TESTIMONIALS
BIO
Ida Ostrowski, Education Consultant
After a 27-year career with the York County School Division (YCSD), I began Lighthouse Education Solutions to assist school districts and individuals navigate the Virginia Department of Education’s (VDOE) regulatory licensure requirements. My background in both the classroom and in a school board office gives me a unique perspective into licensure, recruitment and training.
For the last 11 years as a Licensure Specialist, I provided licensure services to 1,000 licensed staff, facilitated the hiring of more than 600 teachers and represented YCSD at local and out-of-state career fairs. In this role, I provided integral support to teachers, administrators and Human Resource colleagues while cultivating beneficial relationships with VDOE, colleges and universities.
As a teacher with sixteen years in York County classrooms, I wrote curricula, led grade-level teams, presented at a national conference and taught five different courses. These experiences give me laser-sharp insights into the qualities of an effective school and the requirements on our teachers pertaining to gaining and renewing licenses.
Through consulting, I use my insight, contacts and skill set from these roles to assist Virginia teachers and school divisions. Think of me as an extension of your team ready to assist in critical hiring times and renewal windows.
SIMPLIFYING LICENSURE
For Virginia Educators & Administrators
I am an Education Consultant whose mission is to guide teachers and school districts through the Virginia Department of Education's licensure requirements.
I am equally passionate about the hiring process and can assist in acquiring the most highly-qualified teachers.
Think of me as an extension of your team during critical hiring times and renewal windows.
LICENSURE
Simplifying the process of acquiring and renewing your Virginia teaching license
RECRUITING
Attending job fairs and assessing applicants' qualifications
TRAINING
Training teachers and administrators in Virginia licensure regulations
These are the areas in which I can add value:
LIGHTHOUSE EDUCATION SOLUTIONS
Licensure, Recruiting & Training
"I've had the pleasure of working with Ida for over 20 years. As a teacher, Ida was compassionate and saw the good in every student. Ida has also served as a mentor to new teachers and later took that passion into the her role as Licensure Specialist. Ida has been a source of knowledge for everyone who knows her. I have seen her encourage teachers to further their education, as well as identify unique learning opportunities in which to seek relicensure."
Candi Skinner
Director of Elementary Instruction, York County School Division
"I've recently needed the consulting services of Ida Ostrowski in order to renew my special education graduate teaching license in the state of Virginia . After many years of being out of the classroom with the addition of my Old Dominion University adjunct faculty status renewing my license is troublesome. Thanks to Ida's constant guidance and assistance renewing my license was very simple and easy to complete in a timely manner. My questions were answered quickly and I always felt like I had somebody working with me that had a vast background in license renewal. I will definitely use Ida's services when my license comes up for renewal as well as recommend her to all of my friends in the field. "
Peggy Myatt
Recruiter, Intelligent Decision Systems, Inc. (IDSI)
"I have had the privilege of working with Ida for over ten years. Ida is very skilled in all aspects of Human Resources with a major focus on licensure, recruiting and training.
Her success stems from an exceptionally strong work ethic and she is dedicated and committed to communicating the latest requirements and information. In addition, she is proactive in assuring that staff is up to date in the timelines to meet re-licensure. Ida developed an online system to track the documentation that is required for licensure.
She provides training to administrators and teachers related to the documentation process. Her people skills are incredible and she is able to make an immediate connection with staff. In this time of electronic communication, it is refreshing that in addition to email, texts and social media, Ida makes personal calls to colleagues and staff, and when needed to the correct state agency in order to assist in assuring the most up to date information is provided.
Ida has the ability to draw talented applicants to the selection pool because of her unique skill set and her knowledge of K-12 education. As a former classroom teacher and a central office administrator she has direct knowledge of the needs at the school and administrative level.
Ida is able to bring a variety of work experiences and talents as a teacher, and administrator together to provide a complete package of education, experience and personal qualities and will do the same for your organization! I have the utmost respect and admiration for her personally and professionally. She will be a valuable colleague and will promote and stimulate positive growth for your organization."
Lucia Villa Sebastian, Ed.D.
Chief Academic Officer, York County School Division, Retired
"Ida has served as Licensure Specialist for the York County School Division. She worked to promote the qualifications for teacher licensure and ensured that teachers were knowledgeable and understood the requirements for license renewal. Ida demonstrated a passion for working with licensed staff through positive interactions and engagement. She was eager to support staff as they begin to take online or onsite courses, provide professional training opportunities, and being available for follow-up support. She has worked with staff to utilize technology tools that allow for greater communication, interaction, and collaboration. Ida exemplifies the definition of the word “specialist” in helping people achieve their educational and professional training and goals."
Reginald Fox
Coordinator of Online Learning, York County School Division