Margaret Ellmer, PhD
Oxford,MS
Summary
Accomplished Educator with expertise in instruction and school management. Skilled in strategic planning, educational leadership, and policy implementation. Focused on enhancing academic performance through innovative teaching strategies and fostering collaborative learning environments.
Overview
2
2
Certifications
45
45
years of professional experience
Work History
Superintendent of Schools
Mississippi Schools for the Deaf and Blind
Jackson, MS
03.2024 - 06.2024
- Managed day-to-day operations of the school district, including budgeting, staffing, and scheduling.
- Developed strategic initiatives that increased student engagement and improved learning outcomes.
- Coordinated staff training sessions on inclusive teaching practices.
- Monitored student performance data to pinpoint specific areas for enhancing teaching methods and curriculum design.
- Evaluated instructional methods to ensure compliance with state standards.
- Provided guidance on special education services to ensure students receive appropriate support.
- Oversaw educational programs for students with sensory impairments.
- Implemented emergency response plans during times of crisis or natural disaster.
- Analyzed budgetary trends to optimize resource allocation and ensure fiscal responsibility.
- Conducted annual evaluations of district personnel to maintain high standards of quality instruction.
Teacher of the Visually Impaired
Mississippi School for the Blind
Jackson
08.2022 - 02.2024
- Implemented adaptive teaching strategies to accommodate various learning needs.
- Collaborated with staff to create an inclusive classroom environment for students.
- Conducted assessments to evaluate student progress and adapt instruction accordingly.
- Facilitated engaging activities to enhance social skills and peer interactions.
- Mentored new teachers on best practices for special education instruction techniques.
- Developed and implemented lesson plans based on curriculum objectives.
- Prepared and maintained classroom environments appropriate for student learning and physical, social and emotional development.
- Communicated regularly with families to support student development and education goals.
- Responded promptly to inquiries from parents or guardians regarding their children's academic progress.
- Collaborated with teachers, administrators, parents, community members, and other stakeholders to create a safe learning environment for students.
- Implemented emergency response plans during times of crisis or natural disaster.
- Conducted annual evaluations of district personnel to maintain high standards of quality instruction.
Director of Policy and District Support MDE OSE
Mississippi Department Of Education
Jackson, MS
01.2018 - 08.2022
- Engaged in legislative advocacy to influence education reform efforts, ensuring alignment with statewide priorities.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to develop and implement comprehensive educational policies that addressed diverse needs.
- Led strategic initiatives to enhance educational outcomes statewide.
- Directed training programs for educators to improve instructional practices.
- Oversaw budget planning and resource allocation for educational programs.
- Facilitated meetings with community partners to advance initiatives promoting educational equity across the district.
- Implemented data-driven strategies to assess program effectiveness and needs.
Interim Executive Director of Special Education
Mississippi Department of Education
Jackson, MS
09.2018 - 07.2019
- Led statewide educational initiatives to enhance student learning and achievement.
- Advocated for educational reforms to improve student outcomes statewide.
- Directed strategic planning efforts to align educational goals with community needs.
- Advocated for educational resources and support at local, state, and national levels.
- Oversaw budget planning and resource allocation for effective program implementation.
- Managed financial resources and operations to ensure effective program delivery and alignment with strategic goals.
- Managed compliance with state and federal education regulations and guidelines.
- Informed the board and committee on trends and issues to support informed decision-making and policy development.
- Maintained accountability for operational and fiscal integrity, effectively managing designated budget.
- Informed the board and committee on trends and issues to support informed decision-making and policy development.
- Analyzed data to inform decision-making in curriculum development and assessment.
Universal Design for Learning State Coordinator
University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
02.2017 - 01.2018
- Developed and implemented UDL model programs in northern Mississippi school districts, improving educational practices.
- Coordinated statewide educational programs enhancing access for diverse student populations.
- Developed training materials empowering faculty and staff across multiple departments.
- Facilitated communication between university administration and local education agencies.
Professional Development Coordinator
University of Mississippi
Oxford, Mississippi
06.2016 - 02.2017
- Developed engaging professional development programs that fostered faculty and staff participation.
- Developed and implemented professional development workshops for staff members.
