Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Timeline
Generic

Cheryl Mitchell

Lafayette,LA

Summary

Dedicated Special Educator (35 years experience) with a strong focus on collaborative leadership, inclusive practices, and data-driven decision-making. Proven ability to enhance educational outcomes for diverse learners through effective instructional strategies and professional development. Expertise in reading curriculums, instruction and interventions.

Overview

43
43
years of professional experience

Work History

Special Education Supervisor

St. Martin Parish School Board
Breaux Bridge, LA
01.2014 - 07.2025
  • Provided professional development for all teachers of students with disabilities as well as general education teachers in working with students with disabilities.
  • Supervised teachers of students with disabilities in grades Pre-K through 5.
  • Coordinated and planned instructional programs for students with disabilities in Pre-K through 5.
  • Assured LEA compliance with federal and state statutes regarding students with disabilities.
  • Received, distributed and inventoried all special services equipment and materials purchased by the LEA for teachers in grades Pre-K through 5.
  • Supervised Pupil Appraisal staff as well as Child Search Coordinator. Supervised Assistive Technology Facilitator, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Counselors, Audiologist and Teacher of the Visually Impaired.
  • Monitored compliance of Bulletins 1706, 1530, 127, 741, 1573, 746, 1508, 1922, Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy in Schools Reference Handbook.
  • Supervised the Extended School Year Program to include the programming/instruction as well as hiring the personnel for the summer program.
  • Supervised Special Education transportation as well as providing in-service training for bus drivers and bus aides.
  • Coordinated and supervised OSEP reporting for Part C including providing training for service providers.
  • Implemented data-driven strategies to improve student performance and engagement.
  • Evaluated program effectiveness through regular assessments and feedback mechanisms.
  • Facilitated interdisciplinary team meetings to address student progress and challenges.
  • Advocated for resources and support to optimize educational opportunities for students with disabilities.
  • Coached and observed special education and general education teachers to improve teaching techniques.
  • Implemented data-driven decision-making processes to evaluate program effectiveness and adjust strategies as needed.
  • Ensured a safe learning environment by addressing behavioral issues promptly and implementing appropriate interventions when necessary.
  • Contributed to a positive school culture by participating in committees, events, and community outreach initiatives.
  • Reviewed progress reports regularly, adjusting IEP goals as needed based on assessment results.
  • Stayed current with industry trends and research, adapting strategies to remain at the forefront of special education best practices.
  • Contributed to district-level committees to support needs of students on IEPs.
  • Coordinated special education services through frequent principal collaboration and consultation.
  • Allocated special education staff and addressed requests for additional allocations throughout school year.
  • Maintained contact with parents to address concerns and needs of children.
  • Supported general education teachers and administrators in implementing strategies to meet needs of students with IEPs.
  • Coordinated with outside state agencies to acquire services for special needs children.
  • Interpreted and analyzed academic data to maintain student development and retention.
  • Led and managed child study teams to develop behavioral and social interventions to support students academically and socially.

Regional Special Education Coordinator

Louisiana Department of Education
Baton Rouge, LA
12.2008 - 05.2013
  • Served as Regional Special Education Coordinator for Region IV.
  • Responsible for developing, revising, and delivering professional learning opportunities for special education and general education teachers, support staff. and all administrators,
  • Met regularly with special education directors in the region to determine and meet the needs of the districts.
  • Served on the Adolescent Literacy Task Force, Response to Intervention State.Task Force, and served as Special Education liaison for the Compass and Common Core State Standards work groups.
  • Developed and implemented, with a colleague, a process protocol to meet the state's third grade reading goal.
  • Served as a coach on Network Support Team 4 to support districts and schools in increasing achievement for all students through the implementation of Compass and Common Core State Standards,
  • Provided professional development to districts in DIBELS, LETRS and other state directed programs.

Title 1 Support

Lafayette Parish School Board
Lafayette, LA
07.2008 - 12.2008
  • Served as support to schools after academic audit had been completed.
  • Responsible for developing, revising, and delivering professional development for educators and support staff.
  • Met with principals to determine the needs of
    their staff based on current data and academic audit results,

GLRS Director

Griffin RESA/Metro-South Atlanta GLRS
Griffin, GA
07.2005 - 06.2008
  • Developed and implemented strategic initiatives to enhance educational services and support for local school districts.
  • Led cross-functional teams in designing professional development programs for educators across Metro-South Atlanta.
  • Collaborated with stakeholders to assess needs and align resources for effective program delivery in the region.
  • Analyzed data trends to inform decision-making and drive improvements in student outcomes and service effectiveness. Then provided professional development for district level as well as school level staff for implementation.
  • Streamlined processes for grant management, ensuring compliance and maximizing funding opportunities for educational initiatives. Responsible for developing, amending and maintaining the GLRS budget (approximately a half million dollars).
  • Led Special Education Directors' Advisory Council Meetings.
  • Supervised GLRS program facilitators and administrative assistant.
  • Supervised the Make It/Take Center and Lending Library.
  • Evaluated GLRS improvement projects and services for effectiveness.

Special Education Consultant

Griffin RESA/Metro-South GLRS
Griffin, GA
12.2004 - 07.2005
  • Facilitated workshops to enhance understanding of special education best practices to including reading and co-teaching processes.
  • Analyzed data to inform instructional decisions and improve student outcomes.
  • Led initiatives promoting inclusion and accessibility within educational environments.
  • Coordinated professional development opportunities for staff members to enhance their understanding of special education best practices.
  • Utilized evidence-based practices when designing intervention programs tailored specifically for struggling learners.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to identify appropriate interventions and support services for students with disabilities.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge on special education laws, policies, procedures, ensuring compliance throughout the consultation process.
  • Developed strong relationships with colleagues across various departments, working together toward successful inclusion strategies.
  • Assisted in the development of school-wide policies related to special education programming and compliance with federal regulations.

