Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

SARAH BEESLEY

St. Helena

Summary

Educational leader with significant experience at Griffin Academies, focusing on Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and collaborative team environments. Demonstrated success in maintaining compliance with special education regulations while mentoring staff to improve student-centered learning. Specialized knowledge in learning disabilities contributes to effective program outcomes and student success.

Overview

38
38
years of professional experience

Work History

Director of Special Education

Griffin Academies (formerly Mare Island Technology Academy)
01.2023 - 01.2025
  • Directed and managed all aspects of the special education program across multiple school sites (2 high schools, 2 middle schools).
  • Ensured compliance with federal and state special education laws and regulations (IDEA, California Education Code).
  • Provided leadership and supervision to a team of educational specialists, paraprofessionals, and one-on-one aides.
  • Oversaw the development, implementation, and monitoring of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
  • Collaborated with school administration, general education staff, parents, and outside agencies to support students with disabilities.

Educational Specialist (Resource Specialist – Grades 6-8)

Mare Island Technology Academy
01.2014 - 01.2023
  • Provided specialized academic instruction and support to students with IEPs in resource room and inclusive settings.
  • Developed and implemented Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), including assessment, goal setting, and progress monitoring.
  • Collaborated with general education teachers to modify curriculum and provide accommodations for diverse learners.
  • Maintained strong communication and rapport with students, parents, and colleagues to ensure student success.

Learning Specialist – Grades 3-5

Hong Kong International School
Hong Kong
01.2008 - 01.2014
  • Planned and collaborated with general education teachers to modify and adapt curriculum for students’ individual needs.
  • Managed a caseload of 15-20 learning disabled students, working both in students’ classrooms and in a self-contained resource classroom.
  • Provided small group and individual instruction, utilizing appropriate materials and strategies.
  • Introduced a new format for parent "student review meetings," adopted K-12 school-wide since 2010.
  • Served as Peer Mentor and Team Leader (2011-2013).

Elementary Counselor & Resource Teacher – Grades PreK-5

Yangon International School
Yangon
01.2006 - 01.2008
  • Developed and established a comprehensive classroom guidance, counseling, and resource program.
  • Introduced and demonstrated inclusion and pullout instructional models to elementary staff.
  • Provided one-on-one and small group emotional support for students.
  • Facilitated student support team meetings across elementary, middle, and high school levels.
  • Coordinated twice-yearly standardized testing for grades 3-5.
  • Served on Math Curriculum Committee, K-12 Special Needs Committee, and as Student Council Advisor.

Resource Specialist – Grades 3-5

Cairo American College
Cairo
01.1999 - 01.2006
  • Managed IEPs for students in an inclusion-based Resource Specialist program.
  • Developed and taught small group instruction in Math, Reading, and Writing, adjusting strategies for various learning styles.

Resource Specialist – Grades 3-8

McCloud Elementary
McCloud
01.1989 - 01.1999
  • Coordinated the Special Education referral process from Student Study Team (SST) meetings through assessment and initial IEPs.
  • Taught small group Math and Language Arts instruction to Middle School students.
  • Designed and implemented an inclusion program for a student with Down Syndrome, enabling regular classroom participation.
  • Collaborated with parents to encourage active school participation; offered tutoring for parents seeking High School or GED diplomas.
  • Success for All Reading Teacher: Implemented daily 90-minute cooperative reading groups for 20 students.

Special Day Class Teacher – Grades 6-8

Siskiyou County Office of Education
Gazelle
01.1988 - 01.1989
  • Taught ten severely learning disabled Junior High students in a self-contained classroom.

Community School Teacher

Siskiyou County Office of Education
Mt. Shasta
01.1987 - 01.1988
  • Developed and taught instructional programs in all curricular areas to at-risk High School and Junior High students.

Education

Learning Handicapped Credential -

Southern Oregon University
01.1987

Secondary Social Studies Credential -

Southern Oregon University
01.1986

Bachelor of Science - Geography

Southern Oregon University
01.1983

CLAD Certification -

Skills

  • Individualized education plans (IEPs) and development
  • Small group instruction
  • Student-centered learning
  • Learning strategies and styles
  • Learning disabilities expertise
  • Teacher collaboration and mentorship
  • Special education compliance and leadership
  • Special education law and program compliance

Timeline

Director of Special Education

Griffin Academies (formerly Mare Island Technology Academy)
01.2023 - 01.2025

Educational Specialist (Resource Specialist – Grades 6-8)

Mare Island Technology Academy
01.2014 - 01.2023

Learning Specialist – Grades 3-5

Hong Kong International School
01.2008 - 01.2014

Elementary Counselor & Resource Teacher – Grades PreK-5

Yangon International School
01.2006 - 01.2008

Resource Specialist – Grades 3-5

Cairo American College
01.1999 - 01.2006

Resource Specialist – Grades 3-8

McCloud Elementary
01.1989 - 01.1999

Special Day Class Teacher – Grades 6-8

Siskiyou County Office of Education
01.1988 - 01.1989

Community School Teacher

Siskiyou County Office of Education
01.1987 - 01.1988

Learning Handicapped Credential -

Southern Oregon University

Secondary Social Studies Credential -

Southern Oregon University

Bachelor of Science - Geography

Southern Oregon University

CLAD Certification -

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SARAH BEESLEY