Nicola Polk

Texas-certified special education professional with 20+ years of experience coordinating ARD/IEP compliance, records, and reporting across multiple Texas districts. Proven track record maintaining relationships with district and campus special education leaders, tracking compliance deadlines, and ensuring accurate, timely special education documentation at the school, local, state, and federal level.

SIT Specialist – Special Education Support at Cy-Fair Independent School District (2025-01 – Present)

• Conduct campus-based compliance audits identifying gaps in IEP alignment, inclusion fidelity, and supplemental aid usage; track findings against district and state deadlines.
• Coach campus administrators and SPED teams on best practices for IEP compliance, accommodations, and progress monitoring documentation.
• Maintain working relationships with campus and district special education leaders to keep multiple sites aligned with compliance expectations.
• Review student performance and compliance data (DPM, STAAR, classroom records) to flag documentation gaps and support timely reporting.
• Identified and resolved compliance gaps across multiple campuses, strengthening IEP and accommodation-record fidelity through coaching and system redesign.

Special Education Coordinator at Houston Independent School District (2024-01 – 2025-01)

• Ensured FAPE compliance for students with disabilities under IDEA and state regulations; served as liaison among students, parents, teachers, and administrators.
• Oversaw development, implementation, and timely review of IEPs; coordinated ARD meetings and maintained accurate, confidential student records and legal documentation.
• Tracked and reported special education compliance data to campus and district leadership; trained staff on special education law and documentation requirements.
• Coordinated with outside agencies (vocational rehabilitation, mental health providers, community organizations) to support student transitions.
• Redesigned the IEP development and record-review process, improving efficiency and on-time completion of documentation.

Section 504 Coordinator at Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District (2023-01 – 2024-01)

• Developed, monitored, and modified Section 504 Plans; managed district-wide 504 records, eligibility rosters, and compliance reporting.
• Delivered ongoing staff training on Section 504 procedures and served as liaison between school and district on 504 compliance issues.
• Partnered with the special education team to coordinate 504-to-special-education eligibility transitions, reducing processing time for services.

Special Education Specialist at Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District (2020-01 – 2024-01)

• Supported the campus principal with staff supervision, due process hearings, and student placement decisions.
• Led ARD/IEP meetings and developed special education plans, ensuring accuracy and regulatory compliance.
• Trained teachers, staff, and parents on the special education referral process and accommodation documentation.

Structured Learning Teacher at Spring ISD (2017-01 – 2018-01)

Designed and implemented individualized, structured learning plans for special needs high school students, improving routines, attendance, and academic performance.

Special Education Department Chairperson / Classroom Culture Specialist at Houston ISD (2016-01 – 2017-01)

Coordinated specialized education programs for students with disabilities and led professional development that improved instructional practices and classroom culture district-wide.

Special Education Teacher at Houston ISD (2014-01 – 2016-01)

Managed a caseload of 35 special education students; led 100+ ARD meetings; introduced a streamlined IEP progress-report system.

Service Coordinator at Easter Seals Greater Houston (2018-01 – 2020-01)

Coordinated services and referrals for families enrolled in early childhood intervention programs.

Early Intervention Specialist at Easter Seals Greater Houston (2012-01 – 2014-01)

Conducted intake, evaluation, and IFSP development for children with developmental delays; managed enrollment and services for 80+ families.

Teacher at Cypress-Fairbanks ISD (2007-01 – 2012-01)

Developed and implemented IEPs and led ARD meetings for a caseload of 25+ special education students.

Teacher / Literacy Coach at NYC Board of Education (2004-01 – 2007-01)

Designed individualized literacy instruction, modeled effective teaching strategies across 100+ lessons, and coordinated grade 6–8 assessments.

M.A. in Education – Adelphi University (2003-01)

B.A. in American Studies – Queens College (2002-01)

Educational Leadership and Administration – Lamar University (2024-01)