Hillary Merritt
Cary,NC
Summary
Passionate Elementary Teacher for twenty four years in both rural and urban settings. Proven history of creating engaged classroom environments supporting diverse educational styles. Versatile student-oriented, project-based, developmental approach consistently supporting growth, development in a cooperative environment. Dedicated to promoting academic performance and fostering social-emotional learning and character development. Organized and dependable while skilled at flexible lesson planning, parent involvement and learning both in side and outside the classroom.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Elementary School Teacher -Fourth and Second Grade
The Raleigh School
07.2015 - 06.2024
- Designed and implemented engaging, effective lessons for a diverse educational, social and emotional needs
- Collaborated with fellow teachers to develop interdisciplinary lesson plans, enhancing students'' understanding of various subjects.
- Guided the building of a strong classroom community in which all learners are encouraged to take risks and work towards their goals and objectives
- Evaluated and assessed student progress regularly, providing constructive feedback and adapting teaching methods accordingly.
- Pursued professional development continually by attending educational conferences and teacher training workshops
- Collaborated and communicated with parents and families about their student's progress
- Established a positive classroom environment through effective classroom management strategies, fostering respect and cooperation among students.
First Grade Teacher
Sant Bani School
05.2001 - 06.2014
- Creating a welcoming, safe environment for students to take risks and build social skills, including the use of the Responsive Classroom approach
- Improved student reading comprehension by incorporating engaging phonics activities and guided reading sessions.
- Increased parent involvement in their child''s education by conducting regular parent-teacher conferences and providing resources for at-home learning support.
- Developed students' critical thinking skills through inquiry-based learning activities and group projects.
- Created and fostered a curiosity, respect and love of the outdoors and the environment
- Worked with other teachers and administrators to evaluate and revise elementary school programs.
- Enhanced classroom management techniques, resulting in a more focused and productive learning environment.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary lessons that connected subjects such as math, science, and social studies.
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning styles, ensuring all students made progress towards academic goals.
- Assessed student progress regularly using formative assessments and modified instruction accordingly for optimal growth.
Intern in a First Grade Classroom, Co-teaching
UNH Graduate School
09.2000 - 05.2001
Intern in Kindergarten Classroom
UNH Undergraduate School
09.1999 - 05.2000
Daycare Worker/After-School Teacher
Growing Places Day Care
09.1998 - 05.2000
Intern at a Daycare Center
UNH Child Study/Dev. Center
01.1999 - 05.1999
Library Worker
UNH Library
08.1996 - 05.1998
Education
Masters of Education - Elementary Education
University of New Hampshire
Durham, NH05.2001
Bachelor of Science - Family Studies/Childhood Studies
University of New Hampshire
Durham, NH05.2000
Skills
- Lesson Planning
- Classroom Management
- Parent Involvement
- Community Service Leadership
- DEIB Training
- Mindfulness in the ClassroomTraining
- Project Based Learning
- Elementary Education
- Outdoor Education
- Sustainability Work-Green Team Jr
- Responsive Classrooms
- Imaginative Inquiry
- Mathematics Training
- Fundations Training
- National Opera Education
Timeline
Elementary School Teacher -Fourth and Second Grade
The Raleigh School
07.2015 - 06.2024
First Grade Teacher
Sant Bani School
05.2001 - 06.2014
Intern in a First Grade Classroom, Co-teaching
UNH Graduate School
09.2000 - 05.2001
Intern in Kindergarten Classroom
UNH Undergraduate School
09.1999 - 05.2000
Intern at a Daycare Center
UNH Child Study/Dev. Center
01.1999 - 05.1999
Daycare Worker/After-School Teacher
Growing Places Day Care
09.1998 - 05.2000
Library Worker
UNH Library
08.1996 - 05.1998
Masters of Education - Elementary Education
University of New Hampshire
Bachelor of Science - Family Studies/Childhood Studies
University of New Hampshire
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