Leah Swenson
@leahswenson
Special education leader driving data-informed student services, MTSS, and inclusive school systems.
What I'm looking for
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
Special Education Case Manager
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
St. Cloud State University
Bachelor of Science, Special Education
Completed a Bachelor of Science in Special Education preparing for K-12 special education instruction and case management.
Tech stack
Software and tools used professionally
Availability
Location
Authorized to work in
Job categories
Interested in hiring Leah?
You can contact Leah and 90k+ other talented remote workers on Himalayas.
Message LeahFind your dream job
Sign up now and join over 100,000 remote workers who receive personalized job alerts, curated job matches, and more for free!
