Amanda Merrill
Fort Worth,TX
Summary
Special Education Teacher and academic interventionist with experience supporting ECSE and elementary students in resource and inclusion settings. Skilled in adapting instruction for students with dyslexia, autism, intellectual disabilities, specific learning disabilities, and nonverbal communication needs. Focused on building student confidence and access to grade-level learning through structured, strengths-based instruction and consistent support.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Academic Tutor (PreK-Adult)
Math Around the Corner & Private Families
Fort Worth, TX
07.2020 - Current
- Provided individualized academic support to students across grade levels, including those with dyslexia, dyscalculia, and ADHD
- Assessed student needs, learning styles, and goals to design personalized instruction
- Adapted content and instructional strategies to reinforce school-based learning
- Monitored progress and adjusted instruction to improve academic outcomes
- Collaborated with families and classroom teachers to ensure consistency and student success
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
De Zavala Elementary (FWISD)
Fort Worth, TX
08.2025 - 05.2028
- Provided individualized, strengths-based instruction in a self-contained ECSE classroom serving 9 students with autism, nonverbal communication needs, and intellectual disabilities
- Adapted and modified district curriculum to align with IEP goals and developmental levels
- Developed and implemented IEPs, including measurable goals, accommodations, and progress monitoring
- Designed and implemented positive behavior supports, visual schedules, and structured classroom systems
- Delivered early literacy instruction using multisensory and developmentally appropriate strategies
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams (SLP, OT, PT, diagnostician, paraprofessionals) to support student outcomes
- Maintained consistent family communication to share progress, address concerns, and support carryover at home
- Educated and supported families in fostering student independence and school readiness skills
- Advocated for students with disabilities and promote autism awareness within the school community
Elementary SPED Resource & Inclusion Teacher
De Zavala Elementary (FWISD(
Fort Worth, TX
08.2024 - 05.2025
- Delivered small-group, data-driven instruction and interventions across core content areas for students with diverse learning needs
- Implemented IEPs and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), including accommodations and modifications
- Utilized progress monitoring and data analysis to adjust instruction and track student growth
- Differentiated instruction based on individual learning styles, interests, and academic needs
- Applied ESL strategies to support emergent bilingual students in a bilingual school setting
- Promoted student confidence, motivation, and engagement through targeted support and goal setting
- Collaborated with general education teachers and specialists to ensure inclusive practices
- Incorporated multisensory strategies and Readers’ Theater to support literacy development
- Incorporated multisensory strategies and Readers’ Theater to support literacy development
- Participated in school and community events, including organizing and sponsoring first annual school talent show
SPED Resource & Inclusion Long-Term Sub Teacher
Westpark Elementary (FWISD)
Fort Worth, TX
03.2023 - 05.2024
- Delivered targeted interventions for students with disabilities (grades 1–5) in inclusion and resource settings, implementing IEP goals, accommodations, and modifications
- Used progress monitoring and data-driven instruction to adjust supports and improve academic outcomes
- Collaborated with general education teachers to provide differentiated instruction, small-group support, and positive behavior strategies
Reading Specialist (PreK-12)
The Reading Connection
Fort Worth, TX
05.2021 - 08.2023
- Delivered targeted reading and math interventions to students with dyslexia and other learning differences in both one-on-one and small-group settings at a private reading clinic and in local schools
- Assessed student skill levels to identify areas of need and develop intervention plans
- Implemented research-based, multisensory instructional strategies to improve literacy outcomes
- Supported English Language Learners and students receiving special education services
- Monitored student progress and adjusted instruction to ensure growth and skill mastery
Education
Master of Education - Reading Specialist Concentration
Texas Wesleyan University
Fort Worth, TX07-2019
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education: EC-6th Generalist W/ ESL
Texas Wesleyan University
Fort Worth, TX05-2018
Skills
Creative Lesson Planning
Student Motivation & Support
Multisensory Teaching
Family Involvement
Learning Centers
Readers' Theater
Certification
TExES Generalist EC-6 Certification
TExES Special Education EC-12 Certification
TExES ESL Supplemental Certification
TExES Reading Specialist Certification (explected July 2026)
TEA Texas Reading Academy (Science of Reading) Certification
Timeline
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
De Zavala Elementary (FWISD)
08.2025 - 05.2028
Elementary SPED Resource & Inclusion Teacher
De Zavala Elementary (FWISD(
08.2024 - 05.2025
SPED Resource & Inclusion Long-Term Sub Teacher
Westpark Elementary (FWISD)
03.2023 - 05.2024
Reading Specialist (PreK-12)
The Reading Connection
05.2021 - 08.2023
Academic Tutor (PreK-Adult)
Math Around the Corner & Private Families
07.2020 - Current
Master of Education - Reading Specialist Concentration
Texas Wesleyan University
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education: EC-6th Generalist W/ ESL
Texas Wesleyan University