Jillian Valdez
Milpitas,CA
Summary
To obtain a Middle School Vice Principal position where I can leverage my background in special education, instructional leadership, and systems development to strengthen teaching practices, foster a positive and inclusive school community, expand opportunities for all students, and ensure strong, compliant school systems.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Program Manager, Special Education & Student Services
Milpitas Unified School District
Milpitas, CA
01.2022 - Current
- Lead development and oversight of special education programs to support diverse learners across settings
- Use data to evaluate programs, monitor student progress, and guide instructional and program decisions
- Provide coaching and professional development on evidence-based instructional practices, differentiation, and inclusive strategies
- Partner with site teams to strengthen Tier 1 instruction, MTSS, and inclusive practices schoolwide
- Support IEP teams in aligning goals, services, and classroom instruction to increase access to the least restrictive environment
- In collaboration with the Director of Special Education, coordinated a districtwide professional development day on inclusive practices for approximately 460 certificated staff
- Collaborate with families and multidisciplinary teams to address complex student needs
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and district regulations while maintaining a focus on instructional quality and access
- Supervise and evaluate staff, providing feedback to improve instructional practice
Assistant Principal, Elementary Instructional Specialist
Los Angeles Unified School District
Los Angeles, CA
01.2020 - 01.2022
- Supported schoolwide instructional improvement with an emphasis on inclusive practices and diverse learners
- Coached teachers on differentiation, intervention strategies, and inclusive classroom instruction
- Led professional development on instructional practices, behavior supports, and IEP implementation
- Strengthened MTSS systems to support early intervention and reduce more restrictive placements
- Facilitated IEP processes, ensuring alignment between services, instruction, and access to general education
- Supervised and evaluated staff to improve instructional effectiveness
- Ensured compliance with state and federal requirements; successfully maintained 100% on-time completion of IEPs in accordance with IDEA
Special Education Program Specialist
Los Angeles Unified School District
Los Angeles, CA
01.2018 - 01.2020
- Provided coaching and professional development to improve instructional practices and inclusive supports
- Supported implementation of MTSS and PBIS to strengthen schoolwide systems
- Collaborated with teachers to increase access to core instruction through inclusive practices
- Used data to design targeted supports and monitor program effectiveness
- Supported program evaluation and compliance monitoring
- Coached and supported over 30 teachers to improve teaching techniques.
Special Education Teacher (RSP/SDC), Department Chair
Bethune Middle School
Los Angeles, CA
01.2015 - 01.2018
- Delivered differentiated, standards-based instruction to middle school students with diverse learning needs
- Led department collaboration, mentoring, and professional development focused on inclusive practices
- Used data to guide instruction and monitor student progress
- Implemented PBIS-aligned behavior supports to improve engagement and school climate
- Increased student access to general education through structured inclusion and collaboration
- Successfully transitioned approximately 10 students from self-contained settings to less restrictive environments and exited approximately 6 students from special education based on student progress
- Maintained compliance with IEP implementation and supported staff in meeting legal requirements
Special Education Teacher
Alta Loma Elementary School
Los Angeles, CA
01.2014 - 01.2015
- Instructed students with various eligibilities and disabilities.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support.
- Communicated with children to provide them with comfort, encouragement and positive reinforcement.
- Created Behavior support plans and behavior contracts.
- Participated in SSPT meetings.
- Developed systems and routines to increase positive behavior as part of the positive behavior support team.
- Coordinated monthly school events (Hispanic Heritage Month, Black History Month).
- Provided after-school intervention for general education students.
- Design and lead Saturday parent trainings for approximately 25 parents.
Special Education Teacher (RSP)
Crown Preparatory Academy Charter Middle School
Los Angeles, CA
01.2012 - 01.2014
Curriculum Developer / Program Leader / Interim Site Coordinator
Hollister Youth Alliance
Hollister, CA
01.2007 - 01.2012
Education
Clear Administrative Services Credential -
University of California, Irvine
IrvineM.A. - Education Administration
California State University, Northridge
Northridge, CA08.2020
M.A. - Special Education
Loyola Marymount University
Los Angeles, CA05.2014
B.A. - Theater Arts
University of California, Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA06.2007
Skills
- Instructional Leadership & Teacher Coaching
- Inclusive Practices & Special Education
- MTSS & Intervention Systems
- Data-Driven Decision Making
- Professional Development
- PBIS & School Culture
- Compliance & Educational Law
- Family & Community Engagement
- Proficiency in SEIS, Welligent, Google Suite, Microsoft Office
Timeline
Program Manager, Special Education & Student Services
Milpitas Unified School District
01.2022 - Current
Assistant Principal, Elementary Instructional Specialist
Los Angeles Unified School District
01.2020 - 01.2022
Special Education Program Specialist
Los Angeles Unified School District
01.2018 - 01.2020
Special Education Teacher (RSP/SDC), Department Chair
Bethune Middle School
01.2015 - 01.2018
Special Education Teacher
Alta Loma Elementary School
01.2014 - 01.2015
Special Education Teacher (RSP)
Crown Preparatory Academy Charter Middle School
01.2012 - 01.2014
Curriculum Developer / Program Leader / Interim Site Coordinator
Hollister Youth Alliance
01.2007 - 01.2012
Clear Administrative Services Credential -
University of California, Irvine
M.A. - Education Administration
California State University, Northridge
M.A. - Special Education
Loyola Marymount University
B.A. - Theater Arts
University of California, Santa Cruz
ADDITIONAL INVOLVEMENTS
- Teach for America Corps Member
- LAUSD Teacher Induction Mentor
- Arts Education Coordinator