Jessica Banhie
Sahuarita
Summary
Transformational leader in special education with extensive experience supporting staff, educators, and students to achieve excellence. Dedicated to ensuring equitable, high-quality education that fosters independence and post-secondary success for every student. Proven expertise in instructional leadership, professional development, and collaboration with diverse stakeholders to drive positive outcomes.
Overview
2025
2025
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Student Services
Sahuarita Unified School District
- Ensure compliance with IDEA and federal/state regulations
- Oversee IEP development and program implementation for students with disabilities
- Evaluate specialized programs, school-based relates services, adaptive technologies, and accommodations
- Ensure compliance and oversee 504 plan development and implementation
- Supervise ELL programs, promote academic achievement, and support professional development
- Manage identification processes, advanced programming, and equitable access to resources
- Supervise counseling programs focused on academic, social-emotional, and career readiness
- Lead five divisions serving diverse student populations, collaborating with district leadership to align programs with organizational goals
- Administer IDEA grants and secure additional funding through grant writing and program evaluation
- Recruit, train, and mentor special education practitioners
- Conduct performance evaluations to ensure consistent and effective service delivery
- Champion culturally responsive practices and advocate for equitable access to education for all students
- Analyze data to guide strategic planning, set goals, and allocate resources
- Partner with families, community organizations, and district leaders to enhance programs and services
- Seek and review interested party feedback in enhancing overall department efficiency and effectiveness.
- Oversee district's crisis response team, deploying necessary supports to address student/staff/family tragedies.
Assistant Director, Exceptional Education Department
Tucson Unified School District
07.2016 - Current
- Supervised special education programs across 20–30 schools, ensuring compliance with legal and district standards
- Designed and delivered professional development on instructional access, legal compliance, and transition planning
- Collaborated with community agencies and internal departments to optimize student outcomes
- [Add measurable achievements or specific contributions.]
Program Coordinator, Exceptional Education Department
Tucson Unified School District
07.2015 - 06.2016
- Oversight of programming for students with disabilities at 30 district schools, to include coaching, mentoring, modeling, and consulting.
Special Education Teacher and Department Head
Tucson Unified School Districdt
08.2003 - 06.2015
Education
Master of Education - Educational Leadership
University of Arizona
05.2017
Bachelor of Arts - Special Education and Rehabilitation
University of Arizona
05.2003
Skills
- Student and staff advocacy
- Crisis management
- Staff and educator guidance
- Operational budgets preparation
- Community and family relationships
- Data analysis
- Interested party collaboration
- Program evaluation and enhancements
Ongoing Professional Development
-LRP National Institutes (Special Education Law)
-Council for Exceptional Children State and National Conferences
-LRP Courses (Law, Behavior, 504, Involvement of Law Enforcement, Paraprofessionals, etcetera)
-Council for Administrators of Special Education State and National Conferences
-ASCD National Conferences
Timeline
Assistant Director, Exceptional Education Department
Tucson Unified School District
07.2016 - Current
Program Coordinator, Exceptional Education Department
Tucson Unified School District
07.2015 - 06.2016
Special Education Teacher and Department Head
Tucson Unified School Districdt
08.2003 - 06.2015
Bachelor of Arts - Special Education and Rehabilitation
University of Arizona
Director of Student Services
Sahuarita Unified School District
Master of Education - Educational Leadership
University of Arizona
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