April 18, 2008

TISD Hires Director for Special Education

            Tyler Independent School District Board of Trustees has approved and named Tracy Cartas, an educator with more than 24 years of experience, to the key post of Director for Special Education. In this position, she will help the District design a reorganization of not only special education but intervention for all students.

“As we transition toward an effective response to the intervention model, to meet the needs of every child in Tyler ISD, we welcome the experience and leadership skills that Tracy will bring to the team,” said Kim Tunnell, Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Staff Development.

Cartas began her career in education in Binghamton, New York, and then continued in Queens, New York.  She coordinated a young autism project; a severely multiply handicapped program; and developed and implemented a parent education and training program.

After a move to Texas, Cartas worked as a special education teacher, and Special Education and Section 504 Specialist for United ISD in Laredo, Texas.  She became Director of Special Education, Section 504 and Dyslexia for Laredo ISD in Laredo, Texas in 2002, where she is currently employed.

Cartas holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Binghamton University.  She received her Master’s degree in Special Education for the Severely and Multiply Handicapped from the University of Kansas.  She completed her Professional Diploma in School Administration and Supervision/School District Administration from Queens College.

The TISD Board of Trustees approved Cartas’ hiring at its April 17 meeting.  She officially begins her duties July 1, 2008.