate for students to learn in.
• Met course and school-wide student performance goals; Participated in ongoing training sessions; Created lesson plans from scratch and modified accordingly throughout the year.
• Maintained grade books; Graded papers and performed other administrative duties as needed; Read and stayed abreast of current topics in education.
• Utilized various curriculum resources; Integrated competencies, goals, and objectives into lesson plans; Utilized curricula that reflected the diverse educational, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds of the students served.
• Developed incentives to keep participants in class; Worked with program coordinators to ensure initiatives were met; Tutored students on an individual basis and in small group settings; Established and communicated clear objectives for all learning activities; Prepared and distributed required reports; Observed and evaluated student's performance; Managed student behaviors in the classroom by invoking approved disciplinary procedures.
8th Grade Critical Thinking Skills Teacher
Charter Schools USA-Fort Lauderdale, FL
August 2020 to January 2022
Synthesize lesson plans for each class. Use social-emotional curriculum to teach self awareness, self perception, empathy, and the ability to make good choices using critical thinking skills. Prepare students for the rigors of high school through career planning. Set up pull in small group and one-on-one in ELA, and Mathematics to support bottom quartile. Use Scaffolding and cooperative learning strategies to both enrich and remediate while engaging all students at all levels, and foster an equatable learning environment. Work with students on developing organizational skills. Have weekly staff meetings with the 8th grade team and assist with planning and strategies to use within the classroom. Procured grants for additional funding opportunities: 2020-Innovative Education Grant- Broward Education Foundation 2021-Disseminator Grant- Broward Education Foundation 2021- Adapter Grant
ELA-Summer School Teacher Grade 6- Bridge Program
Charter Schools USA-Fort Lauderdale, FL
June 2021 to July 2021
Provided F2F instruction in ELA to incoming 6th graders who scored below the 40th percentile on both FSA and NWEA. Provided supports using RTI level 2 and 3 to bridge learning gaps and support academic success for the upcoming school year.
Saturday School FSA Prep ELA, 3rd Grade Teacher
Charter School USA-Fort Lauderdale, FL
January 2021 to May 2021
Provided virtual education using RTI instruction in a small group setting. Utilized various learning strategies to strengthen word decoding, reading fluency, comprehension skills, increase vocabulary, syntax, and writing skills.
Title 1 ESOL/ESE Co-Teacher K-2 and Summer School ELA Teacher 1st Grade Charter Schools USA-Fort Lauderdale, FL
April 2020 to August 2020
Provided virtual learning opportunities using Pull-in groups of 1-5 students at a time for grades kindergarten through 2nd. Progress was tracking was ongoing using both formative and norm referenced measures. The following skills measured:
English proficiency, fluency, vocabulary,and reading comprehension. Scaffolding lessons ensured all levels needs were being reached. Strategies, schema activation, word study/knowledge, decoding and phonics practice, writing in response to the text and various comprehension strategies throughout. Attended IEP meetings, and provided data using RTI. During summer school, taught ELA to incoming 1st graders to strengthen aforementioned skills by providing intensive support and bridging educational learning gaps, while ensuring learning gains for upcoming school year. This was particularly critical during the height of covid 19 pandemic.
Substitute Teacher
Broward County Public Schools/Kelly Services-Fort Lauderdale, FL November 2019 to August 2020
Covered classes for teachers during their absence. I implemented the lesson plans left for me by the teachers for their classes. I taught grades pre-k 3 through 12th at over 20+ schools, with the majority being title 1 and alternative schools. Received favorable recommendation by BCPS and was invited to renew credentials by BCPS for 2021-2022 year.
Sales Administrative Assistant and Customer Service Tropic Ocean Airways-Fort Lauderdale, FL
July 2018 to March 2020
Laid off due to Covid-19
Placed modified, and cancelled reservations. Assisted sales agents as needed. Synthesized daily reports. Sent out pre-flights, contacted guests. Arranged for car service. Reached out to resorts, travel agents, and concierge to create "Fly and Stay" packages and discounts. Trained new employees on "Take Flight" and "Sales Force." Notified guests when there were flights delays, or cancellations. Booked hotel rooms for guests.