Special Education Teacher

Henry County School District
McDonough, GA
07.2003 - 12.2004
  • Developed individualized education plans (IEPs) to meet diverse student needs.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to assess and enhance student performance.
  • Implemented behavioral intervention strategies to improve classroom management.
  • Monitored student progress and adjusted teaching methods accordingly for optimal learning outcomes.
  • Mentored new preschool special education teacher

Special Education Teacher

Rapides Parish School Board
Alexandria, LA
08.1990 - 05.2003
  • Extensive experience in the field of special education having taught self-contained class at the Junior High level as well as non-categorical preschool and early intervention programs.
  • Served as Department Chairperson for the Infant/Toddler Department.
  • Participated in the development of school improvement plans and also its implementation: which involves integrating
    regular education curriculum into the special education classroom.
  • Successfully presented workshop designed to provide developmentally appropriate activities for pre-school special education students utilizing a thematic unit approach at the district level, regional level and national level.
  • Familiar with assistive technology as well as augmentative communication, Certified as a Louisiana Assessor and Mentor for new teachers.

Secretary/Ad Copy Writer

Robert Wolf Realty
Alexandria, LA
12.1985 - 08.1986

Transcribed appraisals, proposals and contracts. Later given the responsibility to handle advertising, including ad copy writing as well as layout and design.

Sales Representative

Professional Medical Products
Greenwood, FL
01.1983 - 12.1985
  • Cultivated strong relationships with healthcare professionals to enhance product visibility and customer loyalty.
  • Demonstrated comprehensive knowledge of orthopedic products as well as orthopedic operating tables to provide tailored solutions for client needs.
  • Collaborated with teams to develop targeted sales strategies, improving overall market penetration.
  • Conducted product training sessions for clients, ensuring effective utilization and satisfaction with products.

Education

Master of Arts - Educational Administration

Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Natchitoches, LA
05-2002

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology

Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, LA
05-1982

Skills

  • Collaborative leadership
  • Academic accommodations
  • Positive reinforcement
  • Data-driven decision making
  • Inclusive practices
  • Behavior intervention plans
  • Social skills training
  • Instructional strategies
  • Disability awareness
  • Legal compliance
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Professional development
  • LETRS Train the Trainer, Natchitoches, Louisiana
  • DIBELS Next Trainer, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
  • DIBELS Training, Griffin RESA
  • Basal Alignment Project Training, Baltimore, Maryland
  • INSITE Training; Baton Rouge, Louisiana
  • Sign Language, Louisiana State University at Alexandria
  • Mentor/Assessor Training, State of Louisiana DOE
  • Sensory Integration Training, Alexandria, Louisiana
  • Struggling Reader Train the Trainer, West Georgia GLRS
  • Assistive Technology/Augmentative Communication Training
  • Master Schedule Training for Co-Teaching, Georgia State University
  • SRA - Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons, Georgia
  • Providing Access for Students with the Most Significant Cognitive Disabilities, Atlanta, Georgia
  • STEEP Assessment and Intervention Training, Dr Joe Witt
  • Response to Intervention Training, Dr George Batsche and Dr George McCook as well as Dr Joe Witt

Accomplishments

  • What's Special About Special Education?
  • DIBELS Training and data interpretation as well as planning interventions based on data
  • Co-Teaching for Administrators
  • Co-Teaching Level 1 - This class was designed to provide participant with the knowledge of how to establish a co-teaching environment, understand how to maintain an effective co-teaching environment and gain knowledge of developing team approaches to establishing classroom management procedures (six approaches taught), planning classroom instruction, delivering classroom instruction and evaluating said instruction.
  • Co-Teaching Level 2 - This class was designed tp provide knowledge of how to differentiate instruction for all students within a co-taught classroom, especially for those students with disabilities.
  • Differentiated Instruction and Multiple Intelligences Seminar
  • Diversity Issues for Educators
  • Low-Key Interventions for Paraprofessionals
  • STEEP Assessment and Intervention Training
  • Six-Step Framework Training - designed to provide administrators and school leadership with specific strategies to impact student achievement by: 1) Analyzing school-wide assessment data; 2) Analyzing special education data; 3) Determining and overcoming instructional barriers; 4) Determining and overcoming barriers for students with disabilities; 5) Brokering existing initiatives; 6) Designing new initiatives to impact student performance
  • RTI Presentations
  • Reading Assessment for Secondary Teachers
  • LETRS
  • Early Childhood LETRS
  • Classroom Management
  • Special Education Bus Driver and Bus Aide Training

Timeline

Special Education Supervisor

St. Martin Parish School Board
01.2014 - 07.2025

Regional Special Education Coordinator

Louisiana Department of Education
12.2008 - 05.2013

Title 1 Support

Lafayette Parish School Board
07.2008 - 12.2008

GLRS Director

Griffin RESA/Metro-South Atlanta GLRS
07.2005 - 06.2008

Special Education Consultant

Griffin RESA/Metro-South GLRS
12.2004 - 07.2005

Special Education Teacher

Henry County School District
07.2003 - 12.2004

Special Education Teacher

Rapides Parish School Board
08.1990 - 05.2003

Secretary/Ad Copy Writer

Robert Wolf Realty
12.1985 - 08.1986

Sales Representative

Professional Medical Products
01.1983 - 12.1985

Master of Arts - Educational Administration

Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology

Louisiana State University
Cheryl Mitchell