Melissa Coyle
Larsen
Summary
Dedicated early elementary educator with K–9 Regular Education and K–12 Cross-Categorical Special Education licensure. Proven expertise in kindergarten and early childhood programming, establishing structured routines, and delivering foundational literacy and math instruction. Skilled in differentiated small-group instruction and behavior support, fostering social-emotional development and family collaboration to promote early academic success.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Kindergarten Teacher
Oshkosh Area School District
Oshkosh
10.2024 - Current
- Deliver daily reading, writing, and math instruction aligned to early elementary standards
- Teach phonological awareness, phonics, blending, and early writing using structured literacy practices
- Implement CKLA Skills and Knowledge components including read-aloud comprehension and foundational phonics instruction
- Implement Bridges Math routines and problem-solving activities to build number sense
- Establish consistent classroom routines that promote independence and positive behavior
- Use small-group instruction and assessment data to support all learners
- Provide social-emotional instruction and behavior supports
- Collaborate with interventionists, special education staff, and families
4K ECSE Teacher (Self-Contained)
Appleton Area School District
Appleton
12.2023 - 09.2024
- Executed IEP goals to improve communication, behavior, and school readiness outcomes
- Delivered specialized preschool instruction to enhance learning for students with disabilities
- Used visual schedules, structured routines, and behavior interventions
- Facilitated kindergarten transition by engaging families in communication and developing readiness skills
- Collaborated with speech, OT, and other service providers
Birth-Five Outreach Coordinator & Substitute Teacher
Appleton Area School District
Appleton
08.2021 - 11.2023
- Coordinated early childhood readiness and family outreach programs, enhancing family engagement in children's education
- Built partnerships with families, fostering a collaborative approach to school readiness
- Taught lessons in K–5 classrooms, including special education settings.
- Maintained classroom management and instructional continuity
Private Nanny
06.2022 - 09.2023
- Supervised daily activities and routines for children in a safe environment.
- Organized educational and recreational activities to promote learning and development.
- Provided tailored developmental and behavioral support to enhance child's growth and well-being
- Prepared nutritious meals and snacks tailored to children's dietary needs.
Licensed Family Child Care Provider (Owner/Operator)
Building Dreams Family Child Care
Greenville
01.2010 - 08.2021
- Prepared children for successful kindergarten entry through targeted pre-kindergarten readiness activities
- Designed early learning activities focused on pre-literacy, counting, and social skills
- Established structured routines and behavior expectations to promote positive behavior and social development
- Verified adherence to all relevant regulations for licensing compliance.
Center Director
Knowledge Universe
Appleton
01.2002 - 06.2006
- Led family communication initiatives and facilitated staff development workshops
- Ensured curriculum implementation and regulatory compliance
- Supervised teaching staff, enhancing classroom practices through targeted coaching
Education
Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood, Elementary, and Special Education
University of Wisconsin–Superior
Superior, WI05.2024
Associate Degree - Child Care and Development
Fox Valley Technical College
Appleton, WI05.2000
Skills
- Early childhood education
- Structured literacy
- Literacy intervention
- Individualized instruction
- Classroom management
- Family engagement
- Transition planning
Certification
- Wisconsin Educator License, Cross-Categorical Special Education (K–12), 2024-2025, Regular Education (K–9), 2024-2026
- Substitute Teaching Certification, CESA 6
Special Education And Additional Qualifications
- Autism and developmental disability supports
- IEP implementation and accommodations
- Visual supports and structured teaching
- Behavior intervention strategies
- Medication administration and tube feeding support
- Strong organization and communication skills
Instructional Expertise
ACT 20 Science of Reading training, CKLA Skills & CKLA Knowledge curriculum implementation, Phonological awareness, phonics, blending, and segmenting, Structured literacy practices, Guided reading and comprehension strategies, Interactive read-alouds and vocabulary development, Targeted practice and intervention (RTI/MTSS support), Bridges in Mathematics curriculum implementation, Counting and number relationships, Number sense and composing/decomposing numbers, Math routines and hands-on learning, Establishing routines and procedures, Positive behavior supports, Social-emotional skill instruction, Building independence and stamina, Conscious Discipline training and implementation, Small-group instruction, Progress monitoring and data-driven instruction, Tiered supports for struggling and advanced learners, Inclusive classroom practices, Family communication and conferences, Collaboration with special education staff and therapists, IEP implementation and accommodations, Instructional learning platforms and classroom technology, Student data tracking and documentation systems
Timeline
Kindergarten Teacher
Oshkosh Area School District
10.2024 - Current
4K ECSE Teacher (Self-Contained)
Appleton Area School District
12.2023 - 09.2024
Private Nanny
06.2022 - 09.2023
Birth-Five Outreach Coordinator & Substitute Teacher
Appleton Area School District
08.2021 - 11.2023
Licensed Family Child Care Provider (Owner/Operator)
Building Dreams Family Child Care
01.2010 - 08.2021
Center Director
Knowledge Universe
01.2002 - 06.2006
Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood, Elementary, and Special Education
University of Wisconsin–Superior
Associate Degree - Child Care and Development
Fox Valley Technical College