Dr. Charlie Merrow, PhD
Denver
Summary
Experienced leader in special education, disability advocacy, and inclusive practices, with a strong background in K–12 teaching and leadership, higher education, research, and global service. Focused on creating inclusive, accessible educational systems and experiences for students with disabilities by partnering with district and school teams to strengthen district-wide systems and practices, and working in close collaboration with parents and community partners. Currently serving as Director of Special Education at Denver Public Schools. Holds a Ph.D. in Education & Human Development with a concentration in Special Education & Disability Studies.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Special Education
Denver Public Schools
Denver
05.2022 - Current
- Directs the Special Education Department within Denver Public Schools, the largest district in Colorado, overseeing special education services across 207 schools for all approximately 15,000 students in Denver county with disabilities.
- Through the Colorado Department of Education, is the Director of Special Education on Record for Denver County ensuring free and appropriate public education (FAPE) is provided to all individuals with disabilities ages 3 to 21 residing in Denver County.
- Oversees and leads all aspects of District-wide special education services, including specialized instruction, curriculum, compliance, and assessment for students with disabilities.
- Oversees multi-million dollar budget of federal grant dollars through IDEA funding as well as District General Fund expenses.
- Ensures adherence to state and federal regulations governing special education, including compliance with guidelines outlined by the Colorado Department of Education and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Implements comprehensive policies and procedures to guarantee legal compliance and uphold the rights of students with disabilities.
- Collaborates in partnership with district teams across all central office departments, 207 school-based teams, the Board of Education, the Colorado Department of Education, community agencies, advocates, and parent and community groups to foster strong, trusting relationships throughout the city of Denver.
- Within a two year span, successfully brought the district from 81% compliant to 100% compliant based on national Office of Special Education and IDEA standards and Colorado Department of Education indicators.
Chief of Staff, Student Equity & Opportunity
Denver Public Schools
Denver
06.2021 - 05.2022
- Directed district-wide strategic planning efforts, school prioritization initiatives, and divisional communications as Chief of Staff within the Equity and Engagement Division and Student Equity and Opportunity.
- Provided strategic vision and leadership to a diverse array of division teams, encompassing Family and Community Engagement, Student Equity and Opportunity, Native American Cultural Education, Extended Learning Community Schools, and the Culture Equity Leadership Team as well as major departments including Special Education, Mental Health, Gifted and Talented, Preventative and Restorative Services, and Federal Programs, ensuring alignment with equity-driven objectives and organizational goals.
- Formulated and implemented strategies to bolster community involvement and collaboration, strengthening partnerships to advance equitable educational opportunities for all stakeholders.
- Acted as a liaison between district leadership, school administrators, and external partners, facilitating communication and coordination on equity-centered endeavors and strategic imperatives.
Adjunct Professor
Naropa University
Boulder
01.2021 - 01.2024
- Taught comprehensive research methods courses for graduate students as part of the Graduate School of Psychology, emphasizing proficiency in qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research methodologies.
- Provide guidance and mentorship to students in navigating ethical considerations and principles inherent in psychological research, fostering a commitment to integrity and responsible conduct.
- Foster a collaborative learning environment where students actively engage in discussions, hands-on exercises, and practical applications to enhance their research competencies and prepare them for future endeavors in the field.
Social Emotional Learning Program Director
Empowering Education
Denver
04.2018 - 05.2021
- Directed all social-emotional learning programming, including curriculum development and teacher training initiatives.
- Oversaw comprehensive curriculum and resource development, ensuring alignment with SEL best practices.
- Facilitated professional development trainings, equipping teachers to integrate SEL strategies effectively.
- Managed grant funding and maintained budget oversight for curriculum and professional development efforts.
- Supervised a team of professionals, providing leadership and mentorship to foster collaboration.
- Guided curriculum development and program implementation in accordance with educational standards.
Clinical Instructor, Site Professor, Researcher
University of Colorado
Denver
08.2014 - 12.2020
- Instructed undergraduate courses covering special education principles and pedagogy, culturally responsive education, courses covering specific areas of focus on deaf and hard of hearing as well as autism spectrum disorder, and special education policy and law, fostering a comprehensive understanding of key concepts in the field.
- Conducted qualitative and quantitative research on three distinct projects centered on special education and equity within K-12 educational settings, utilizing rigorous data analysis methods to inform findings and recommendations.
- Provided direct supervision and coaching to undergraduate and graduate student teachers during elementary and special education practicums within Mapleton Public Schools.
Special Education Teacher
Tennyson Center for Children
Denver
11.2015 - 01.2018
- Led middle school autism center-based program at Tennyson Center for Children, a residential and day-treatment facility school.
