ACPS Announces Amy Balas as Assistant Director of Citywide Special Education Programming and Behavior Support Services

Amy Balas has been appointed the assistant director of Citywide Programs and Behavior Services for Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS), effective March 27, 2023. Balas will be responsible for assisting the director with the planning, administration and supervision of the school division's special education services for students with disabilities being considered for, or receiving services in citywide programs, including programming for early childhood students with disabilities. Balas will collaborate with Department of Teaching, Learning and Leadership (TLL) colleagues to improve student outcomes, will supervise assigned personnel and manage compliance with School Board policy on emergency use of restraint and seclusion.

“Ms. Balas brings an incredibly deep level of knowledge to the position, rooted in her experiences both in and out of the classroom. Ms. Balas is a strong anchor to the team of specialists who support our citywide programs and her vision will continue to enhance the educational programming provided to the students in our division,” Director of Special Programs and Related Services Dr. Erin C. Stone said. “Ms. Balas' background as an experienced behavior analyst has informed her work with teams to support students across class settings and built the leadership skills to step seamlessly into this new role.”

Balas first joined ACPS in 2017, most recently serving as the team lead for autism and behavior support services and, prior to that, as a board certified behavior analyst (BCBA) in the division. She also served as a BCBA in Washington, D.C., a clinical coordinator at Little Leaves Behavioral Services in Silver Spring, Maryland and a behavior intervention coordinator for E.L. Haynes PCS, in Washington, D.C. Also, Balas was a junior high English and reading teacher at The Lab School in Washington, D.C., a middle school special education teacher in the autism & intellectual disabilities citywide program for ACPS and a special education teacher in Washington, D.C., and for Fairfax County Public Schools.

Balas earned a Bachelor of Arts in history and art history from Williams College in Massachusetts. She received a Master of Arts in early childhood special education from The George Washington University and a graduate certificate in applied behavior analysis from George Mason University. She also holds a postgraduate professional license in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and endorsements in early childhood special education, specific learning disabilities K-12, intellectual disabilities K-12. Balas is a licensed BCBA, and has Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) instructor certification.