Bernadette Komenda
Valparaiso
Summary
Proven success in developing individualized education plans, enhancing student outcomes through effective collaboration and communication. Skilled in policy compliance and transition planning, driving successful integration for students with diverse learning needs.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Director of Special Education
Niles Township High School District 219
Skokie
07.2018 - 07.2025
- Developed individualized education plans for students with diverse learning needs.
- Collaborated with teachers to implement effective instructional strategies and interventions.
- Coordinated special education services across departments to enhance accessibility.
- Facilitated transition planning for students moving from high school to postsecondary opportunities.
- Reviewed policies to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
- Formulated strategies to support positive behavior management and social emotional learning.
- Engaged with administrators, teachers, parents, and stakeholders to promote student success.
- Evaluated instructional materials for appropriateness in special education classrooms.
Transiton Specialist
Warren Township High School District 121
Gurnee
08.2012 - 07.2018
- Facilitated transition plans for special education students to ensure successful integration.
- Collaborated with teachers to create individualized support strategies tailored to each student.
- Coordinated resources, enhancing support for students during school transitions.
- Conducted workshops on effective transition practices for staff to improve student outcomes.
- Engaged families in discussions about transition goals and available support options.
- Developed resources for parents regarding community services related to child transitions.
- Established relationships with local employers for internships or job shadowing opportunities.
- Participated in professional development focused on best practices in student transitions.
Education
Master of Arts - Principal Leadership
Northeastern Illinois University
Chicago, IL05-2016
Master of Arts - Special Education; LBS1
Roosevelt University
Schaumburg, IL05-2010
Certificate - Human Resources Development
William Rainey Harper College
Palatine, IL05-2005
Bachelor of Arts - English
Hiram College
Hiram, OH06-1979
Skills
- Individualized education plans
- Policy compliance
- Instructional strategies
- Transition planning
- Special education evaluation
- Program coordination
- Private day programs
- Team collaboration
- Professional development
- Effective communication
- Problem solving
- Special education law
- Inclusion practices
- Parent collaboration
- Student advocacy
- IEP implementation
- Adaptive learning
- Parent-teacher collaboration
- Universal design for learning
- Parent meetings
- Team building
- Data-driven instruction
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Assistant Director of Special Education
Niles Township High School District 219
07.2018 - 07.2025
Transiton Specialist
Warren Township High School District 121
08.2012 - 07.2018
Master of Arts - Principal Leadership
Northeastern Illinois University
Master of Arts - Special Education; LBS1
Roosevelt University
Certificate - Human Resources Development
William Rainey Harper College
Bachelor of Arts - English
Hiram College