Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Training
Writer
Timeline
Generic

Zachary Hammer-Macias

Long Beach

Summary

A results-oriented and certified special education leader with nearly a decade of experience improving outcomes for students with diverse learning needs. Possesses comprehensive expertise in special education, including data-driven IEP development and implementation, differentiated curriculum design, and inclusive teaching strategies. A collaborative leader adept at program management, leveraging strong analytical and communication skills to train faculty and guide schools in implementing effective educational solutions.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Educational Specialist

Effectual Education Consulting Services
03.2023 - Current
  • Analyzed data to identify educational needs and collaborated with schools for improvement.
  • Facilitated program adoption and integration in schools.
  • Conducted academic advisement services for students on reoccurring basis to maintain educational progression.
  • Enhanced student academic progress by developing and implementing personalized advising strategies.
  • Developed intervention plans for struggling students, providing additional resources and support as needed.
  • Streamlined the process for tracking student progress towards graduation requirements by implementing software solutions.
  • Coordinated follow up and student outreach to monitor academic progress for at-risk students.
  • Collaborated with teachers to identify at-risk students and provide targeted support for increased success.
  • Facilitated communication between parents, teachers, and administrators to address concerns and improve student outcomes.
  • Managed caseload of students efficiently, ensuring timely completion of required tasks such as course registration or graduation applications.
  • Assisted students in identifying their strengths, interests, and career goals for more focused educational planning.
  • Addressed disciplinary issues promptly, working closely with the administration to develop effective solutions that promoted personal growth in addition to academic success.
  • Maintained student database and electronic records for each student contact.
  • Led group advising sessions on topics such as financial aid options or time management skills essential for academic success.
  • Mentored new Educational Advisors within the department, sharing expertise to promote professional development among colleagues.
  • Provided emotional support and counseling for students struggling with pressures of school life.
  • Identified students in need of special attention to implement strategies for success.

Special Day Program Teacher

KIPP Corazón Academy, Upper School – South Gate, CA
08.2024 - 02.2025
  • Developed and adjusted IEPs to enhance students' academic and behavioral objectives.
  • Provided mentorship to aides and special education team.
  • Oversaw IEP accommodations for middle school special education students.
  • Designed curriculum and lesson plans to create differentiated support for diverse learning needs, disabilities, and multiple grade levels.
  • Mentored new teachers, sharing effective classroom management strategies and curriculum planning techniques.
  • Organized extracurricular activities like clubs or field trips to enrich the educational experience for students both in and out of the classroom setting.
  • Enhanced student comprehension by incorporating visual aids and hands-on activities into lesson plans.
  • Developed an inclusive classroom environment by fostering respect, empathy, and collaboration among diverse learners.
  • Utilized data-driven decision-making processes when designing lessons, analyzing assessment results in order to identify areas for improvement in instructional delivery.
  • Contributed to school-wide initiatives aimed at improving overall student achievement and well-being such as anti-bullying campaigns or wellness programs.
  • Promoted a growth mindset among students by encouraging perseverance, resilience, and self-reflection throughout the learning process.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary units, providing students with a more comprehensive understanding of key concepts.
  • Established positive relationships with parents through regular communication about student progress and academic achievements.

School Garden Coordinator

KIPP Corazón Academy, Upper School – South Gate, CA
03.2022 - 11.2024
  • Developed and directed the school's garden project, merging environmental science with diverse educational areas.
  • Created interactive learning experiences focused on practical exploration and sustainability.
  • Partnered with faculty, students, and local stakeholders to enhance and develop the program.
  • Improved team productivity with regular communication and progress updates, fostering a collaborative work environment.
  • Gathered and organized materials to support operations.
  • Managed project timelines for successful completion, ensuring milestones were met and deadlines were adhered to.
  • Collaborated with department heads to develop strategic plans aligning with overall company objectives, fostering a unified approach toward shared goals.
  • Prioritized and managed multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring all met their deadlines and objectives without compromising quality.

Resource Specialist

KIPP Corazón Academy, Upper School – South Gate, CA
07.2021 - 06.2024
  • Managed design and rollout of IEPs for grades 5-8 students.
  • Delivered educational and behavioral assistance to students with varying disabilities.
  • Partnered with general education staff to integrate inclusive instructional techniques.
  • Identified useful resources and coordinated referrals.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify resource gaps and create solutions for streamlined operations.
  • Helped formulate Behavioral plans and complied with all outlined improvement goals.

Middle School Special Education Teacher

P.S. 169 Robert F. Kennedy – Manhattan, NY
09.2016 - 06.2021
  • Developed and implemented IEPs tailored to students’ individual needs.
  • Worked with interdisciplinary teams to provide behavioral and academic interventions.
  • Led school-wide programs including a Debate Team and Newspaper Club to enrich student experiences.
  • Coordinated fundraising efforts for classroom and school-wide initiatives.

Education

M.S. - Special Education

Pace University
New York, NY
08.2018

Bachelor of Science - Psychology

University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Amherst, MA
05.2016

B.A. - Journalism

University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Amherst, MA
05.2016

Skills

  • Project management and curriculum development, including instructional materials and promotional materials
  • Special Education expertise, including IEP development and implementation
  • Google Suite, Microsoft Office, and SMART Board Technologies
  • Experience with social media engagement (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, blogging)
  • Strong research and writing skills for program development
  • Verbal and written communication skills
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Time management skills and ability to prioritize tasks, with a proven ability to meet deadlines
  • Analytical skills for assessing needs and tracking key performance indicators
  • Management and leadership abilities, including providing training and guidance to teams
  • Disability services
  • Leadership qualities

Certification

  • California Clear Credential (Mild/Moderate & Moderate/Severe)
  • Autism Authorization
  • CTEL (California Teacher of English Learners)
  • CLAD Certified
  • Alternate State Testing Administrator
  • NYC Teaching license (Secondary Mod/Severe)

Training

  • Completed 10+ EdWeb PDs on student engagement, behavior management, and classroom culture.
  • Workshops on Alternative Access to Reading and Writing, PBIS, TCIS, and Literacy Strategies.

Writer

  • AmherstWire
  • UMass Amherst, MA | September 2015 – May 2016
  • Researched and wrote feature articles on student life and social issues, strengthening communication and storytelling skills used in curriculum design and student engagement.
  • Contributed photography and digital media content to the university newspaper, enhancing my ability to create visually engaging educational materials.

Timeline

Special Day Program Teacher

KIPP Corazón Academy, Upper School – South Gate, CA
08.2024 - 02.2025

Educational Specialist

Effectual Education Consulting Services
03.2023 - Current

School Garden Coordinator

KIPP Corazón Academy, Upper School – South Gate, CA
03.2022 - 11.2024

Resource Specialist

KIPP Corazón Academy, Upper School – South Gate, CA
07.2021 - 06.2024

Middle School Special Education Teacher

P.S. 169 Robert F. Kennedy – Manhattan, NY
09.2016 - 06.2021

M.S. - Special Education

Pace University

Bachelor of Science - Psychology

University of Massachusetts, Amherst

B.A. - Journalism

University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Zachary Hammer-Macias