Customer Service Representative
Delta Airlines-Miami, FL
January 2015 to March 2020
Laid off Due to Covid-19
Assisted passengers in ticketing, checking in and dropping off bags, made changes to existing reservations, provided all gate agent duties to ensure plane left on time. Passengers were assigned seats and seated in their respective seats, worked with Aero Mexico and assisted Spanish speaking passengers, while ensuring FAA guidelines and compliance. Checked documents were accurate and in order under OFAC for passengers traveling to Cuba
• Appointed by Delta Corporate- to ABLE disabilities Board of Directors-voting member Board of Directors-For the State of Florida Disabilities Cradle-Grave Florida Independent Living Council-Appointed by Rick Scott (Former Governor)-Tallahassee, FL August 2012 to June 2015
• Developed, implemented, and monitored the State Plan for Independent Living, a three-year strategic plan for Florida to work towards goals of greater access, inclusion and independence; coordinated activities with other entities that provided services similar or complementary to Independent Living Services; assisted in developing the network of Centers for Independent Living; conducted regular meetings of the Council that are open to the public.
• Served as a liaison on (FAAST) Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology.
• Appointed to Whitehouse Sub-Committee on Civil Rights and Education Child Advocate-Consultant
Advocacy Counts-Parkland, FL
April 2009 to January 2015
Screened incoming calls, set up appointments with clients, arranged all travel plans, and maintained all office files both via computer as well in person which contained confidential client information. Explained entire menu of services offered at firm to prospective clients, composed letters of correspondence to clients, attended IFSP's, IEP's & 504 Plans, researched case law, Maintained client list as well as all pertinent information within the firm. Handled, read, received & distributed all mail. Attended both local
& state meetings/conferences as it pertained to disability awareness, & education. Presented & set up exhibitor booths with educational materials. Researched legislative issues Bureau of Exceptional Student Education & Student Services Florida Department of Education-Tallahassee, FL
December 2006 to January 2015
Special Education Mediator/Contractor 12/2006-Present Facilitated Dispute Resolution between Parents & School Districts. Explained mediation process to all parties in attendance. De-escalated & resolved disputes, while working toward equitable agreements between both parties. Synthesized formal written agreements & had each party sign. Provided copies to each party & Bureau. Provided written evaluation of each mediation to the bureau. Partners in Policy Making Graduate
Florida Developmental Disabilities Council-Tallahassee, FL June 2012 to March 2013
A leadership training program that prepares adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, family members who have decision-making responsibility for their family member with intellectual and developmental disabilities (e.g., parent, sibling, grandparent), and legal guardians of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities to be effective advocates at the local, state, and federal levels. PIP teaches leadership skills and techniques to develop positive partnerships with elected officials, school personnel and other individuals who make policy decisions about services that you and/or your family use. Team Leader- Grant Youth Links- Transition from School Achievement & Rehabilitative Center of Broward-Sunrise, FL January 2004 to June 2005
01/2004-06/2005
Team Leader- Grant Youth Links- Transition from School to Community throughout Broward County for Students with special needs under I.D.E.A. or Section 504 between 14- Supervised, Interviewed, Trained, Hired & Fired Employees, researched needs of clients served-modified grant as necessary, fostered partnerships with inter-agencies, facilitated intakes, case closures & reviews, maintained 20+ caseload, conducted employee reviews, met with grant monitors on a quarterly basis, facilitated presentations for students & their families, developed curriculum, test & measurements criteria in order to establish baseline. Generated, monthly, quarterly, & annual reports to V.P., billed funding agencies, responded to all phone calls & e-mails, utilized outlook & excel. Advised C.E.O & V.P. of client's needs as it pertained to grant modifications & other possible funding sources. O.S.E.P.-PEN Trainer PTI-Regional Area Training Coordinator Family Network On Disabilities Of Florida-Clearwater, FL November 2001 to January 2004
Educated Families on their rights under IDEA, Section 504 & ADA. Created, Facilitated, & Directed annual regional conference, Collaborated & partnered with inter-agencies. Applied for available mini grants as additional funding source. Synthesized & distributed quarterly newsletter using computer program, presented at regional conferences throughout state, attended Part C & Part B. IDEA Meetings, 504 Plans,
& Manifestation Hearings Education
Education
Doctorate in Educational Leadership
Liberty University - Lynchburg, VA
October 2024 to Present
Master's in Alternative Dispute Resolution
Touro University California -Summa Cum Laude-Valedictorian Candidate - Los Alamitos, CA March 2018 to April 2020
B.S. in Psychology
Nova Southeastern University
February 1992 to August 1993
A.A. in Pre-Law
Broward Community College-Davie - Davie, FL
January 1989 to December 1990
Honors Regents Diploma
Oceanside High School - Oceanside, NY
September 1985 to June 1988
Bachelor of Arts
Skills
• Teaching
• Classroom experience
• Curriculum development
• Special education
• Early childhood education
Awards
Making a Difference-Plaque
June 2023
Partnered with Representative Marie Woodson and Farm Share to set up a food distribution site at Championship Academy of Distinction in Hollywood on a monthly basis to serve 500+ families within the community to combat food insecurity..
