Open to opportunities

Jody Pecena

@jodypecena

Compassionate special education teacher and instructional designer with expertise in curriculum, assessment, and military technical writing.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I seek roles where I can design curriculum, coach educators, and apply instructional design and technical-writing skills in supportive, collaborative organizations focused on measurable student growth.

I am an experienced special education teacher and instructional designer with 13 years in education and recent work as a Technical Writing Specialist supporting Army writing standards. I translate complex doctrine and technical concepts into clear, concise guidance, provide detailed feedback on large volumes of academic work, and design individualized instruction to meet diverse learner needs.

I have led teacher development, coached multidisciplinary teams, and developed curricula and professional development aligned with policy and best practices. I hold multiple state teaching certifications, a SECRET security clearance, and graduate credentials in educational psychology, school administration, TESOL, and online design and instruction.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Technical Writing Specialist

Current

Dawson D7

Aug 2021 - Present (4 years 3 months)

Develops and conducts Army Writing Style workshops and tutors, provides feedback on ~400 pages of military intelligence academic assignments monthly, and produces briefs and written materials aligning doctrine with instruction.

Technical Writing Army Writing Style Curriculum Development Tutoring Doctrine Integration Workshop Facilitation

Exceptional Student Education Teacher

Coronado Elementary School

Jul 2019 - Aug 2021 (2 years 1 month)

Designed balanced curricula and delivered differentiated instruction to meet diverse learner needs, tracked student progress with technology, and collaborated with peers to adapt instruction.

Special Education Curriculum Design Classroom Management Collaboration Lesson planning

Special Education Lead Teacher

Aiken County Public School District

Jul 2016 - Jun 2019 (2 years 11 months)

Designed and delivered professional development for teachers, coached multidisciplinary teams on differentiated instruction and compliance, and led district-wide initiatives to improve instructional practices.

Leadership Professional Development Coaching Instructional Design Change Management

Special Education Teacher

Aiken Middle School

Aug 2015 - Jun 2019 (3 years 10 months)

Co-taught ELA and Math, collected and reported IEP progress, conducted IEP meetings, and developed individualized behavior intervention plans across classroom and small-group settings.

IEP Development Progress Monitoring Behavior Plans Data Analysis Small Group Instruction Lesson planning

Special Education Teacher

Wilkinson Gardens Elementary

Aug 2014 - Jun 2015 (10 months)

Planned and taught all content areas for self-contained and resource K-5 special education students, and collaborated with colleagues on educational evaluations and accommodations.

Special Education Collaboration K 5 Education

Second Grade Teacher

Presidio de las Sierras

Apr 2013 - Dec 2013 (8 months)

Planned and taught second-grade curriculum, modified content for K-5 special education students, conducted IEP meetings, and administered cognitive and academic testing.

Special Education Meetings Special Education Progress Monitoring K 2 Instruction

Special Education Teacher

Leeward School District

Jul 2011 - Jan 2013 (1 year 6 months)

Consulted on differentiated instruction for at-risk students, co-developed BIPs, planned community-based experiences for skill generalization, and communicated regularly with guardians.

Communication Collaboration