Melanie S. Leet
Rossville,TN
Summary
Accomplished Director of Educational Support Services at Rossville Christian Academy, I excel in organizational development and fostering strong relationships. Leveraging data-driven instruction and visionary leadership, I have enhanced educational programs and mentorship, demonstrating a positive impact on staff and student success. Expert in coaching, with a track record of motivating students and improving academic strategies.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Educational Support Services
Rossville Christian Academy
Rossville, TN
12.2022 - Current
- Developed educational support initiatives that align with the mission and core values of the school
- Developed and taught an interdisciplinary honors course covering history and literature, allowing students to develop and defend their worldview.
- Mentored 8th grade girls to cultivate leadership qualities regarding school and life
- Conducted regular meetings with members of the support programs to review progress and collaborate.
- Analyzed data to inform decision-making, academic, and strategy direction.
- Cultivated strong relationships with parents, teachers, and students by responding promptly to inquiries or complaints.
- Offered mentorship to recently hired staff, enhancing their knowledge of program initiatives.
- Created detailed plans outlining timelines, goals, budgets, staffing needs, and other requirements for all support programs.
- Assessed employee performance against established benchmarks or targets.
- Delegated work to staff and assisted team members in setting priorities and goals.
- Lead and coordinate in-service professional development for teachers to provide training in procedures and best practices for support programs and students.
- Provided learning and behavior strategies to faculty to promote more engaged learners in the classroom.
- Provided differentiation strategies to support all learners in the classroom, including gifted students.
- Represented the school at community events to promote enrollment.
- Worked in conjunction with the local public and private school systems to obtain related services for eligible students.
Self-Contained Special Education Teacher
Tara Oaks Elementary, Collierville Schools
Collierville, TN
08.2021 - 12.2022
- Collaborated with general education teachers to include students in classroom activities.
- Analyzed student data and prescribed remediation and enrichment to meet learning needs.
- Developed and implemented Individual Education Plans for students with disabilities.
- Enhanced lessons using Smart Board technology and computers.
- Participated in professional development activities related to best practices in teaching special education students.
- Demonstrated appropriate behaviors using behavior modeling and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Presented student behavioral data during IEP meetings to determine plan changes and progress.
- Enforced behavior management interventions to improve learning environment and increase academic success.
- Established and maintained dynamic working relationships with students, parents and staff to support learning objectives.
- Collaborated with occupational therapists, speech pathologists, and physical therapists to ensure comprehensive student care.
- Assisted with organizing and implementing curriculum, state and district-wide assessments.
- Enhanced data collection methods to promote more accurate and efficient data collection across paraprofessional staff.
- Advised general education teachers in how to include all students in classroom activities.
- Supported diverse student populations through equitable instructional design and programming.
- Assisted with classroom observations to identify developmental delays and behavioral issues.
- Cultivated classroom environment focused on inclusion and growth, fostering both social and academic development.
- Developed individual educational plans designed to promote educational, physical and social development.
- Developed and maintained individualized skill-appropriate lesson plans to promote and build student confidence.
Co-Teacher; Inclusion
Collierville High School, Collierville Schools
08.2016 - 05.2021
- Conducted professional development sessions for colleagues to educate on strategies and best practices regarding behavior support and inclusion.
- Served in leadership roles: Team Lead / Department Chair / Principal's Council
- Collaborated with a leadership team for Responsibility Centered Discipline to mitigate district-wide disproportionality issues.
- Supported novice instructors and organized mandatory observation periods for student teachers..
- Performed student background reviews to ascertain learning deficiencies and strengths to develop differentiated lessons based on student needs.
- Supported the implementation of academic interventions, such as Response to Intervention.
- Guided students and parents in setting goals and measuring academic progress aligned with their chosen post-secondary pathway.
- Prepared and maintained classroom environments appropriate for student learning and physical, social and emotional development.
- Administered standardized tests according to district guidelines, in alignment with individualized student accommodations.
