Jillian Valdez
Milpitas,CA
Summary
Seeking 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
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work History
Program Manager, Special Education & Student Services
Milpitas Unified School District
Milpitas, CA
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
- Coached and developed staff on evidence-based instructional practices, differentiation, and inclusive strategies to enhance student learning
- Partner with site teams to strengthen Tier 1 instruction, MTSS, and inclusive practices schoolwide
- Supported IEP teams in aligning goals, services, and instruction, increasing access to least restrictive environment for students
- In collaboration with the Director of Special Education, coordinated a districtwide professional development day on inclusive practices for approximately 460 certificated staff
- Collaborated with families and multidisciplinary teams to effectively address complex student needs and improve support services
- 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
2020 - 2022
- Led professional development on instructional practices, behavior supports, and IEP implementation
- Coached teachers on differentiation, intervention strategies, and inclusive classroom instruction
- Supported schoolwide instructional improvement with an emphasis on inclusive practices and diverse learners
- Facilitated IEP processes, ensuring alignment between services, instruction, and access to general education
- Strengthened MTSS systems for early intervention, contributing to decreased need for more restrictive placements
- Supervised and evaluated staff, enhancing instructional effectiveness through targeted feedback and support
- 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
2018 - 2020
- Coached teachers to enhance instructional practices and implement inclusive supports, fostering a more equitable learning environment
- Collaborated with teachers to enhance access to core instruction through effective inclusive practices, benefiting diverse student needs
- Coached and supported over 30 teachers in adopting effective teaching techniques, resulting in improved student engagement and learning outcomes.
- Supported implementation of MTSS and PBIS to strengthen schoolwide systems
- Used data to design targeted supports and monitor program effectiveness
- Supported program evaluation and compliance monitoring
Special Education Teacher (RSP/SDC), Department Chair
Bethune Middle School
Los Angeles, CA
2015 - 2018
- Delivered differentiated, standards-based instruction to middle school students with diverse learning needs
- 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
- Enhanced student access to general education by implementing structured inclusion and fostering collaboration
- Led department collaboration, mentoring, and professional development focused on inclusive practices
- Implemented PBIS-aligned behavior supports to improve engagement and school climate
- Utilized data to inform instructional decisions and track student progress towards goals
- Maintained compliance with IEP implementation and supported staff in meeting legal requirements
Special Education Teacher
Alta Loma Elementary School
Los Angeles, CA
2014 - 2015
- Instructed students with various eligibilities and disabilities.
- Developed individualized behavior support plans and contracts to address specific student needs.
- Redirected students through Positive Behavior Support strategies to improve classroom behavior.
- Developed systems and routines to increase positive behavior as part of the positive behavior support team.
- Engaged with team members in SSPT meetings to collaboratively develop support strategies for students.
- Communicated with children to provide them with comfort, encouragement and positive reinforcement.
- Provided after-school intervention for general education students.
- Designed and led Saturday parent trainings, enhancing engagement and support for approximately 25 families.
- Coordinated monthly school events (Hispanic Heritage Month, Black History Month).
Special Education Teacher (RSP)
Crown Preparatory Academy Charter Middle School
Los Angeles, CA
2012 - 2014
Curriculum Developer / Program Leader / Interim Site Coordinator
Hollister Youth Alliance
Hollister, CA
2007 - 2012
Education
Clear Administrative Services Credential -
University of California, Irvine
Irvine, CAMaster of Arts - Education Administration
California State University, Northridge
Northridge, CA08-2020
Master of Arts - Special Education
Loyola Marymount University
Los Angeles, CA05-2014
Bachelor of Arts - Theater Arts
University of California, Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA06-2007
Skills
- Inclusive practices and special education
- MTSS and intervention strategies
- Data-driven decision-making
- Curriculum development
- Knowledge of Special Education Law and compliance
- PBIS implementation and school culture enhancement
- Instructional leadership and coaching
- Family and Community engagement
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
01-2022
ADDITIONAL INVOLVEMENTS
- Teach for America Corps Member
- LAUSD Teacher Induction Mentor
- Arts Education Coordinator
Timeline
Program Manager, Special Education & Student Services
Milpitas Unified School District
2022 - Current
Assistant Principal, Elementary Instructional Specialist
Los Angeles Unified School District
2020 - 2022
Special Education Program Specialist
Los Angeles Unified School District
2018 - 2020
Special Education Teacher (RSP/SDC), Department Chair
Bethune Middle School
2015 - 2018
Special Education Teacher
Alta Loma Elementary School
2014 - 2015
Special Education Teacher (RSP)
Crown Preparatory Academy Charter Middle School
2012 - 2014
Curriculum Developer / Program Leader / Interim Site Coordinator
Hollister Youth Alliance
2007 - 2012
Clear Administrative Services Credential -
University of California, Irvine
Master of Arts - Education Administration
California State University, Northridge
Master of Arts - Special Education
Loyola Marymount University
Bachelor of Arts - Theater Arts
University of California, Santa Cruz