Hi, I’m
Dorothy Grace Mercer
Forney,TX
Summary
Dynamic Special Education Teacher with a proven track record at Texas Virtual Academy of Hallsville, adept at implementing individualized education programs (IEPs) and fostering collaborative teamwork. Skilled in data management and differentiated instruction, I enhance student learning outcomes through tailored support and innovative strategies, significantly improving engagement and achievement.
At Putnam City School District, I served as a Team Lead, overseeing a dedicated group of special education teachers, deaf education teachers, interpreters, and paraprofessionals. In this leadership role, I facilitated collaboration and ensured the effective delivery of services to students with diverse needs. My responsibilities also included spearheading community engagement initiatives, such as organizing a school-wide garage sale fundraiser. Additionally, I partnered with the Salvation Army to support families in need, providing them with warmth and resources during difficult times. My experience demonstrates strong leadership, team coordination, and a commitment to both educational excellence and community outreach.
Overview
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Texas Virtual Academy of Hallsvills
Special Education Teacher
07.2024 - Current
Job overview
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support for students with special needs.
Forney ISD
Special Education Resource Teacher
07.2023 - 07.2024
Job overview
- Coordinated with general education teachers to modify curriculum materials, ensuring accessibility for all learners in an inclusive setting.
- Maintained accurate records of student performance, attendance, and IEP objectives to ensure compliance with federal regulations and school district policies.
- Taught students in self-contained and resource environments.
- Enhanced student comprehension by utilizing differentiated instruction tailored to individual needs.
Geary County Schools USD 475
Librarian
07.2022 - 07.2023
Job overview
- Catalogued and organized books, materials and other documents for proper library management.
- Maintained a high level of customer service by addressing and resolving patron concerns or complaints in a timely manner.
- Researched and acquired new library materials to maintain updated library collection.
- Trained and supervised library staff, volunteers and other personnel.
- Increased patron satisfaction with timely responses to reference inquiries, utilizing extensive knowledge of information sources.
- Collaborated with teachers and school administrators to develop library resources for students.
Putnam City Public Schools
Special Education Resource Teacher
07.2018 - 07.2022
Job overview
- Coordinated with general education teachers to modify curriculum materials, ensuring accessibility for all learners in an inclusive setting.
- Maintained accurate records of student performance, attendance, and IEP objectives to ensure compliance with federal regulations and school district policies.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments, analyzed data, and monitored progress to inform instructional decisions and guide interventions.
- Improved student behavior and social skills through implementation of positive reinforcement strategies and consistent classroom management techniques.
- Led professional development workshops on special education best practices for fellow staff members, enhancing overall teaching quality within the school community.
Canadian Valley Christian Academy
Teacher
07.2016 - 07.2018
Job overview
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress, attendance, and behavior to facilitate ongoing communication with parents about their child''s educational journey.
Yukon Public Schools
Special Education Teacher
07.2015 - 07.2016
Job overview
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
Edmond Public Schools
Special Education Teacher
07.2013 - 07.2015
Job overview
- Collaborated with other educators to develop instructional strategies.
- Provided targeted instructional support to struggling learners, identifying specific areas for improvement and designing effective intervention plans.
- Enhanced communication skills in non-verbal students through integration of alternative and augmentative communication systems.
- Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
Plano ISD
Special Education Teacher
07.2010 - 07.2013
Job overview
- Designed individual education plans to encourage student growth according to different learning abilities and needs.
- Promoted self-advocacy and independence in students with disabilities by teaching self-management and decision-making skills.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
- Helped students with special needs integrate into general classroom environments by advocating for individual requirements and helping teachers solve problems.
Education
Grand Canyon UniversityPhoenix, AZ
Master of Science from Educational Administration
07-2026
Oklahoma Christian UniversityEdmond, OK
Bachelor of Science from Interdisciplinary Studies
08-2009
Skills
- Individual education programs (IEP)
- Data management
- Microsoft programs (Word, Excel, PowerBi)
- Collaborative teamwork
- Co-teaching experience
- Small group instruction
- Classroom management
- Differentiated instruction
- Inclusion strategies
Certification
Generalist (4th to 8th grade)
Special Education (Pre-K to 12th grade)
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Texas Virtual Academy of Hallsvills
07.2024 - Current
Special Education Resource Teacher
Forney ISD
07.2023 - 07.2024
Librarian
Geary County Schools USD 475
07.2022 - 07.2023
Special Education Resource Teacher
Putnam City Public Schools
07.2018 - 07.2022
Teacher
Canadian Valley Christian Academy
07.2016 - 07.2018
Special Education Teacher
Yukon Public Schools
07.2015 - 07.2016
Special Education Teacher
Edmond Public Schools
07.2013 - 07.2015
Special Education Teacher
Plano ISD
07.2010 - 07.2013
Grand Canyon University
Master of Science from Educational Administration
Oklahoma Christian University
Bachelor of Science from Interdisciplinary Studies
Similar Profiles
Emily GalyonEmily Galyon
Middle School Electives Teacher at Texas Virtual Academy HallsvileMiddle School Electives Teacher at Texas Virtual Academy Hallsvile
Melanie MartinsMelanie Martins
ARD Facilitator at Texas Virtual Academy-K12ARD Facilitator at Texas Virtual Academy-K12
Nancy MagruderNancy Magruder
At-Risk Counselor at Texas Virtual Academy-K12At-Risk Counselor at Texas Virtual Academy-K12