Deidra Merritt
Cordova,TN
Summary
With a proven track record at Memphis Shelby County Schools, I excel in vendor management and fostering effective team collaboration. My strategic leadership significantly enhanced operational efficiencies and staff competency, showcasing my ability to drive process improvements and maintain high safety standards.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Facilities Supervisor
Memphis Shelby County Schools
08.2019 - Current
- Contribute to the overall success of the organization by fostering a positive work environment and promoting teamwork among staff members.
- Continuously assess workflows within the facility environment to identify opportunities for process improvements.
- Provide guidance for janitorial staff and event plans.
- Conduct routine maintenance checks on building systems such as fire alarms, sprinklers, and security features for optimal functionality.
- Streamline vendor management by negotiating contracts, monitoring performance, and maintaining strong relationships with service providers.
- Increase staff competency through targeted training sessions on facility equipment operation and maintenance best practices.
- Direct teams handling roofing, paving, lighting and other updates to facility.
- Coordinate with internal departments to schedule necessary repairs or renovations while minimizing disruptions to daily operations.
- Ensure safety compliance by conducting regular inspections, addressing potential hazards, and enforcing facility regulations.
- Maintain physical condition of facilities, applying available resources and personnel to achieve safe, clean, and functional environment.
- Direct vendors, facilities staff, and service providers as required to create efficient and non-disruptive work environment.
- Prepare reports and schedules with accuracy.
- Hold classes to teach staff facility procedures.
Attendance Specialist
Memphis Shelby County Schools
07.2013 - 08.2019
- Gathered and assessed attendance data.
- Assisted school administration in maintaining accurate enrollment records, ensuring compliance with district policies and state regulations.
- Collaborated with school counselors and social workers to address underlying issues affecting student attendance.
- Implemented efficient systems for early identification of potential truancy cases, allowing for proactive intervention measures before issues escalated further.
- Provided comprehensive training for staff members on the importance of attendance monitoring and accurate record-keeping practices.
- Transcribed and organized information to assist in preparing speeches and presentations.
- Called parents and guardians to inquire about late or truant students.
- Maintained accurate records of all absences, truancy issues, and disciplinary actions.
- Enhanced communication with parents by conducting regular meetings to discuss attendance concerns and progress updates.
- Increased awareness of the importance of daily attendance through informative presentations at parent-teacher conferences, open houses, and other community events.
- Met with parents and students to discuss attendance issues.
- Improved attendance rates by closely monitoring student absences and implementing effective intervention strategies.
Professional Development Manager
Memphis City Schools
06.2008 - 07.2013
- Championed a culture of continuous learning within the organization by promoting the value of ongoing professional development initiatives among staff members.
- Developed evaluation tools to measure the impact of professional development initiatives on employee performance, using insights to refine program offerings.
- Assessed employee competencies through skills assessments, using results to inform targeted training efforts aimed at closing knowledge gaps.
- Monitored progress toward individual and team performance goals, providing regular feedback and coaching to foster continuous growth and improvement.
- Provided ongoing support and guidance for employees as they worked toward achieving their career advancement goals within the company.
- Implemented an online learning platform, making professional development opportunities easily accessible to employees across multiple locations.
- Established strong relationships with external training providers to ensure access to high-quality educational resources at competitive prices.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of current professional development initiatives, identifying areas for improvement and making data-driven recommendations for enhancements.
- Increased employee retention rates by creating engaging career development opportunities within the organization.
- Facilitated workshops on various topics such as leadership, communication skills, teamwork, and problem-solving techniques in order to strengthen employees'' soft skills capabilities.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify organizational skill gaps and create targeted development plans.
- Streamlined training processes for efficient knowledge transfer and improved employee productivity.
- Managed budgets for all professional development activities, ensuring cost-effective allocation of resources while maintaining program quality.
- Developed customized learning paths tailored to individual team members'' specific needs, maximizing their potential for success in their roles.
- Organized annual professional development conferences, featuring industry experts as keynote speakers and offering valuable networking opportunities for attendees.
- Spearheaded the implementation of a company-wide mentorship program, fostering relationships between experienced professionals and new hires.
- Leveraged internal subject matter experts to provide in-house training sessions, capitalizing on existing knowledge resources within the organization.
- Enhanced employee skill sets by developing and implementing comprehensive professional development programs.
- Aligned professional development programs with organizational objectives, ensuring that training efforts supported the company''s strategic vision and long-term success.