The program has been so successful, that Apollo Middle School mirrored our program and we now alternate different weeks each month to serve more families each month. Rookie of The Year
October 2002
Best new employee of 2002
Advocate of The Year -Plaque
October 2004
Broward County Board of County Commisssioners
Grants Awarded
June 2023
• 2024 Broward Education Foundation Adapter Grant-Making Graphic Novels Graphic
• 2023-Broward Education Foundation-Disseminator Co-Author- Dungeons and Dragons (Adapting it to Increase Reading Comprehension)
• 2023-Broward Education Foundation-Adapter Grant-"Star Books"- Set up a library with 319 brand new books, and 322 donated.
• 2022-Broward Education Foundation-Adapter Grant-"Chalk It Out"
• 2022- Broward Education Foundation-Disseminator Grant-Empathy in Action-"It's a Beautiful Day in The Neighborhood."
• 2021-Broward Education Foundation-Innovative Grant-Diversity and Equity
• 2011-Parent Training and Information Grant- South Florida and Central Region
• 2003-Children's Services Council of Martin County- Conference-Child Care
• 2002-Children Services Council of Palm Beach-Conference-Child Care, and Supplies Teacher of The Month-Championship Academy of Distinction September 2022
Certifications and Licenses
Special Education Mediator
December 2006 to Present
Federally Certified in Special Education Mediation-Justice Center of Atlanta, Georgia Additional endorsement-Early Steps through Department of Health Florida Teacher Professional License ESE-K-12
July 2022 to June 2027
Florida Teacher Licence Health K-12
July 2022 to June 2027
Certification- Temporary- Guidance and Counseling K-12 May 2020 to June 2023
ESOL Endorsement- License
July 2022 to June 2027
Temporary Certification-Social Science/Studies 5-12 February 2022 to June 2023
Professional Educator License
Florida Civics Seal of Excellence
September 2023 to Present
Revised 2023-24 civics and government standards.
Teaching Certification
Assessments
Verbal communication — Proficient
April 2024
Speaking clearly, correctly, and concisely
Full results: Proficient
Sales skills — Proficient
August 2020
Influencing and negotiating with customers
Full results: Proficient
Supervisory skills: Motivating & assessing employees — Proficient May 2021
Motivating others to achieve objectives and identifying improvements or corrective actions Full results: Proficient
Customer service — Proficient
May 2020
Identifying and resolving common customer issues
Full results: Proficient
Sales skills — Proficient
April 2024
Influencing and negotiating with customers
Full results: Proficient
Middle school classroom management — Proficient
February 2020
Minimizing classroom disruption and engaging students Full results: Proficient
Elementary school classroom management — Proficient February 2020
Managing behavior in elementary school classrooms
Full results: Proficient
Work style: Reliability — Proficient
January 2022
Tendency to be reliable, dependable, and act with integrity at work Full results: Proficient
Sales skills — Proficient
January 2022
Influencing and negotiating with customers
Full results: Proficient
Teamwork: Interpersonal skills — Proficient
August 2020
Responding to challenging team situations at work
Full results: Proficient
High school classroom management — Proficient
October 2019
Minimizing classroom disruption and engaging students Full results: Proficient
Early childhood development — Proficient
January 2022
Knowledge of the development of children ages 0-3 and of ways to foster that development Full results: Proficient
Customer focus & orientation — Proficient
January 2022
Responding to customer situations with sensitivity Full results: Proficient
Elementary school classroom management — Proficient May 2024
Managing behavior in elementary school classrooms
Full results: Proficient
Indeed Assessments provides skills tests that are not indicative of a license or certification, or continued development in any professional field.
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