Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Timeline
Hi, I’m

CHERYL HIRST

Fergus Falls,MN
CHERYL HIRST

Summary

Results-oriented and visionary Director of Special Education with a proven track record of driving excellence in special education programs. Adept at developing and implementing strategic initiatives to meet the diverse needs of students with exceptionalities. Known for creating inclusive and supportive learning environments that foster academic and personal growth. Skilled in collaborating with diverse stakeholders, including parents, educators, and community partners, to advocate for the rights and well-being of students with special needs. Experienced in overseeing Individualized Education Program (IEP) processes, managing special education staff, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations. Passionate about advancing equitable access to quality education for all students, regardless of ability, and committed to continuous improvement in special education services.

Overview

13
years of professional experience

Work History

Lakes Country Service Cooperative

Site Administrator
07.2022 - Current

Job overview

  • Level IV Program
  • Supervise all staff and students
  • Communicate with home districts, transportation, and families
  • Facilitate meetings
  • Due Process Paperwork
  • Evaluate all staff
  • Provide training to all staff
  • PCM and Ukeru Trained
  • Ukeru Trainer
  • Assist with unique and challenging behaviors daily

Fergus Falls Special Education Cooperative

Special Education Teacher
06.2021 - 06.2022

Job overview

  • Teacher of Self-Contained/Day Treatment Program
  • Successfully taught students grades K-4
  • Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth
  • Partnered with Lakeland Mental Health Staff, paraprofessionals and area school districts to lead programming needs.

Roseau School District

Director of Special Education & DAC
08.2017 - 06.2021

Job overview

  • Evaluated and supervised itinerant teachers and support staff based on student needs (60+)
  • Managed budgets and resources for educational programs
  • Kept school in full compliance with established policies, legal requirements and student safety standards
  • Oversee all pre-referral systems
  • Oversee due process & all special education programs
  • ESY Coordinator
  • Support all students in special education
  • Responsible for Special Education Finance
  • Coordinate all district-wide and state-wide testing
  • Chairperson for high school and elementary SAT teams
  • Supervisor of EL Program
  • Supervisor for School-Aged Child Care
  • Supervisor of Tier I Childcare

Breckenridge School District

Special Education Teacher
08.2013 - 07.2017

Job overview

  • Teaching students in grades K-8
  • SLD, EBD, OHD, DCD, and Autism
  • Established level 1, II, and III EBD program for grades K-5
  • ESY services 2016-2017
  • Summer school services for Valley Lake Boys' Home 2015-2016

Campbell School District

Special Education Teacher
08.2010 - 06.2013

Job overview

  • Taught students grades K-12
  • SLD, EBD, DCD, OHD, DD, and Autism
  • Union President 2012-2013

Education

MOORHEAD STATE , Moorhead, MN

Specialist Degree from Educational Leadership
08.2019

University Overview

GPA: 3.9

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA , Grand Forks, ND

Master of Science (M.S.) from Special Education
05.2000

University Overview

GPA: 3.94

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA , Grand Forks, ND

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) from Elementary Education & Early Childhood
12.1996

Skills

  • Educational Staff Supervision
  • Relationship Building
  • School Community Relations
  • Staff Development
  • Staff Leadership
  • Responsible and Dependable
  • Team Collaboration
  • Relationship Building and Networking
  • Employee Performance Evaluations

References

  • Becky Hayden, Title One Teacher, Roseau School District, (612) 689-9722, becky_hayden@roseauschool.org
  • Heidi Bucher, School Psychologist, Lakes Country Academy, (218) 770-8964, hbucher@lcsc.org
  • Martina Johnson, Special Education Teacher, Roseau School District, (218) 469-9189, martina_johnson@roseauschool.org

Timeline

Site Administrator

Lakes Country Service Cooperative
07.2022 - Current

Special Education Teacher

Fergus Falls Special Education Cooperative
06.2021 - 06.2022

Director of Special Education & DAC

Roseau School District
08.2017 - 06.2021

Special Education Teacher

Breckenridge School District
08.2013 - 07.2017

Special Education Teacher

Campbell School District
08.2010 - 06.2013

MOORHEAD STATE

Specialist Degree from Educational Leadership

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA

Master of Science (M.S.) from Special Education

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) from Elementary Education & Early Childhood
CHERYL HIRST