Gretchen Carrera
Anaheim
Summary
Dynamic educational leader with a proven track record at Bassett Unified School District, skilled in special education law and passionate about fostering collaborative relationships. Adept at implementing innovative programs that enhance student outcomes and drive continuous improvement, while providing impactful professional development to staff and advocating for diverse learners.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Director, Special Education
Bassett Unified School District
La Puente
07.2022 - Current
- Provide leadership in the planning, implementation, supervision, and evaluation of all district special education programs and services, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.
- Supervise and evaluate special education personnel including teachers, nurses, psychologists, and Designated Instructional Services (DIS) providers such as speech-language pathologists and vocational education staff.
- Represent the district at the Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA), collaborating on policy, programming, and regional service coordination.
- Coordinate and oversee the development and management of the special education budget and ensure effective resource allocation.
- Lead professional development initiatives for special education and related service staff to support instructional capacity and program compliance.
- Monitor the effectiveness of special education programs and services through ongoing evaluation and data analysis.
- Serve as custodian of special education student records, ensuring confidentiality and adherence to legal requirements.
- Provide interdepartmental and interagency collaboration to support integrated services and student success across the district.
Special Education Coordinator
Claremont Unified School District
Claremont
09.2020 - Current
- Coordinate special education programs for children with special needs grades Preschool-6.
- Supervise, provide staff development, and program support for DIS service providers (Speech and Language Pathologists, Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Visually Impaired and Orientation/Mobility).
- Coordinate the recruitment, selection, and assignment of special education personnel.
- Coordinate and provide guidance for all nonpublic school and nonpublic agency placements.
- Coordinates the collection, interpretation, and use of results data to inform instructional practice.
- Facilitate and support curriculum adoptions through professional development and implementation across school sites.
- Observe, supervise, train, consult with, and assist teaching staff and specialists in the development and implementation of individualized education programs (IEPs) for individuals with exceptional needs.
- Monitor program compliance in accordance with State and Federal law.
- Provide training and consultation to teachers, support staff, administration, and parents to improve instructional capacity and student outcomes.
- Coordinate interagency services for students.
Program Specialist, Special Education
Placentia Yorba Linda Unified School District
Placentia
11.2016 - 09.2020
- Provide on site leadership and support to programs supporting students with special needs.
- Collaborate with out-of-district and county personnel on staff development and program design.
- Conduct site meetings to prepare for complex IEP meetings.
- Serve as a resource in the identification, selection, and use of instructional materials and curriculum.
- Consult with parents regarding concerns, questions, or disputes.
- Interface with district legal counsel regarding high profile cases.
- Collaborate with districts within the East San Gabriel SELPA regarding placements within provider programs.
Education Specialist, Emotional Disabilities
Tustin Unified School District
Tustin
08.2014 - 11.2016
- Co-teach with grade level teachers.
- Oversee the implementation of IEPs. Communicate the philosophy of least restrictive environment to all invested parties.
- Serve as an advocate for all students to receive the highest quality of services.
- Collaborate with school-base and central office administrators regarding discipline of students with disabilities.
- Create schedules for special education staff to support students on IEPs.
- Staff Professional Development: Train in data collection, teaching and learning strategies, behavior management, co-teaching strategies and accommodations/modifications.
- Implement effective collaboration between community and schools to best transition students between elementary and middle school.
- Work closely with the administrative team to build the master schedule.
- Serve on School Site Council (SSC) and PBIS team.
Mild Moderate Educational Specialist (Autism Specific)/Mentor Teacher
Littleton Elementary School District
Avondale
08.2008 - 05.2014
- Execute all case management duties and consistently individualize instruction based on each student’s specific needs.
- Communicate and collaborate with all IEP team members.
- Universal Design for Learning: Develop and model instruction that meets the diverse needs of all learners and reduce barriers to provide access for all students in the general education.
- Provide professional development to education specialists during professional learning communities (PLC).
- Conduct evaluations on special education colleagues based on principles of TAP.
- Lead Education Specialist.
Mild Moderate Education Specialist
Alhambra Elementary School District
Phoenix
08.2005 - 05.2008
- Oversee the implementation of IEPs. Communicate the philosophy of least restrictive environment to all invested parties.
- Serve as an advocate for all students to receive the highest quality of services.
- Collaborate with school-base and central office administrators regarding discipline of students with disabilities.
- Create schedules for special education staff to support students on IEPs.
Education
Administrative Services Credential -
Hope International University
Fullerton, CAMasters of Science - Special Education
Arizona State University
Phoenix, AZBachelor of Arts - Special Education
University of Northern Colorado
Greeley, CAClear Level II Education Specialist Instruction Credential - Moderate Severe Disabilities
Skills
- Special ability to build and maintain positive and collaborative relationships with school community
- Global awareness and leadership experience with diverse cultures
- Experience with technology-based tools that support engagement, creativity, and project-based learning, including blended learning techniques
- Well versed in the framework and implementation of 21st century skills and learning
- Skilled and effective professional development provider to staff and community
- Knowledgeable of special education law and best practices
- Characterized as passionate about leadership, teaching, learning, and the success of all students
- Strong educational background with experience in a variety of diverse socioeconomic schools
- Advocates and sustains positive school culture conducive to continuous improvement for all students and staff
- Innovative and progressive problem-solver in educational reform
References
- Dr. Scott Turner, Executive Director ESGV SELPA, sturner@esgvselpa.org, (626) 966-1679
- Gamal Salama, Director of Student Services, Bassett USD, gsalama@bassettusd.org, 562-370-3583
- Dr. Debra Martinez, Director of Health Services, Bassett USD, dmartinez@bassettusd.org, 626-347-4844
- Jim Arrellanes, Principal, Don Julian Elementary, Bassett USD, jarrellanes@bassettusd.org, 562-619-0593
Awards & Accopmplishments
- East San Gabriel Valley SELPA Santa Cup, 2023
- East San Gabriel Valley SELPA Santa Cup, 2024
- RACSAM Award Recipient, Region 15 Aspiring Leader, 2021
- Comprehensive Orton Gillingham Training Completed
- Spring 2019
- Summer 2023
- Summer 2024
- Pro-Act Certified Trainer, 2019
- Teacher of the Year, Littleton Elementary, 2014
Timeline
Director, Special Education
Bassett Unified School District
07.2022 - Current
Special Education Coordinator
Claremont Unified School District
09.2020 - Current
Program Specialist, Special Education
Placentia Yorba Linda Unified School District
11.2016 - 09.2020
Education Specialist, Emotional Disabilities
Tustin Unified School District
08.2014 - 11.2016
Mild Moderate Educational Specialist (Autism Specific)/Mentor Teacher
Littleton Elementary School District
08.2008 - 05.2014
Mild Moderate Education Specialist
Alhambra Elementary School District
08.2005 - 05.2008
Administrative Services Credential -
Hope International University
Masters of Science - Special Education
Arizona State University
Bachelor of Arts - Special Education
University of Northern Colorado
Clear Level II Education Specialist Instruction Credential - Moderate Severe Disabilities
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