TIOWANA M. NEAL
Lithonia
Summary
Educational leader with significant experience in Dekalb County School District, specializing in IEP implementation and staff mentorship. Demonstrated success in promoting inclusive practices and improving student outcomes through data-driven strategies and community involvement. Acknowledged for leading professional development initiatives and building strong connections with students and parents.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Teacher for Special Education (LTSE)
Brockett Elementary
06.2023 - Current
- Organization Profile: Dekalb County School District
- Provide instructional leadership and compliance oversight for special education services, ensuring fidelity of IEP implementation and alignment with IDEA, Georgia DOE, and district policy.
- Mentor, coach, and support special education teachers and paraprofessionals in effective instructional practices, data use, and classroom management.
- Collaborate with administrators to align school-wide practices with the Continuous School Improvement Plan (CSIP) and raise student achievement.
- Facilitate department meetings, professional learning sessions, and ensure dissemination of district updates and expectations.
- Partner with general education teachers, parents, and related service providers to foster inclusive practices and family engagement.
- Conduct classroom observations and analyze progress monitoring data to drive instructional adjustments and accountability.
- Support supervision of student activities and extracurricular programs, promoting strong school-community relationships.
- Assist administration in maintaining a positive and orderly school environment by addressing student needs and supporting staff interventions.
- Dekalb County School District
Special Education Teacher / Department Chair
Robert Shaw Theme School
07.2016 - 05.2023
- Company Overview: Dekalb County School District
- Developed, implemented, and monitored IEPs for diverse learners in grades K–5.
- Served as Department Chair, facilitating meetings, analyzing data, and ensuring compliance with district expectations.
- Mentored teachers, modeled effective instructional strategies, and supported classroom management.
- Cultivated strong student and parent relationships, supporting both academic and behavioral success.
- Recognized as Teacher of the Year (2019–2020).
- Dekalb County School District
Special Education Teacher / Paraprofessional
Calhoun County Elementary & Middle/High Schools
11.2009 - 05.2015
- Provided individualized and small group instruction across grades K–5, ensuring access to curriculum.
- Collaborated with general education teachers to co-teach and deliver inclusive practices.
- Assisted with extracurricular programs including softball, basketball, and track.
- Started career as a Special Education Paraprofessional in 2009, building foundational skills in student support and classroom management.
Education
Certificate - Educational Leadership
University of West Georgia
Carrollton, GA12.2022
Ed.S. - Curriculum & Instruction
Nova Southeastern University
Davie, FL12.2013
M.Ed. - Special Education
Albany State University
Albany, GA12.2011
B.S. - Athletic Coaching Education
West Virginia University
Morgantown, WV05.2008
Skills
- Instructional leadership and support
- IEP implementation
- Staff supervision and evaluation
- Continuous improvement planning
- Community and parent engagement
- Special education compliance
- Data analysis and monitoring
- Professional development facilitation
- Conflict resolution and climate management
- Microsoft Office and Teams proficiency
- Goalbook expertise
Activities
- National Society of Leadership and Success, 01/01/23
- Teacher of the Year, Robert Shaw Theme School, 2019-2020
- S.W.A.G. List (Students with Academic Greatness), Albany State University, 04/01/11
- Net-Q Teacher Resident, Albany State University, 05/01/10
Affiliations
- Teacher of the Year 2019-2020
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Lead Teacher for Special Education (LTSE)
Brockett Elementary
06.2023 - Current
Special Education Teacher / Department Chair
Robert Shaw Theme School
07.2016 - 05.2023
Special Education Teacher / Paraprofessional
Calhoun County Elementary & Middle/High Schools
11.2009 - 05.2015
Certificate - Educational Leadership
University of West Georgia
Ed.S. - Curriculum & Instruction
Nova Southeastern University
M.Ed. - Special Education
Albany State University
B.S. - Athletic Coaching Education
West Virginia University