Sarah Tira, Principal Advocate

Education and Training

• B.A. Liberal Studies with a concentration in Mathematics, University of San Diego Summa Cum Laude 2009

  
  

• Moderate/Severe Education Specialist Credential Level I, University of San Diego 2010

  
  

• Moderate/Severe Education Specialist Credential Level II, National University 2011

  
  

• Special Education Law and Advocacy Series Seminars, University of San Diego School of Law, 2018

  
  

• COPAA (Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates) member, SEAT level 2 course participant, national conference participant

Experience

• Moderate/Severe Special Education Teacher 2009-2016

  
  

• Volunteer Head Counselor/Leadership Team Member for Easter Seals Camp at YMCA Camp Oakes 2004-Present

  
  

• Trainer for Catholic Diocese Youth Ministers on how to include youth with disabilities in youth group programs, 2015

  
  

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Sarah taught special education for several years and wrote countless IEP’s for her own students. She also implemented various formal and informal assessments and collaborated with a variety of related service providers including speech therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and health aides. As a teacher, she had a unique look at how the IEP process translates into classroom instruction. Her teaching experience ranges from a separate special education school, to a charter school, to a full inclusion program on a comprehensive high school campus. Sarah is a firm believer in placing children in their least restrictive environment. 

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From a young age she began advocating for students with special needs in schools and in the community. She founded a peer tutoring program when there wasn't one at her own high school, she spent part of her summers helping at a sleepaway camp for children and adults with special needs, and she began her collegiate education with the goal to continue bettering the lives of those with special needs. Sarah taught special education until her son was born and now follows her passion by helping families on a more individualized basis. 

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As a mother herself, Sarah understands that walking in to a room full of professionals to discuss your child can be daunting and overwhelming for even the most prepared of parents. Let San Diego Special Education Advocates be the moral support and extra pair of eyes you need to make sure your child receives the educational supports and services best fit to meet his or her goals. 

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