Meghan Gillespie
Granger
Summary
Experienced and dedicated educator with a strong commitment to supporting student achievement and fostering teacher development. Skilled in utilizing data-driven instruction, curriculum design, and facilitating professional learning to drive positive outcomes. Passionate about creating an inclusive and collaborative learning environment that empowers educators and enhances student success. Seeking a position to leverage expertise and make a meaningful impact on the educational community.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
1st Grade Teacher
Jackson Elementary, Des Moines Public Schools
08.2024 - Current
- Utilized student assessment data to drive instruction, differentiate learning, and provide targeted interventions
- Collaborated with first grade team to develop and implement a grade level, engaging, and affirming curriculum
- Designed and delivered culturally responsive and developmentally appropriate lessons to meet diverse student needs
- Monitored student progress through formative and summative assessments, adjusting instruction to support mastery
- Integrated research-based instructional strategies to enhance student engagement and academic achievement
- Fostered a positive and inclusive classroom environment that values student voice and identity
Building Leadership Team
Jackson Elementary
08.2024 - Current
- Collaborated with administrators and staff to develop and implement school-wide improvement initiatives
- Assisted in the development and execution of the School Improvement Plan (SIP) to align with district and state goals
- Supported a positive school culture by promoting equity, inclusion, and student-centered learning environments
- Led curriculum alignment efforts, ensuring instructional consistency and high academic standards
Teacher Mentor
Jackson Elementary
08.2024 - Current
- Provided ongoing coaching and support to a first-year teacher, fostering professional growth and confidence
- Assisted in lesson planning, classroom management, and instructional strategies to enhance student engagement
- Conducted regular observations and feedback sessions to promote reflective teaching practices
- Shared best practices for differentiation, assessment, and student-centered learning
- Guided the new teacher in understanding school policies, curriculum standards, and professional expectations
- Served as a resource for navigating challenges, including parent communication, grading, and work-life balance
- Encouraged a growth mindset by setting goals and tracking progress throughout the school year
- Fostered a collaborative and supportive environment, ensuring a successful transition into the teaching profession
PLC Leader
Jackson Elementary
11.2023 - Current
- Create weekly agendas, pacing guides and facilitate weekly meetings
- Facilitated Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) to improve instructional practices and student achievement
- Led data-driven discussions to analyze student performance and implement targeted interventions
- Collaborated with teachers to develop and refine lesson plans, assessments, and differentiated instruction
- Utilized research-based strategies to support Multilingual Learners (MLLs), Special Education students, and diverse learners
2nd Grade Teacher
Jackson Elementary, Des Moines Public Schools
08.2023 - 05.2024
- Utilized data-driven instructions to personalize learning experiences and address individual student needs
- Developed and implemented engaging, grade-level appropriate lessons that align with state and district standards
- Used ongoing assessments and progress monitoring to guide instructional decisions and improve student achievement
- Created a welcoming and inclusive classroom environment that affirms students' identities and backgrounds
- Designed hands-on and inquiry-based learning activities to increase student engagement and critical thinking
- Collaborated with colleagues to align curriculum, instruction, and assessment for consistency across grade levels
- Integrated technology and interactive tools to enhance learning and support diverse learners
- Partnered with families and support staff to create a holistic approach to student success
2nd Grade Teacher
Cattell Elementary, Des Moines Public Schools
08.2020 - 06.2023
- Plan and design standards-based lessons for diverse groups of learners
- Teach daily lessons with multiple modalities to target various learning styles and facilitate learning to reach PLC and student goals
- Encourage interactive and engaging discussion in a respectful environment to optimize learning
- Worked collaboratively with teachers and instructional coaches to ensure student success
Lighthouse Implementation Team
Cattell Elementary
01.2021 - 05.2021
- Help plan implementation of 'Leader in Me' curriculum
- Facilitate conversations and respond to staff regarding implementation of curriculum
- Co-create pacing guide and planning around SEL curriculum for the year
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
Arts Leadership Team
Cattell Elementary
08.2020 - 05.2021
