Debra VanderMeer
Fort Collins,CO
Summary
Elementary educator with five years of experience delivering data-driven instruction in literacy and mathematics, with a strong emphasis on structured literacy and foundational skill development. Skilled in designing and implementing explicit, systematic reading instruction aligned to the Science of Reading, including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Experienced in using diagnostic and formative assessment to differentiate instruction, provide targeted intervention, and accelerate student growth in both reading and math. Collaborative and reflective practitioner committed to continuous improvement, effective communication, and ensuring all students achieve at high levels.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
5th Grade Teacher
Poudre School District. Putnam Elementary
Fort Collins, CO
08.2022 - Current
- Design and deliver explicit, systematic literacy instruction aligned to the Colorado Academic Standards, targeting phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
- Use ongoing formative assessment and progress monitoring to drive differentiated small-group instruction and targeted interventions for diverse learners, including striving readers.
- Collaborate within a grade-level Impact Team to analyze student data, calibrate priority standards, and co-plan high-quality, evidence-based instruction that ensures student mastery.
- Implement structured literacy practices to strengthen decoding, language comprehension, and written expression, supporting measurable growth across all student groups.
- Foster student ownership of learning through goal setting, self-assessment, and timely, actionable feedback.
- Contributed to schoolwide academic growth resulting in Putnam Elementary earning the Center of Excellence Award in 2024 and 2025.
1st Grade Elementary Teacher
Poudre School District. Putnam Elementary
Fort Collins CO
08.2021 - 07.2022
- Deliver explicit, systematic early literacy instruction grounded in a structured literacy approach, with an emphasis on phonemic awareness, phonics, decoding, fluency, and early comprehension.
- Administer and analyze universal screeners and diagnostic assessments to identify early reading needs and provide targeted small-group intervention for students at risk of reading difficulties.
- Use ongoing progress monitoring to adjust instruction, accelerate skill acquisition, and prevent long-term reading gaps in foundational literacy skills.
- Design differentiated, multi-sensory learning experiences to support diverse learners in developing strong decoding and language comprehension skills.
- Collaborate with grade-level teams and MTSS/Impact Team to analyze early literacy data, align instructional practices, and implement tiered interventions.
- Model and support evidence-based literacy practices through data discussions and shared planning to strengthen early reading instruction across the team.
- Foster student agency through goal setting, self-assessment, and structured feedback to build confident, independent beginning readers and writers.
Student Teacher, Second Grade
Dunn Elementary, An IB World School
Fort Collins, CO
08.2020 - Current
- Facilitated individualized educational interventions, addressing behavioral and emotional needs to promote effective learning.
- Integrate new strategies for optimal classroom management and behavioral control.
- Evaluate student progress through analysis of test scores and homework completion.
- Align instructional approaches with development levels of students to enhance individual learning.
- Develop lesson plans that incorporated IB units of Inquiry and included transdisciplinary activities for student engagement.
Practicum Teacher, Third Grade
Bennett IB Elementary School
Fort Collins, CO
01.2020 - 05.2020
- Collaborated in a co-teaching atmosphere to facilitate academic instruction in math and science.
- Responsible for engaging gifted and talented students in small group instruction to extend the learning of core mathematical content.
- Created and implemented standard-based lesson plans to ensure every student had access to the learning in all four content areas.
- Utilized envision math curriculum to provide multiple access points for student learning in mathematics.
CLD Practicum Teacher, Kindergarten
Shawsheen Elementary School
Greeley, CO
01.2020 - 05.2020
- Collaborated with the classroom teacher and CLD teacher in a co-teaching atmosphere to implement language instruction across all content areas for emergent bilingual students.
- Collaborated with primary classroom teacher to develop and implement activities.
Practicum Teacher, First Grade
Kruse Elementary School
Fort Collins, CO
08.2019 - 12.2019
- Collaborated in a co-teaching atmosphere to facilitate academic instruction in Language Arts and Social Studies curriculum.
- Responsible for literacy and social studies instruction in whole group and small group atmospheres to ensure growth in writing and reading skills.
- Facilitated Lucy Calkins Writers Workshop curriculum to promote strong writing strategies and skills.
Kindergarten Instructional Paraprofessional
Laurel Elementary School Of Arts And Technology
Fort Collins, CO
08.2011 - 05.2018
- Collaborated in a co-teaching atmosphere with a team of four teachers and three paraprofessionals to ensure equal access to learning for all students.
- Demonstrated knowledge of evidence-based strategies to foster independence and social academic engagement.
- Oversaw students in classroom and common areas to monitor, enforce rules and support lead teacher.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
University Of Northern Colorado
Greeley, CO12-2020
Associates of Arts - Elementary Education
Aims Community College
Greeley, CO05-2019
Skills
- Structured Literacy Instruction (Science of Reading): Explicit, systematic instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension
- Early Literacy Assessment & Intervention: Skilled in administering and analyzing DIBELS data to identify skill gaps and provide targeted, small-group intervention
- Data-Driven Instruction: Use of formative, diagnostic, and benchmark data (including MAP Growth (NWEA MAP)) to differentiate instruction and monitor student progress
- Targeted Intervention & MTSS: Designing and implementing tiered supports to accelerate learning for striving and advanced students
- Mathematics Instruction: Delivering standards-aligned instruction using enVision Mathematics, with a focus on conceptual understanding, problem-solving, and differentiation
- Standards-Based Lesson Design: Backward planning aligned to Colorado Academic Standards to ensure mastery and measurable growth
- Student-Centered Learning Practices: Goal setting, self-assessment, and actionable feedback to promote student ownership
- Collaborative Team Leadership: Data analysis, co-planning, and active participation in Impact Teams to improve instructional outcomes
- Classroom Management & Culture: Creating structured, inclusive, and engaging learning environments that support academic and social-emotional growth
- Educational Technology Integration: Leveraging Google Classroom to organize instruction, provide feedback, and support blended learning
Certification
- Professional Teaching License
- Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education Endorsed
- READ Act - Teacher
- Orton-Gillingham Training (Structured Literacy)
- Project GLAD (Guided Language Acquisition Design)
Timeline
5th Grade Teacher
Poudre School District. Putnam Elementary
08.2022 - Current
1st Grade Elementary Teacher
Poudre School District. Putnam Elementary
08.2021 - 07.2022
Student Teacher, Second Grade
Dunn Elementary, An IB World School
08.2020 - Current
Practicum Teacher, Third Grade
Bennett IB Elementary School
01.2020 - 05.2020
CLD Practicum Teacher, Kindergarten
Shawsheen Elementary School
01.2020 - 05.2020
Practicum Teacher, First Grade
Kruse Elementary School
08.2019 - 12.2019
Kindergarten Instructional Paraprofessional
Laurel Elementary School Of Arts And Technology
08.2011 - 05.2018
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
University Of Northern Colorado
Associates of Arts - Elementary Education
Aims Community College