Special Education Paraprofessional
Collierville High and Middle Schools
Collierville, TN
01.2013 - 05.2016
- Supported students with personalized accommodations, extra assistance and educational assessments.
- Worked in tandem with teacher to develop customized classroom environment conducive to students' needs.
- Managed class of special education students in absence of lead teacher.
- Served as classroom aide to teachers and worked one-on-one with special needs students in middle school and high school.
- Completed American Sign Language classes to work one-on-one with a student.
Transition Specialist
Youth Villages
Knoxville, TN
07.2006 - 12.2006
- Counseled individuals to help overcome personal, social or behavioral problems affecting educational or vocational situations.
- Compiled and studied educational and economic information to assist individuals in determining vocational and educational objectives.
- Provided crisis intervention to students dealing with difficult situations at school.
- Conferred with parents, teachers and administrators to discuss children's progress and resolve behavioral and academic problems.
Education
Ed.S. - Educational Leadership
Arkansas State University
State University, AR05.2022
Master of Arts - Instruction And Curriculum Leadership, SPED
University of Memphis
Memphis, TN12.2018
Bachelor of Arts - Leadership And Ministry
Johnson University
Knoxville, TN05.2006
TN Professional Teaching License (10 Year) - Special Education Modified K-12
University of Memphis
Memphis, TN01-2019
Conference Attendee - Learning Support Services Development
Independent School Management
Philadelphia, PA07-2024
Conference Attendee - Overseeing Gifted Programs
National Association of Gifted Students
Orlando, FL10-2023
Conference Attendee - Executive Functioning
Research For Learning And Development
Lexington, MAConference Attendee - Disproportionality in Schools
Innovative School Summit
San Antonio, TX04-2019
Skills
- Presenter to educators, parents, and volunteers
- Organizational development
- Data-Driven Instruction
- Coaching and mentoring
- Relationship building
- Motivating students
- People management
- Visionary leadership
Presentations
- "Modifications with Respect, Rigor and Equity" Staff PD February 2025
- "Supporting Students with Exceptionalities" Staff PD, August 2024
- "Basics of Intervention" Elementary PD, August 2023
- "Supporting Academic Success for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder," International PD, July 2022.
- "Supporting Students with Intellectual Disability," International PD, July 2022.
- "Literature Adaptations and Modifications for Students with Disabilities," under the supervision of Dr. Luann Ley Davis, April 2018.
Community Service
- Women's Bible Study Leader: 2020- Present
- Trainer and Recruiter for SPED Ministry at Church: 2022 - Present
- Exceptional Connections International, Board Member: 2020-2023: Non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness for individuals with special needs through parent empowerment, education and resource development across the globe through sustainable efforts.
- International Professional Development Presenter: July 2019; July 2022: Facilitated training for international teachers to promote equitable education for students with disabilities.
- Mission Trip Leader: 2009-2012: Led mission trips to various countries to support local organizations in their work. Trips included China, Indonesia, Haiti, Canada and The Navajo Reservation.
Timeline
Director of Educational Support Services
Rossville Christian Academy
12.2022 - Current
Self-Contained Special Education Teacher
Tara Oaks Elementary, Collierville Schools
08.2021 - 12.2022
Co-Teacher; Inclusion
Collierville High School, Collierville Schools
08.2016 - 05.2021
Special Education Paraprofessional
Collierville High and Middle Schools
01.2013 - 05.2016
Transition Specialist
Youth Villages
07.2006 - 12.2006
Ed.S. - Educational Leadership
Arkansas State University
Master of Arts - Instruction And Curriculum Leadership, SPED
University of Memphis
Bachelor of Arts - Leadership And Ministry
Johnson University
TN Professional Teaching License (10 Year) - Special Education Modified K-12
University of Memphis
Conference Attendee - Learning Support Services Development
Independent School Management
Conference Attendee - Overseeing Gifted Programs
National Association of Gifted Students
Conference Attendee - Executive Functioning
Research For Learning And Development
Conference Attendee - Disproportionality in Schools
Innovative School Summit
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