- Coordinated workshops and training sessions to enhance teaching skills.
- Coordinated training programs that supported academic, intellectual, and emotional growth for participants.
- Evaluated participant feedback to improve future professional development offerings.
- Researched best practices in higher education professional development strategies.
- Maintained accurate records of all professional development activities.
- Assisted in designing and delivering instructional materials that enhanced learning experiences.
Assistant Director of Special Education
Rankin County School District
Brandon, MS
01.2012 - 07.2016
- Provided leadership and guidance to special education staff in the development, implementation, and evaluation of IEPs.
- Managed compliance with federal and state regulations in special education services.
- Collaborated with educators to develop individualized education programs for students.
- Coordinated assessments to determine student eligibility for special education services.
- Facilitated staff training on special education policies and practices, enhancing staff understanding and implementation.
- Established ongoing communication system among stakeholders in special education service delivery, improving collaboration and information sharing.
- Managed special education program budgets, aligning resource allocation with student needs and program priorities.
- Provided guidance to parents regarding special education resources and support options.
Teacher -Significant Cognitive Disabilities
Rankin County School District
Brandon, MS
01.2009 - 01.2012
Lead Teacher
Mississippi Child Development Institute
Jackson, MS
01.2008 - 01.2009
- University of Mississippi Medical School
Teacher/Developer
Bridges Program Grades K-12 for Students with Autism and Related Disabilities.
Port St. Joe, FL
01.2001 - 01.2008
Mediator for Special Education Issues
Florida Department of Education
Tallahassee, Florida
01.1999 - 01.2001
- Facilitated communication among parties to reach fair resolutions.
Varying Exceptionalities Teacher
Port St. Joe Middle/High School
Port St. Joe, FL
01.1986 - 01.1999
Social Studies Teacher
Martin County School District
Stuart, FL
01.1984 - 01.1986
Regular and Special Education Teacher
Escambia County School District
Pensacola, FL
01.1979 - 01.1984
Education
Doctor of Philosophy - Educational Leadership/Administration
Jackson State University
Jackson, MSMaster of Science - Special Education
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FLBachelor of Arts - Elementary/Special Education
Huntingdon College
Montgomery, ALSkills
- Budget management
- Policy writing
- Strategic planning
- Program evaluation
- Special education compliance
- Educational leadership
- Professional development
- Team collaboration
- Effective communication
- Emergency preparedness
- Mentoring teachers
- Inclusive practices
- Organizational management
- Educational regulations
- Special education
Certification
Elementary Education K-6
Mild/Moderate Disability K-12
Severe/Profound Disability K-12
Emotional Disability K-12
Special Education Birth-K
Timeline
Superintendent of Schools
Mississippi Schools for the Deaf and Blind
03.2024 - 06.2024
Teacher of the Visually Impaired
Mississippi School for the Blind
08.2022 - 02.2024
Interim Executive Director of Special Education
Mississippi Department of Education
09.2018 - 07.2019
Director of Policy and District Support MDE OSE
Mississippi Department Of Education
01.2018 - 08.2022
Universal Design for Learning State Coordinator
University of Southern Mississippi
02.2017 - 01.2018
Professional Development Coordinator
University of Mississippi
06.2016 - 02.2017
Assistant Director of Special Education
Rankin County School District
01.2012 - 07.2016
Teacher -Significant Cognitive Disabilities
Rankin County School District
01.2009 - 01.2012
Lead Teacher
Mississippi Child Development Institute
01.2008 - 01.2009
Teacher/Developer
Bridges Program Grades K-12 for Students with Autism and Related Disabilities.
01.2001 - 01.2008
Mediator for Special Education Issues
Florida Department of Education
01.1999 - 01.2001
Varying Exceptionalities Teacher
Port St. Joe Middle/High School
01.1986 - 01.1999
Social Studies Teacher
Martin County School District
01.1984 - 01.1986
Regular and Special Education Teacher
Escambia County School District
01.1979 - 01.1984
Doctor of Philosophy - Educational Leadership/Administration
Jackson State University
Master of Science - Special Education
Florida State University
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary/Special Education
Huntingdon College