Melissa Dutcher
Burke,VA
Summary
Versatile and dedicated teacher with focus on individual needs of 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
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Fairfax County Public Schools
08.2019 - Current
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Developed Individual Education Plans for students with special needs.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
- Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
- Utilized technology to create meaningful lessons that engage students.
- Provided emotional support to students and families.
- Worked closely with parents and guardians to address students' issues on multiple fronts.
- Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Improved behavior by modeling positive choices and teaching socially-acceptable options.
- Facilitated small group instruction to address individual learning needs.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
Preschool Director
Mt Vernon United Methodist Church
08.2014 - 07.2019
- Recruited new students for admission through marketing and events.
- Recruited, selected, and retained high-quality staff to reduce turnover and foster stability.
- Communicated with local and state government agencies to maintain compliance with all regulations.
- Conducted research on emerging perspectives in childhood education to improve upon school policies and curriculum.
- Supervised teaching staff and resolved issues.
- Planned and monitored curriculum and program activities and liaised with teachers to create fun and engaging learning experiences.
- Engaged with parents and families to build positive relationships for children to thrive.
- Established school policies and communicated to staff and parents for well-coordinated and high-quality daily operations.
- Resolved conflicts and administered corrective action to foster positive experience for children and staff.
- Hired and trained new preschool employees.
- Provided training and professional development for teachers.
- Managed program paperwork and child records to comply with state requirements.
- Worked with special needs students to determine specific plans for success.
- Furnished facility with supplies, equipment, food and materials to foster social and cognitive development.
- Developed relationships with community organizations to provide additional resources and services to families.
- Adhered to budgetary guidelines to set financial goals and maintain school profitability.
- Executed marketing plan and promoted positive image to achieve enrollment goals.
English Teacher
Arlington County Public Schools
02.2002 - 06.2006
- Participated in professional development activities to stay current with literature trends.
- Designed and facilitated group projects to foster teamwork and problem-solving skills.
- Developed and implemented course materials, lecture notes and assignments.
- Coordinated activities to encourage interest in reading.
- Created and administered interactive activities for students.
- Employed visual and auditory approaches to make lessons more interesting and interactive for students.
- Provided grades and progress reports to evaluate student learning needs.
- Assessed student progress and provided feedback to improve performance and establish academic success.
- Kept classroom organized, clean and safe for students and visitors.
- Worked with other teachers to support struggling students and provide thorough help to rectify comprehension issues.
- Tutored students struggling with course material.
- Prepared comprehensive English curriculum for multiple classes.
- Assisted with student organization events to promote student engagement.
- Created and implemented activities to foster critical thinking skills of students.
- Developed innovative lesson plans to engage students in English language learning.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay up-to-date on teaching best practices and enhance educator skills.
- Led classroom discussions to encourage students to analyze literature critically.
Education
Master of Education - Secondary Education
Marymount University
Arlington, VABachelor of Arts - English
George Mason University
Fairfax, VACertificate of Special Education - K-12 Special Education
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VASkills
- Special Education
- Group and Individual Instruction
- Motivating Students
- Student Support
- Disability Assessment Testing
- IEP Development
- Positive Reinforcement Methods
- Educational Strategies
- Positive Role Model
- Parent and Guardian Communication
- Google Slides
- Self-Contained Classrooms
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Fairfax County Public Schools
08.2019 - Current
Preschool Director
Mt Vernon United Methodist Church
08.2014 - 07.2019
English Teacher
Arlington County Public Schools
02.2002 - 06.2006
Master of Education - Secondary Education
Marymount University
Bachelor of Arts - English
George Mason University
Certificate of Special Education - K-12 Special Education
Virginia Commonwealth University
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