- Plan and help implement family engagement activities
- Support Arts Integration Activities
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
Office Manager
Carver Elementary, Des Moines Public Schools
10.2016 - 09.2019
- Assisted the principal in interactions with teachers, students, and families, many of whom are the first-generation living in the U.S
- Demonstrated excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, computer literacy, and problem-solving abilities
- Showed effective oral and written communication skills as well as ability to multi-task
- Exhibited the ability to interact in a positive manner with students, families and faculty members, regardless of the situation
Education
Master of Education - Culturally Responsive Leadership and Instruction
Drake University
Des Moines, IA05.2025
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
Upper Iowa University
Fayette, IA05.2020
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA04.2004
Skills
- Friendly, positive attitude
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Phonics instruction
- Organizational skills
- Classroom management
Certification
- Iowa Teaching License, 05/31/20
- American Red Cross, Standard First Aid and CPR
- Crisis Prevention Intervention, 2021-2025
Related Experience
Office Manager, Carver Elementary, Des Moines Public Schools, 10/01/16, 09/30/19, Des Moines, IA, Assisted the principal in interactions with teachers, students, and families, many of whom are the first-generation living in the U.S., Demonstrated excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, computer literacy, and problem-solving abilities., Showed effective oral and written communication skills as well as ability to multi-task., Exhibited the ability to interact in a positive manner with students, families and faculty members, regardless of the situation.
Awards
- Dean’s List
- 2017-2018
- 2019
Leadership Opportunities
- Building Leadership Team, 08/01/24, 06/30/25, Collaborated with administrators and staff to develop and implement school-wide improvement initiatives., Assisted in the development and execution of the School Improvement Plan (SIP) to align with district and state goals., Supported a positive school culture by promoting equity, inclusion, and student-centered learning environments., Led curriculum alignment efforts, ensuring instructional consistency and high academic standards.
- Teacher Mentor, 08/01/24, 06/30/25, Provided ongoing coaching and support to a first-year teacher, fostering professional growth and confidence., Assisted in lesson planning, classroom management, and instructional strategies to enhance student engagement., Conducted regular observations and feedback sessions to promote reflective teaching practices., Shared best practices for differentiation, assessment, and student-centered learning., Guided the new teacher in understanding school policies, curriculum standards, and professional expectations., Served as a resource for navigating challenges, including parent communication, grading, and work-life balance., Encouraged a growth mindset by setting goals and tracking progress throughout the school year., Fostered a collaborative and supportive environment, ensuring a successful transition into the teaching profession.
- PLC Leader, 11/01/23, 05/31/25, Create weekly agendas, pacing guides and facilitate weekly meetings., Facilitated Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) to improve instructional practices and student achievement., Led data-driven discussions to analyze student performance and implement targeted interventions., Collaborated with teachers to develop and refine lesson plans, assessments, and differentiated instruction., Utilized research-based strategies to support Multilingual Learners (MLLs), Special Education students, and diverse learners.
- Lighthouse Implementation Team, 01/01/21, 05/31/21, Help plan implementation of 'Leader in Me' curriculum., Facilitate conversations and respond to staff regarding implementation of curriculum., Co-create pacing guide and planning around SEL curriculum for the year.
- Arts Leadership Team, 08/01/20, 05/31/21, Plan and help implement family engagement activities., Support Arts Integration Activities.
Timeline
1st Grade Teacher
Jackson Elementary, Des Moines Public Schools
08.2024 - Current
Building Leadership Team
Jackson Elementary
08.2024 - Current
Teacher Mentor
Jackson Elementary
08.2024 - Current
PLC Leader
Jackson Elementary
11.2023 - Current
2nd Grade Teacher
Jackson Elementary, Des Moines Public Schools
08.2023 - 05.2024
Lighthouse Implementation Team
Cattell Elementary
01.2021 - 05.2021
2nd Grade Teacher
Cattell Elementary, Des Moines Public Schools
08.2020 - 06.2023
Arts Leadership Team
Cattell Elementary
08.2020 - 05.2021
Office Manager
Carver Elementary, Des Moines Public Schools
10.2016 - 09.2019
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
Upper Iowa University
University of Northern Iowa
Master of Education - Culturally Responsive Leadership and Instruction
Drake University
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