- Ensured effective program operation by fostering supportive and inclusive learning environment.
- Instructed students in all content areas, tailoring instruction for individuals facing homelessness and significant trauma.
- Developed specialized educational strategies to enhance academic growth and social-emotional development.
- Conducted behavioral assessments and implemented targeted interventions based on functional behavior assessments.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to create individualized education plans (IEPs) and behavioral intervention plans (BIPs).
- Facilitated communication among stakeholders during IEP meetings and public school district transition meetings.
- Supervised autism center classroom staff, promoting professional development and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
Education Volunteer
United States Peace Corps
01.2011 - 04.2014
- Taught middle school in a village-based school comprehensive health education, covering topics such as HIV/AIDS prevention, physical and mental health, social-emotional learning, personal wellness, drug and alcohol prevention, nutrition and fitness, human sexuality, and safe sex practices through English and the local language dialect.
- Established and led youth leadership programs aimed at gender empowerment and youth development, while fostering leadership skills and positive behavior among participants.
- Conducted weekly HIV/AIDS training workshops with community center workers, disseminating essential knowledge and strategies for prevention and support within local communities.
- Coordinated and facilitated a ten-week preservice training program for incoming Peace Corps volunteers, serving as the Training Lead, ensuring their preparedness for service assignments.
- Extended for an additional year working for Special Olympics Africa working as a special education teacher, coach, and youth initiatives manager. Delivered daily instruction to students with disabilities throughout region.
- Developed and authored a youth development curriculum for Special Olympics programs, which has been translated and implemented worldwide, contributing to the empowerment of youth with disabilities.
- Trained Peace Corps volunteers and Special Olympics staff on Special Olympics curricula across the African continent, sharing best practices, and enhancing program delivery.
- Organized and facilitated an international youth leadership conference, bringing together hundreds of youth with disabilities from across Africa to promote inclusion, empowerment, and advocacy.
Education
Ph.D. - Education; Concentration in Special Education
University of Colorado
Master of Arts - Special Education
University of Colorado
Certificate - Autism Education
University of Northern Colorado
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
Western Washington University
Bachelor of Arts - Rhetoric
Western Washington University
Certification
- Director of Special Education Administrator License, Colorado Department of Education
- Professional Teacher License: Special Education (ages 3-21), Colorado Department of Education
- Professional Teacher License: Elementary Education, Colorado Department of Education
- Autism Education Teaching Certificate, University of Northern Colorado
- Certification in Conflict Mediator, Denver Public Schools
- Yoga Teacher Certification (200 hour), US Yoga Alliance
Affiliations And Leadership
- Special Olympics Colorado, Board of Directors Member
- Colorado Department of Education Special Education Advisory Committee (CSEAC), Appointed Member
- Denver Public Schools Special Education Advisory Committee (DSEAC), Committee Sponsor
- Denver Public Schools Accountability Committee (DAC), Board of Education Elected Member
Research And Presentations
- The Intersection of Compliance and Equity in Special Education, Urban Collaborative National Education Conference, 01/01/23
- How One Public School District is Changing Delivery of Instruction through Compliance, Urban Collaborative Education Conference, 01/01/22
- Social-Emotional Learning in Special Education Classrooms, Courage to Risk National Special Education Conference, 01/01/22
- Mindfulness and Special Education, Courage to Risk National Special Education Conference, 01/01/20
- Mindfulness & Disability (Dissertation), University of Colorado, 01/01/20
- Mindfulness in K-12 Classrooms, The Coalition of Schools National Education Conference, 01/01/19
- Graduate Research Assistant: Student-Adaptive Pedagogy in Aurora Public Schools, University of Colorado
- Graduate Research Assistant: Checks for Understanding at Bruce Randolph High School, Denver Public Schools, University of Colorado
- Graduate Research Assistant: Special Education Culturally Responsive Teaching through Elementary Literacy, University of Colorado
Timeline
Director of Special Education
Denver Public Schools
05.2022 - Current
Chief of Staff, Student Equity & Opportunity
Denver Public Schools
06.2021 - 05.2022
Adjunct Professor
Naropa University
01.2021 - 01.2024
Social Emotional Learning Program Director
Empowering Education
04.2018 - 05.2021
Special Education Teacher
Tennyson Center for Children
11.2015 - 01.2018
Clinical Instructor, Site Professor, Researcher
University of Colorado
08.2014 - 12.2020
Education Volunteer
United States Peace Corps
01.2011 - 04.2014
Ph.D. - Education; Concentration in Special Education
University of Colorado
Master of Arts - Special Education
University of Colorado
Certificate - Autism Education
University of Northern Colorado
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
Western Washington University
Bachelor of Arts - Rhetoric
Western Washington University