Melissa Berry
Homer Glen,IL
Summary
Versatile and dedicated teacher with focus on individual needs of all students. Empathetic and accommodating in design and implementation of hands-on lessons. Exceptional skills working with teachers, parents and specialists to meet educational needs of students.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
ESL Teacher
Joliet 86
08.2025 - Current
- Developed engaging lesson plans to enhance language acquisition and student participation.
- Implemented differentiated instruction strategies to meet diverse student needs and learning styles.
- Assessed student progress through formative and summative evaluations, providing constructive feedback.
- Collaborated with colleagues to design curriculum aligned with state standards and educational best practices.
Case Manager/Special Education Teacher
Mokena School District 159
08.2024 - Current
- Maintained accurate documentation on all cases, ensuring compliance with regulations and confidentiality requirements.
- Conducted thorough assessments of students' situations, identifying issues, goals, and necessary interventions.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to address student needs and formulate tailored support strategies.
- Monitored ongoing cases closely, adjusting case management strategies as needed based on evolving circumstances or new information.
Special Education Teacher
CCSD 130
08.2021 - Current
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Partnered with standard education teachers from across academic departments.
Special Education Teacher
Palos CCSD 118
10.2020 - 06.2021
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
US History Teacher
Lee County School District
03.2019 - 06.2020
- Maintained regular verbal and written communication with school counselors and parents to update with student progress, class schedules and important test dates.
- Employed appropriate teaching methods to cater to individual educational needs of each student.
- Taught US History to 230 students in classroom setting.
- Participated in school district meetings and parent-teacher conferences to give insight into student progress and curriculum plans.
- Prepared various classroom activities and assessment methods to promote retention of study materials.
- Initiated, facilitated and moderated classroom discussions to keep students engaged and monitor group progress.
Dropout Prevention Specialist
Lee County Schools
08.2018 - 12.2018
- Worked with at risk students to retrieve credits for high school classes.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress and credits that were still needed to achieve graduation.
- Worked with crisis interventionist to plan, set goals and monitored student progress.
Education
Bachelor of Arts -
Governors State University
Park Forest, ILM.Ed. Educational Leadership -
American College of Education
Indianapolis, IN06.2023
M.Ed. Curriculum And Instruction -
American College of Education
Indianapolis, IN12.2023
ISBE
Skills
- Individual Education Plans IEPs
- Progress Evaluations
- Conflict Resolution Techniques
- De-Escalation Techniques
- Time management
- Organization and multitasking
Timeline
ESL Teacher
Joliet 86
08.2025 - Current
Case Manager/Special Education Teacher
Mokena School District 159
08.2024 - Current
Special Education Teacher
CCSD 130
08.2021 - Current
Special Education Teacher
Palos CCSD 118
10.2020 - 06.2021
US History Teacher
Lee County School District
03.2019 - 06.2020
Dropout Prevention Specialist
Lee County Schools
08.2018 - 12.2018
Bachelor of Arts -
Governors State University
M.Ed. Educational Leadership -
American College of Education
M.Ed. Curriculum And Instruction -
American College of Education
ISBE