Athena Wilker-Osuna
Spring Valley
Summary
A special education leader implements and maintains education programs and services and serves as trusted resource to patrons, school personnel and executive board. Successfully maintains staffing and resources to achieve program objectives within budget. Leverages research-based interventions, strategies and instruction and analyzes data to drive academic achievement and social-emotional growth. Seasoned SPED Coordinator offering experience in educational leadership positions. Focused on building and enhancing relationships, meeting service needs and maintaining smooth administration of all department operations. Desire growth-oriented position in dynamic, fast-paced environment. Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals. Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Program Specialist
Coronado Unified School District
2023.07 - Current
- Collaborated with general education teachers to modify curriculum materials, ensuring accessibility for all learners.
- Provided one-on-one support for students with learning disabilities, resulting in increased academic achievement.
- Conducted assessments to determine student progress and adjust instructional strategies accordingly.
- Served as a liaison between families, school personnel, and community resources to facilitate comprehensive support services for special education students.
- Developed strong relationships with parents through regular communication, fostering a supportive home-school partnership.
- Coordinated multidisciplinary team meetings to review and update IEPs based on student performance data and feedback from team members.
- Streamlined documentation procedures by maintaining accurate records of student progress, IEP goals, accommodations, and related services provided.
- Advocated for equitable access to educational opportunities by collaborating with school administrators on policy development and implementation initiatives related to special education programming.
- Facilitated smooth transitions between grade levels or educational settings by coordinating services among various stakeholders involved in the process.
- Addressed potential conflicts or challenges within the classroom environment promptly, fostering a positive and inclusive learning atmosphere for all students.
- Mentored new special education staff members by sharing best practices, resources, and insights gained from years of experience in the field.
- Coordinated with outside state agencies to acquire services for special needs children.
- Maintained contact with parents to address concerns and needs of children.
- Evaluated special education staff through classroom observation, feedback and recommendations.
Special Education Coordinator
Bayfront Charter High School
2014.08 - Current
- Represented educational program at meetings as LEA and conferences to serve as subject matter liaison for array of services and activities assigned.
- Used SEIS, JupiterGrades, and Schoology to maintain student records and prepare reports.
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Collaborated with teachers to conduct behavioral assessments and intervention plans for students.
- Conferred and resolved education-related issues and problems with students, parents and school officials.
- Coordinated special day class curriculum and transition activities
- Coordinated with outside state agencies to acquire services for special needs students (i.e. Department of Rehabilitation)
- Led and managed child study teams to develop academic interventions to support students academically and socially.
- Evaluated programs and monitored implementation and compliance with regulations to achieve objectives.
- Interpreted and analyzed academic data to maintain student development and retention.
- Planned and implemented staff development and in-service training programs to enhance knowledge and skills.
- Designed or used assessments to monitor student learning outcomes.
- Implemented program-level departmental policies and procedures and managed budgets to support educational program and curriculum.
- Maintained contact with parents to address concerns and needs of children.
- Evaluated special education staff through classroom observation, feedback and recommendations.
- Coached and observed teachers to improve teaching techniques.
- Checked on instructor lessons and communication in order to assess quality of education and assistance offered to students.
- Supported general education teachers and administrators in implementing strategies to meet needs of students with IEPs.
- Facilitated IEP meetings by using family-centered, strength-based approach.
Special Education Teacher (English Language Arts)
Miliani Middle School
2012.07 - 2014.06
- Coordinated regular meetings to share and analyze student performance data and success plans with colleagues and parents.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Facilitated small group instruction to address individual learning needs.
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Developed and implemented behavior management plans to improve student behavior.
- Taught English Language Arts to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
Autism Teacher
Windward District Office
2011.07 - 2012.06
- Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
- Planned daily activities to keep students engaged and on track with learning goals.
- Helped students with special needs integrate into general classroom environments by advocating for individual requirements and helping teachers solve problems.
- Promoted memory, cognition and language development with hands-on activities and individualized instruction.
- Worked with students with moderate to severe autism to increase life skills.
- Improved behavior by modeling positive choices and teaching socially-acceptable options.
- Facilitated small group instruction to address individual learning needs.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance.
Early Childhood Educator
The Cole Academy
2009.07 - 2011.06
- Developed innovative activities to engage young children in learning process.
- Supervised student teachers to provide objective feedback.
- Organized and supervised large and small group activities.
- Promoted physical, academic, and social development by implementing diverse classroom and outside activities.
- Utilized creative teaching strategies to engage students in classroom.
- Educated students in foundational concepts such as shapes, numbers, and letters.
- Implemented age-appropriate curricula to meet needs of young learners.
- Observed children to identify individuals in need of additional support and developed strategies to improve assistance.
- Protected children in-class, at recess and off-site with observational skills and positive reinforcement for good behavior.
- Organized activities to teach preschool children foundational learning skills such as letters and numbers.
- Promoted sensory development by providing access to different textures.
- Established positive relationships with students and families.
Education
Master of Arts - Special Education (K-12)
Chaminade University of Honolulu
Honolulu, HI06.2013
Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Education
Chaminade University of Honolulu
Honolulu, HI06.2011
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts And General Studies
West Hills College - Lemoore
Lemoore, CA06.2007
Skills
- Smart Board Technology
- Instructional Techniques
- Differentiated Instruction
- Positive Reinforcement Strategies
- Classroom Instruction
- Educational Strategies
- Teacher Education
- School Administration
- Federal Compliance
- Life Skills Instruction
- Emotional Development
- Administrative Support
- Small Group Leadership
- Instructional Practices
- Course Development
- Individualized Education Programs (IEP)
- Understanding of Special Education
- Career Development
- IEP Compliance
- Statistical Data
- Activity Organization
- Educational Support
- Behavior Modification
- Social Skills
- Positive Interactions
- Educational Program Implementation
- School Policies
- Curriculum Planning
- Multicultural Leadership
- Student Needs Assessments
- Distance Learning Coordination
- At-Risk Student Intervention
- Emergency Readiness
- Videoconferencing Expertise
- MTSS Experience
Certification
- Education Specialist Instruction Credential-CA
- Single Subject Teaching Credential (7-12 ELA) CA
- Completed Preliminary Administrative Credential Program through the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE)
Timeline
Program Specialist
Coronado Unified School District
2023.07 - Current
Special Education Coordinator
Bayfront Charter High School
2014.08 - Current
Special Education Teacher (English Language Arts)
Miliani Middle School
2012.07 - 2014.06
Autism Teacher
Windward District Office
2011.07 - 2012.06
Early Childhood Educator
The Cole Academy
2009.07 - 2011.06
Master of Arts - Special Education (K-12)
Chaminade University of Honolulu
Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Education
Chaminade University of Honolulu
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts And General Studies
West Hills College - Lemoore
- Education Specialist Instruction Credential-CA
- Single Subject Teaching Credential (7-12 ELA) CA
- Completed Preliminary Administrative Credential Program through the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE)
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