MELANIE HARRIS
Houston,TX
Summary
Passionate educator with 20+ years of highly effective teaching experience and leadership. Specializing in general education and currently teaching special education population of students. Proven capabilities of assessing student abilities, setting realistic goals and developing individualized educational plans. Demonstrates success in fostering positive learning environments, promoting student engagement, and cultivating strong parent teacher relationships to maximize student progress. Committed to utilizing innovating teaching strategies to meet all student's needs.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Shearn Elementary School Houston ISD
Houston, TX
08.2025 - Current
- Conducted assessments to monitor student progress and adjust plans.
- Participated in professional development activities related to teaching strategies for special education students.
- Developed individualized education plans for diverse student needs.
- Implemented adaptive learning strategies to enhance student engagement.
ESL Teacher-Early Childhood
Baker Ripley EHS Charter School
Houston, TX
08.2023 - 06.2025
- Successfully differentiate instruction for students with various disabilities by individualizing instruction, accommodations, and support based on students' unique strengths, needs, preferences, and learning styles.
- Cultivating an inspiring and safe learning environment.
- Enhanced communication protocols with parents include development assessments and periodic conferences. Collaborated with the special education department to ensure IEP goals were achieved and consistently implemented.
2nd Grade ESL -Lead Teacher
Fort Bend ISD
Missouri City, TX
08.2017 - 05.2023
- Successfully met student achievement goals with accommodations for diverse population of ESL, Special Education, Dyslexia students within a general education classroom.
- Frequently monitored student progress to close academic achievement gaps utilizing effective small groups, formal/ informal observations and data progress monitoring tools for student success.
- Consistently stayed abreast of new technology learning trends to implement blended learning activity lessons to differentiate instructional practices.
- Professionally ensured continuous communication with parents, both written and oral, to inform of student(s) progress.
Kindergarten Lead Teacher
Forester Elementary-Houston ISD
Houston, TX
08.2015 - 05.2020
- Accurately analyzed assessment data to determine RTI groups for small group instruction to develop a plan for student's long term and short-term goals.
- Created differentiated rigorous lesson plans aligned with district curriculum priority standards to meet student's needs.
- Efficiently administered data progress monitoring tools and frequently assessed students to improve Reading and Math skills.
Kindergarten Teacher
Felix Cook Elementary School Houston ISD
Houston, TX
08.2005 - 05.2015
- Collaboratively Coordinated instructional related and testing activities with other professional staff, both school and non-school-based, as required, maximizing learning opportunities.
- Effectively Created a classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interests of students.
- Proficiently identified learning needs, and skills to set learning goals for student intervention needs.
- Strategically planned appropriate instructional/learning strategies and activities including determining the appropriate levels.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
Texas Southern University
Houston, TXAlternative Teacher Certification -
Skills
- Strong Communication
- Data Assessment/Analysis
- Leadership
- Adaptability
- Critical Thinking
- Collaboration
- Detail Oriented
- Instructional planning
Certification
• Generalist -EC-4
• Special Education-EC-12
• English Second Language (ESL) EC-12
• Texas Reading Academies (STR)
• Special Education-EC-12
• English Second Language (ESL) EC-12
• Texas Reading Academies (STR)
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Shearn Elementary School Houston ISD
08.2025 - Current
ESL Teacher-Early Childhood
Baker Ripley EHS Charter School
08.2023 - 06.2025
2nd Grade ESL -Lead Teacher
Fort Bend ISD
08.2017 - 05.2023
Kindergarten Lead Teacher
Forester Elementary-Houston ISD
08.2015 - 05.2020
Kindergarten Teacher
Felix Cook Elementary School Houston ISD
08.2005 - 05.2015
Alternative Teacher Certification -
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
Texas Southern University
Hobbies and Interests
- Swimming
- Adventure
- Reading