Estrella C. Arellano, M.ed.
Board Director

Education

2023 – Current Certification in English as Second Language (ESOL)

Master of Arts in Education – major in Special Education

De La Salle University, Taft Avenue, Manila Philippines – (39 credits

completed)

2003 -2004 Teacher Certificate Program (TCP)

De La Salle University, Taft Avenue, Manila Philippines

1983 – 1987 Bachelor of Science in Commerce – major in Accounting

San Sebastian College, Manila Philippines

Certification

Maryland State Advanced Professional Certificate: Special Education infant-3 and 1-8

Employment History

2022- Present Lead Teacher and Department Chair for Community Referenced Instruction program

2017 – 2022 Special Education Teacher, Prince George’s County Public Schools, MD

2009 – 2017 Kindergarten Coordinator / Teacher, Prince William Academy, VA.

2006 – 2009 Special Education Teacher / Resource Teacher, Chase City, VA.

2001 – 2006 Special Education Teacher – The Learning Child School, Ayala Alabang,

Manila, Philippines

Vision

In addition to believing that all students can learn, I develop learning activities to meet the individual needs of each student.

Plan instruction and review data that emphasize students’ performance in their academic and functional goals to adjust instructional presentations.

Analyze and disseminate data regarding functional skills within the classroom to foster student engagement in instructional activities that will lead to successful learning outcomes for all students.

Teaching and Learning

Plan and deliver appropriate lessons to meet the academic needs of students
Planned and implemented functional and academic activities for a Flipped Classroom Application day program for students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities
Conduct and participate in peer staff observations as part of the professional growth system and provide constructive and positive feedback to colleagues to improve teaching and learning
Analyze student data to provide appropriate interventions for academic success.
Facilitated and participate in professional development for teachers who serve students with significant cognitive disabilities within inclusive classrooms as well as conducted monthly department meetings.

Management

Department Chair and lead teacher for the Community Referenced Instruction (CRI) Program

Implement and manage consistent discipline strategies and interventions to promote academic rigor by increasing instructional opportunities for all students
Maintain planned IEP compliance documentation and student records
Conducts Individual Education Plan (IEP) meetings and maintains student data

Collaboration with Stakeholders

Collaborate with general education staff and parents to support school-wide enrichment activities and opportunities for students who are in both general education and the special education programs
Analyze student achievement data in Special Education and facilitate team meetings to create plans that address students’ needs
Solicits, mobilizes, and utilize parent feedback to increase parental involvement in regular school functions and address parental concerns

Professional Growth

Utilize best practices from Professional Learning Communities on teaching and learning, as well as instructional leadership
Complete a certificate endorsement in English as a Second Language (ESOL)
Being a lifelong learner, I participate in continuous professional development opportunities.

Leadership in the Political, Social, Legal, and Cultural Context

Conducting monthly department meetings to discuss curriculum updates and students’ needs including best practices
Extending the practices and program highlights and incentives within the special education department to the general education population