Open to opportunities

Leah Swenson

@leahswenson

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Special education leader driving data-informed student services, MTSS, and inclusive school systems.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I seek a student services leadership role where I can apply collaborative, data-driven MTSS strategies to support behavior, attendance, mental health, and college/career readiness in an equity-focused school culture.

I am an educational leader and special education case manager who designs and implements data-driven supports to improve student outcomes, behavior, attendance, and post-secondary readiness. I have led special education due process, developed MTSS Tier II systems, co-taught with general education teams, and built programs that scale across grades and summers.

Across roles from classroom teacher to administrative intern, I have coordinated large-scale programs, trained staff, run restorative problem-solving, and managed logistics for programs serving 100+ students. My practice centers on collaborative leadership, equity, and continuous improvement, demonstrated by published research and sustained program growth and retention.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Special Education Case Manager

Current

Stillwater Middle School

Jan 2023 - Present (3 years 2 months)

Implemented special education due process (evaluations, FBAs, BSPs) and delivered data-driven instruction in reading, SEL, and study skills to support Grades 6–8; partnered with general education staff to strengthen inclusive Tier I instruction and develop transition plans.

IEP Development SEL Instruction Data Driven Instruction Evaluation Family engagement

Special Education Case Manager

Chisago Lakes High School

Jan 2011 - Dec 2023 (12 years 11 months)

Managed comprehensive special education due process and led Setting III and reset rooms to support regulation; trained staff on behavior and SEL supports and contributed to MTSS and building leadership initiatives.

Staff Training Setting III Programs Collaboration

Extended School Year Lead Teacher

Chisago Lakes School District

Jan 2012 - Dec 2022 (10 years 11 months)

Led ESY classroom instruction and staff meetings, aligned curriculum to IEPs, and coordinated service delivery for eligible students during summer programming.

Summer Instruction Student Grouping Program Delivery Communication

Extended School Year Coordinator

Chisago Lakes School District

Jan 2015 - Dec 2020 (5 years 11 months)

Coordinated summer ESY special education services including enrollment, staffing (hired ~50 staff), scheduling, curriculum alignment, and family communication to ensure program continuity and staff retention.

Program Coordination Staff Recruitment Scheduling Communication ESY Training

Special Education Case Manager

Forest View Elementary

Jan 2009 - Dec 2011 (2 years 11 months)

Managed due process activities and collaborated with grade-level teams to provide targeted literacy, math, and social skills instruction for elementary students.

Targeted Literacy Instruction Collaboration Progress Monitoring

Special Education Case Manager

North Branch Area Learning Center

Jan 2007 - Dec 2009 (2 years 11 months)

Taught ALC coursework and ran credit recovery night programs for at-risk students (ages 12–21), managed full due process, and coordinated enrollment and communication for program participants.

ALC Instruction At Risk Student Support Program Coordination Enrollment management

Administrative Intern

Stillwater Area Public Schools

Jan 2025 - Present (1 year 2 months)

Supported administrative operations and daily student supervision for Targeted Services summer programs, set up Tier II SEL and behavior supports, and coordinated logistics for programming serving 100+ elementary students.

Student supervision Behavior Systems

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Concordia University, St. Paul

Education Specialist, Education Leadership

Pursuing an Education Specialist degree with a focus on servant leadership, collaboration, and equity to advance student services and administrative practice.

St. Cloud State University

Master of Science, Curriculum and Instruction

Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction focusing on student services leadership, MTSS implementation, and college and career readiness supports.