Literacy Specialist
Kruse Elementary
08.2018 - Current
Hi, I’m
Mary A Carter
Douglas,WY
Summary
Passionate teacher with 25+ years experience in international, public, and private schools. Broad teaching experience in locations with diverse economics, languages, and cultures. Easily manages both large and small groups using adaptable strategies that appeal to students with diverse personalities, backgrounds and learning styles. Supports students with academic goal achievement. Evaluates student needs and implements individualized lessons. Delivers results-focused teaching for consistent, measurable academic success.
Work History
Kruse Elementary
Literacy Specialist
08.2018 - Current
Job overview
- Employed variety of assessment tools and Orton-Gillingham Strategies to improve instruction methods and student success with 11 daily groups.
- Collaborated with teammates to meet needs of over 75 + students.
- Integral part of developing school's MTSS Program.
- Improved literacy rates by implementing targeted reading interventions and assessments for struggling students.
- Created lessons and online testing materials to facilitate remote learning.
- Enhanced student learning by collaborating with teachers to develop differentiated instruction strategies and writing and updating Read Plans.
- Analyzed Student Data to uncover performance gaps for Goal Setting and revising interventions.
- Utilized assessment data to inform instructional decisions, continuously monitoring student growth toward grade-level benchmarks.
- Fostered positive learning environment by establishing clear expectations and encouraging open communication among students, staff, and parents.
- Boosted writing proficiency and reading comprehension skills by integrating individualized feedback, vocabulary development, and morphology.
- Collaborated with teachers in developing effective literacy instruction in both general and special education settings.
McGraw Elementary
Literacy Specialist
08.2011 - 05.2018
Job overview
- Implemented structure of MTSS Meetings, presented data and gap analysis' for all students.
- Fostered positive learning environment by establishing clear expectations and encouraging open communication among students, staff, and parents.
- Provided planned objectives and instruction for struggling K-5 readers while managing lessons for three teacher-aides under my supervision.
- Served as mentor for new teachers and literacy coach for all staff, providing support in developing effective literacy instruction.
- Led book clubs that challenged students to think critically about texts while fostering appreciation for different genres, authors, and perspectives.
McGraw Elementary
1st Grade and 2nd Grade Teacher (Looping)
08.2006 - 05.2011
Job overview
- Improved student reading of all students with age-appropriate literature, and engaging lessons of phonemic awareness, phonics, comprehension, and fluency.
- Guided students to mastery of goals on diagnostic and standardized assessments with individualized lessons.
- Increased parental involvement through regular communication, parent-teacher conferences, and Literacy Nights, strengthening home-school connection.
- Enhanced classroom management techniques, resulting in focused and productive learning environment.
- Supported students in developing social skills through activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Used Hands-on and Inquiry Methods.
- Boosted self-awareness, perseverance and resilience by guiding students in self-assessment, setting challenging goals, and providing realistic support.
McGraw Elementary
Resource Room Teacher
08.2005 - 05.2006
Job overview
- Supported diverse learners by differentiating instruction according to their specific strengths and challenges, ensuring all students could effectively access curriculum both general and special education classrooms.
- Provided ongoing feedback to students, offering constructive criticism and praise to motivate their learning through meeting goals.
- Designed individual education plans, and held meetings, to encourage student growth according to different learning abilities and needs.
- Used proven strategies and programs to improve students' sensory- and perceptual-motor skills.
- Assessed student progress regularly through formative and summative assessments, adapting instructional approaches as needed to support growth.
- Communicated effectively with parents regarding student progress, collaborating on strategies to support continuous growth both inside and outside classroom.
- Developed strong relationships with students built on trust and mutual respect, inspiring increased confidence in their own abilities to achieve their goals.
Indiana University – Purdue University (IPFW)
Education Specialist AND Transition to Teaching Coordinator/Instructor
08.2001 - 05.2003
Job overview
- Developed and managed Transition to Teaching (T2T) Program at IPFW to inspire teacher candidates to learn and teach using best practices.
- Liaised between faculty, staff and administrators to coordinate T2T program delivery.
