Morgan Appleman
DENVER
Summary
Dedicated Special Education Team Specialist and Learning Behavior Specialist with extensive experience in special education instruction, case management, and MTSS coordination in both elementary and secondary settings. Expertise in developing student-centered supports, leading multidisciplinary teams, and implementing data-driven intervention systems while ensuring compliance with IDEA and Section 504 requirements. Proven success in managing high-volume caseloads while fostering collaboration among educators, families, and district partners to enhance student outcomes. Committed to creating inclusive learning environments that empower all students to thrive academically and socially.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Team Specialist / 504 Coordinator
Traylor Academy – Denver Public Schools
08.2025 - Current
- oversee extensive caseload encompassing annual IEP reevaluations and progress monitoring for students with diverse learning and behavioral needs
- Coordinate and monitor IEP, BIPS, 504 plans to ensure compliance with federal and district guidelines
- Develop and implement IEPs, Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs), and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs)
- Analyze student data using i-Ready, mCLASS, and curriculum-based measures to inform intervention and instructional planning
- Track service delivery and compliance documentation through Frontline/Enrich systems
- Collaborate with general education teachers to implement inclusive instructional supports and accommodations
- Support crisis planning, behavior regulation systems, and re-entry meetings following behavioral incidents
- Work alongside district specialists and service providers to streamline evaluations and student services.
Special Education Team Lead / MTSS Coordinator
Traylor Academy – Denver Public Schools
08.2024 - 06.2025
- Led building-wide special education and MTSS systems including compliance monitoring, caseload coordination, and service minute alignment
- Managed oversight of 42 students with IEPs and 8 students with 504 plans across the school
- Facilitated MTSS meetings to analyze academic and behavioral data and develop Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions
- Oversaw 504 processes to ensure consistent implementation of accommodations and legal compliance
- Developed school-wide systems to improve special education documentation, organization, and team communication
- Collaborated with administrators, families, and district specialists to strengthen intervention and support structures
- Served on the Senior Leadership Team and Wellness Team to support school culture and student well-being
Mild/Moderate Special Education Teacher
Hill Campus of Arts and Sciences – Denver Public Schools
08.2021 - Current
- Designed and delivered differentiated instruction aligned with grade-level standards for students with diverse learning needs
- Monitored progress toward IEP goals using multiple assessment tools and data sources
- Led MTSS meetings to identify academic, behavioral, and social-emotional interventions for students across tiers
- Facilitated special education data meetings to evaluate intervention effectiveness and student progress
- Collaborated with teachers, related service providers, and families to align accommodations and instructional supports
- Maintained compliance with IEP documentation, progress reporting, and service delivery requirements
Learning Behavior Specialist
Curie Metropolitan High School – Chicago Public Schools
12.2018 - 06.2021
- Taught Instructional Chemistry and Environmental Science to high school students with diverse disabilities
- Co-taught and co-planned instruction across general education classrooms including ELA, Math, History, and Science
- Developed differentiated instructional materials and assessments to support varied learning needs
- Monitored student progress on IEP goals and collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to adjust instruction
- Participated in professional development focused on restorative practices, culturally responsive teaching, and inclusive instruction
Education
Master of Arts - Autism Spectrum Disorders
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ05-2026
Bachelor of Science - Special Education
Illinois State University
Normal, IL12-2018
Skills
- IEP Development
- 504 Coordination
- Behavior Intervention Planning
- MTSS Systems Leadership
- Special Education Compliance
- Data-Driven Instruction
- Student Progress Monitoring
- Family & Stakeholder Collaboration
- Team Facilitation
- Intervention Planning
- Workflow optimization
- Team motivation
- Meeting facilitation
PROGRAMMING & SYSTEMS EXPERTISE
- Special Education Compliance (IDEA & Section 504)
- MTSS Implementation and Intervention Systems
- IEP Development and Case Management
- Behavior Intervention Planning (FBA/BIP)
- Student Data Analysis and Progress Monitoring
- Program Coordination and Team Facilitation
- Schoolwide Intervention Systems
- Family and Stakeholder Collaboration
KEY IMPACT
- Led coordination of services and interventions for 42 students with IEPs and 8 students with 504 plans
- Developed systems to improve special education documentation, collaboration, and compliance tracking
- Facilitated MTSS processes supporting Tier 2 and Tier 3 academic and behavioral interventions
- Strengthened collaboration across special education teams, administrators, related service providers, and families
- Managed a high-volume caseload while maintaining compliance with federal and district special education requirements
- Led MTSS coordination supporting Tier 2 and Tier 3 academic and behavioral interventions
- Developed systems to improve special education documentation, progress monitoring, and team collaboration
- Successfully coordinated services and interventions for 42 students with IEPs and 8 students with 504 plans
- Strengthened collaboration across special education, general education, and related service providers
LEADERSHIP & SERVICE
- Traylor Academy – Denver Public Schools
Senior Leadership Team Member | 2024–2025
MTSS Leadership Team | 2024–2025
Student Success Team for School Culture | 2024–Present
- Hill Campus of Arts and Sciences – Denver Public Schools
MTSS Leader | 2021–2023
Senior Leadership Team Member | 2021–2023
SEL Committee Member | 2021–2023
- Curie Metropolitan High School – Chicago Public Schools
SEL Committee Leader (W.I.N Instruction) | 2020–2021
MTSS Team Member | 2018–2021
Culture and Climate Team Member | 2018–2021
Grading Practices Team Member | 2018–2021
Timeline
Special Education Team Specialist / 504 Coordinator
Traylor Academy – Denver Public Schools
08.2025 - Current
Special Education Team Lead / MTSS Coordinator
Traylor Academy – Denver Public Schools
08.2024 - 06.2025
Mild/Moderate Special Education Teacher
Hill Campus of Arts and Sciences – Denver Public Schools
08.2021 - Current
Learning Behavior Specialist
Curie Metropolitan High School – Chicago Public Schools
12.2018 - 06.2021
Bachelor of Science - Special Education
Illinois State University
Master of Arts - Autism Spectrum Disorders
Grand Canyon University