- Alternated training methods to diversify instruction, strengthen learning opportunities, and enhance program success.
- Monitored and evaluated training performance to determine quality and cohesiveness.
- Streamlined HR efficiencies, coordinated new hire orientations and provided onboarding and training for new employees.
- Managed all exempt employee coaching, training, and performance improvement actions.
- Directed training programs and development paths for managers and supervisors.
- Researched and obtained relevant course materials to achieve training objectives.
- Selected and assigned instructors to conduct specific training programs.
- Tested all training software and hardware prior to commencing training programs.
GED Instructor
Memphis City Schools
10.1995 - 06.2008
- Promoted self-directed learning by guiding students in setting achievable goals and monitoring their own progress towards GED completion.
- Increased student motivation by creating a supportive and inclusive classroom environment.
- Evaluated student progress regularly through assessments, providing timely feedback for improvement and success on the GED exam.
- Collaborated with fellow educators to share best practices and continuously improve instructional techniques.
- Facilitated group projects that encouraged teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills among students.
- Developed strong rapport with parents/guardians of adult learners, involving them in their child''s educational journey as a vital component of achieving success on the GED exam.
- Enhanced learning outcomes with the development of engaging, interactive GED preparation activities.
- Organized community outreach events to raise awareness about GED program offerings and recruit potential students for enrollment.
- Provided ongoing support to students during their transition from high school dropout status to successful GED graduates ready for post-secondary education or career opportunities.
- Assisted in curriculum development, ensuring alignment with GED testing requirements and standards.
- Improved student comprehension by incorporating real-world examples and relatable scenarios in lessons.
- Served as a mentor for newly-hired instructors, sharing insights into best practices for effective teaching and classroom management strategies.
- Managed classroom expectations effectively, maintaining a disciplined yet nurturing environment conducive to effective learning experiences.
- Utilized multimedia resources to illustrate complex concepts, enhancing student understanding and retention.
- Introduced innovative instructional strategies that fostered a positive learning atmosphere and increased student engagement.
- Conducted one-on-one tutoring sessions for struggling learners, addressing individual challenges while boosting confidence levels.
- Strengthened students'' foundational skills through personalized instruction and targeted tutoring sessions.
- Recommended curriculum choices and created lesson plans to maximize effectiveness of instruction.
- Used positive reinforcement and provided clear feedback to help students succeed.
- Wrote and designed continuing education examinations.
- Facilitated class discussion to help students work through questions and expand understanding.
- Reviewed course materials and student progress to identify strengths and weaknesses for future improvements.
- Assigned lessons and corrected homework.
- Developed and maintained effective record keeping system for tracking learner attendance, participation and progress.
- Managed several internet-based language programs.
- Collaborated with other professionals to develop creative solutions to challenges faced by adult learners.
- Demonstrated principles of subject material and advanced methods to students.
Education
Master of Arts - Human Resources Training
Webster University
St Louis, MO05-2004
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
LeMoyne Owen College
Memphis, TN05-1993
Skills
- Work Order Coordination
- Curriculum Design
- Vendor Management
- Training Program Design
- Effective Team Collaborator
- Analytical Problem-Solving
- Effective Time Management
- Strategic Leadership
- Strong Verbal Communication Skills
- Clear Written Communication
- Project Coordination
Accomplishments
Facilitated the ISSA Green Certification process for the district, ensuring compliance with sustainability standards and advancing eco-friendly initiatives.
Created and executed a cohort framework to support knowledge sharing and professional growth across teams.
Spearheaded the creation and execution of professional development series, equipping employees with skills for transitions and new opportunities during organizational restructuring.
Published Author: Mommy Am I Dumb; A Mother's Dedication and Commitment to her Son (2022)
Manuscript Content Creator
Certification
- Occupational Safety & Health Administration Certificate(OHSA 30-hour Construction Training Course Certificate)-U.S Department of Labor, OSHA Training Institute.
Timeline
Facilities Supervisor
Memphis Shelby County Schools
08.2019 - Current
Attendance Specialist
Memphis Shelby County Schools
07.2013 - 08.2019
Professional Development Manager
Memphis City Schools
06.2008 - 07.2013
GED Instructor
Memphis City Schools
10.1995 - 06.2008
- Occupational Safety & Health Administration Certificate(OHSA 30-hour Construction Training Course Certificate)-U.S Department of Labor, OSHA Training Institute.
Master of Arts - Human Resources Training
Webster University
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
LeMoyne Owen College
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