Ruth M. Desiderio Email & Phone Number

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

In this role, I am responsible for the recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing engagement of our volunteers and interns; nurturing relationships both within the Penn community and with other individuals and organizations aligned with and supportive of our mission; and to providing general operational support to the Center.

Direct a supervisory team of 8 to oversee special education evaluation, programming and compliance in 18 schools for a complex caseload of 1775 students (K-age 21) found eligible under IDEA. Oversee evaluation for special education/gifted services including the related services of speech, occupational, and physical therapies, behavior support, and in-school counseling and psychological services. Serve as District Compliance Officer for evaluation and implementation of Chapter 15 service agreements for the 1600 students district-wide found eligible under Section 504.Review clinical documentation, psycho-educational testing reports and evaluations; oversee coordination of interactive services for students; advise faculty, parents and students on accommodations-related issues. Promote inclusive practices districtwide. Provide additional support to ensure IEP requirements and $40M in budget objectives are met. Serve as member of Superintendent’s Cabinet.

Shared supervision of case management, programming, and compliance in delivering services to 500+ students at North Penn High School (grade 10 through age 21) identified as eligible under IDEA. Spearheaded programming to support students’ transition to college and post-secondary training. Oversaw district-wide training of staff in crisis intervention, using Safe and Positive Approaches for Preventing and Responding to Crisis. Ensured compliance of 504 Service Agreements by teachers and guidance counselors at North Penn High School.

Served on multiple grade-level teams composed of general education and special education teachers. Worked in both the resource room and as a classroom co-teacher to create an atmosphere of learning and inspire confidence and enthusiasm in the classroom. Provided direct and indirect instructional support; employed special educational interventions to improve skills in reading, math, and the content areas, and to reinforce language, memory, and social skills. Served on Data Analysis Committee, Building Leadership, Pre-referral Intervention and Child Study Teams.

Taught adult learners, second career and non-traditional students. Courses included: Developmental Math, Assessing the Ability of All Learners, Understanding Human Exceptionalities, and Graduate-Level Inclusion Practicum.

Bachelor'S Degree, Political Science

Master Of Arts - Ma, Elementary And Special Education, Gpa 4.0

Certificate, Special Education Supervisor

Bachelor Of Arts - Ba, Political Science And Government