- Built relationships with public and private schools in which students could do practicums and student teach.
- Wrote syllabi and taught two classes, of approx. 50 teacher candidates, each semester.
- Evaluated students' understanding of course material through examinations, observation of lessons taught, and communication with coordinating teachers.
Education
University of Nevada RenoReno, NV
Master of Arts in Elementary Education
08.1988
University of Nevada RenoReno, NV
Bachelor of Science in Elementary & Special Education
05.1987
Skills
- Science of Reading
- Orton Gillingham Trained
- Team Collaboration
- Data Analysis and Goals
- Program Development
- English Language learners
- Kindergarten-Adult Teaching
- Differentiated Instruction
- Classroom Management
- Instructional Techniques
- Diagnostic & Standardized Assessments
- Mentoring and Support
Timeline
Literacy Specialist
McGraw Elementary
08.2011 - 05.2018
1st Grade and 2nd Grade Teacher (Looping)
McGraw Elementary
08.2006 - 05.2011
Resource Room Teacher
McGraw Elementary
08.2005 - 05.2006
Education Specialist AND Transition to Teaching Coordinator/Instructor
Indiana University – Purdue University (IPFW)
08.2001 - 05.2003
University of Nevada Reno
Master of Arts in Elementary Education
University of Nevada Reno
Bachelor of Science in Elementary & Special Education
Overview
23
years of professional experience
Licensing
Colorado Professional Teacher License, 01/2004 - 06/2026
Elementary Education (K-6), Special Education Generalist (K-12)
Other Teaching Experience
SPECIAL EDUCATION ITINERANT TEACHER 08/1997 to 05/1999
Mecosta-Osceola Intermediate School District, Big Rapids, MI
MIDDLE SCHOOL SPECIAL EDUCATION ENGLISH TEACHER 08/1995 to 05/1997
Swainston Middle School, Las Vegas, NV
LONG-TERM SUBSTITUTE TEACHER, MIDDLE SCHOOL MATH 08/1995 to 05/1996
Elton M. Garret Middle School, Boulder City, NV
2ND GRADE TEACHER 08/1992 to 06/1994
International School of Prague, Prague, CZECH REPUBLIC
2ND GRADE TEACHER 08/1990 to 06/1992
Seoul International School, Seoul, KOREA
EDUCATIONAL CONSULTANT K-8 MATH AND READING TEACHER 08/1989 to 06/1990
Educational Services, Inc, Rolling Hills Estates, CA
1ST GRADE TEACHER 08/1988 to 06/1989
Calmont Elementary School, Topanga Canyon, CA
5TH GRADE TEACHER 08/1987 to 05/1988
Roger Corbett Elementary School, Reno, NV
Licensing
Colorado Professional Teacher License, 01/2004 - 06/2026
Elementary Education (K-6), Special Education Generalist (K-12)
Other Teaching Experience
SPECIAL EDUCATION ITINERANT TEACHER 08/1997 to 05/1999
Mecosta-Osceola Intermediate School District, Big Rapids, MI
MIDDLE SCHOOL SPECIAL EDUC ENGLISH TEACHER 08/1996 to 05/1997
Swainston Middle School, Las Vegas, NV
1ST GRADE TEACHER 08/1994 to 06/1995
Munich International School, Starnburg, GERMANY
2ND GRADE TEACHER 08/1992 to 06/1994
International School of Prague, Prague, CZECH REPUBLIC
2ND GRADE TEACHER 08/1990 to 06/1992
Seoul International School, Seoul, KOREA
EDUCATIONAL CONSULTANT K-8 MATH AND READING TEACHER 08/1989 to 06/1990
Educational Services, Inc, Rolling Hills Estates, CA
1ST GRADE TEACHER 08/1988 to 06/1989
Calmont Elementary School, Topanga Canyon, CA
5TH GRADE TEACHER 08/1987 to 05/1988
Roger Corbett Elementary School, Reno, NV
Licensing
Colorado Professional Teacher License, 01/2004 - 06/2026
Elementary Education (K-6), Special Education Generalist (K-12)
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