Kayla Anderson
Pillager
Summary
Minnesota-licensed K-12 Special Education teacher with 14 years of experience designing high-impact programming for students with developmental disabilities, complex learning needs, and communication challenges. Known for building compliant, student-centered IEPs; expanding AAC access and functional communication; coaching paraprofessionals and teachers; and partnering effectively with families and multidisciplinary teams. Brings a strong record of improving student outcomes, leading staff development, securing grant funding, and creating inclusive, standards-aligned programs that increase access, engagement, and independence.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Center-Based Special Education Teacher
Brainerd Public Schools
Brainerd, MN
08.2012 - 06.2026
- Implemented and assessed individualized strategies to support K-4 students with significant disabilities, ensuring alignment with their unique learning requirements.
- Delivered tailored life skills and functional communication instruction utilizing AAC systems and evidence-based teaching practices to enhance student learning outcomes.
- Facilitated comprehensive evaluations and IEP meetings to uphold adherence to state and federal special education standards.
- Coordinated efforts among families and multidisciplinary teams to integrate academic, behavioral, communication, and health support systems within school settings.
- Facilitated partnerships among families, educators, and support staff to enhance student-centered programming and ensure comprehensive support.
- Executed positive behavior support strategies to enhance individualized regulation and de-escalation practices.
- Guided 12 paraprofessionals and 2 new teachers in observation-feedback cycles, ensuring improved instructional practices and adherence to IEP requirements.
- Facilitated a 70% increase in functional AAC exchanges through tailored device customization and comprehensive staff training on consistent implementation.
- Crafted and executed annual professional development initiatives for 25+ educators, emphasizing AAC integration, Universal Design for Learning, and Positive Behavior Supports to ensure consistent application across classrooms.
- Facilitated monthly staff meetings aimed at addressing student-specific instructional, behavioral, and operational needs.
- Facilitated alignment of K-12 DCD scope and sequence with Minnesota academic standards to strengthen curriculum coherence.
- Secured funding through four microgrants amounting to $3,250 to improve engagement tools and instructional resources for students with diverse learning requirements.
- Orchestrated inclusive programming efforts that significantly expanded student involvement and promoted connections among peers and the community.
- Led implementation of schoolwide behavior systems, fostering collaborative problem-solving to enhance consistency and accountability.
- Facilitated reflective coaching sessions and provided instructional feedback to enhance colleague performance.
- Coordinated professional learning community activities aimed at refining instructional planning and implementing effective student support strategies.
- Facilitated schoolwide decision-making through data-informed problem-solving as a member of continuous improvement and child study teams.
Education
M.S. - Educational Leadership and Learning
Southwest Minnesota State University
Marshall, MN05-2025
B.S. - Special Education: Developmental Cognitive Disabilities; Minor: Psychology
Minnesota State University
Mankato05-2012
Skills
- Due process compliance knowledge
- Evaluation planning
- Data-driven decision making
- Universal Design for Learning application
- Differentiated Academic Instruction
- Positive Behavior Supports & De-escalation
- Functional skills development
- Employee training initiatives
- AAC integration expertise
- Paraprofessional Training & Coordination
- Family & Multidisciplinary Team Collaboration
- Minnesota Academic Standards Alignment
Certification
Minnesota Professional Educator License: K-12 Special Education, Developmental Disabilities
Timeline
Center-Based Special Education Teacher
Brainerd Public Schools
08.2012 - 06.2026
M.S. - Educational Leadership and Learning
Southwest Minnesota State University
B.S. - Special Education: Developmental Cognitive Disabilities; Minor: Psychology
Minnesota State University
RECENT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- OL & LA READ Act Training
- Charting the C’s
- Executive Functioning Masterclass- State of MN
- STAR Coaching through Brightworks
- Treating Anxiety in Youth with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities