Carissa Messer
Clinton
Summary
Adaptable, collaborative, and dedicated Special Education Interventionist with 13 years of experience. Proficient in developing customized intervention strategies, analyzing performance data, and fostering strong relationships with families to help diverse learners find success.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
3
3
Certification
Work History
Special Education Interventionist
Laurens County School District 56
Clinton
08.2013 - 11.2025
- Collaborated with teachers to develop tailored intervention strategies for students
- Analyzed student performance data to identify areas for improvement and ways to increase achievement
- Assisted in implementing instructional programs and resources for diverse learners
- Managed a staff of 2 or more under my leadership in the self-contained special education classroom
- Facilitated small group sessions focused on academic skill enhancement
- Supervised vulnerable populations with a high amount of vigilance and attention to surroundings/detail
- Maintained detailed records of all interventions and results
- Worked with hurting families to connect them with programs that could provide assistance
- Knowledge of education, copyright, and privacy laws
- Fully proficient in full array of Microsoft and Google programs
- Fully proficient in EdPlan and Enrich online platforms
- Fully proficient in Google Meet, Zoom, and other streaming platforms due to my time spent teaching virtually during the Covid-19 epidemic
- Designed dynamic presentations that capture and hold the attention of even a young audience
- Adapted and adjusted instruction and delivery style to match environmental and audience needs
- Piloted and promoted innovative instructional strategies that promoted entrepreneurial and functional skills in even our community's most vulnerable population
- Supervised and supported new staff and provided opportunities to collaborate and make their transition more comfortable
- Served as a mandated reporter and trained in violence prevention and safety protocols, including seizure protocols
- Coordinated logistics and safety protocols for large group travel to off-site events
- Used digital publishing and communication networks to provide regular status updates to parents and families
- Successfully and effectively collaborated with educators from different backgrounds, ages, races, and lifestyles
- Networked with community members to provide opportunities for student empowerment
Elementary Education Teacher
Laurens District 55
Laurens
08.2012 - 06.2013
- Developed engaging lesson plans for diverse learning styles.
- Explained complicated material in clear, user-friendly language
- Created, distributed and presented instructional tools to communicate essential information
- Showed eagerness to help colleagues acquire, process, and maintain knowledge/skills
- Maintained excellent proofreading and editing skills
- Quickly and accurately processed high-volume workloads
- Participated in and lead instructional strategic planning sessions
- Public speaking experience in a variety of different populations
Education
Master Of Education (MEd) - Applied Learning and Instruction (TESOL)
USC Upstate
Spartanburg, SC05-2024
Bachelor Of Science (BS) - Special Education Multicategorical
Lander University
Greenwood, SC04-2012
Diploma - Not Applicable
Clinton High School
Clinton, SC06-2008
Skills
- Data analysis
- Intervention strategies
- Diverse learner support
- Program implementation
- Record keeping
- Educational program development
Accomplishments
- District Teacher of the Year (2019)
- Teacher of the Year (2021)
- Teacher of the Year nominee (2023, 2024, 2025)
- Action Team Chair
- Leadership Team member
Certification
- Crisis Prevention Institute certification
- Trained in trauma-informed care
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Special Education Interventionist
Laurens County School District 56
08.2013 - 11.2025
Elementary Education Teacher
Laurens District 55
08.2012 - 06.2013
Master Of Education (MEd) - Applied Learning and Instruction (TESOL)
USC Upstate
Bachelor Of Science (BS) - Special Education Multicategorical
Lander University
Diploma - Not Applicable
Clinton High School