Melissa Echt
Canton,GA
Summary
Purpose: To obtain the position of Executive Director, Special Education Instructional Services in the Cherokee County School District
Versatile Special Education Teacher with focus on individual student needs across academia and emotional development. Empathetic and accommodating in design and implementation of hands-on lessons, catering to diverse learning abilities. Proficient in employing constant communication, patience and positive reinforcement in team efforts to deliver exceptional educational tools, fostering academic achievement.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Teacher, Grades 9-12
Sequoyah High School
07.2023 - Current
- Train Achieve: Adapt students vocationally at the school coffee shop
- Teach all 4 core subject areas, social skills & executive functioning skills in a differentiated model that highlights goal work on individual student IEPs
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
Special Education Teacher, Grades 6-8
Dean Rusk Middle School
08.2022 - 05.2024
- Bridged gap between nonverbal students and their parents with in-house activities throughout the year (holiday events, Science Fair, etc.)
- Incorporated life skills lessons through daily class activities with peer helpers
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners in both Achieve: Adapt & Engage programs
Special Education Teacher, Grade 8
Dean Rusk Middle School
07.2021 - 06.2022
- Tailored lessons from the Unique program to each individual learner for all subjects
- Incorporated life skills lesson through weekly recipes, science experiments and real-world activities
- Practiced goal work to help students achieve personal IEP goals
English Language Arts Teacher, Grade 7, ELD program in the WSWHE BOCES
Washington St Teaching & Learning Center
08.2020 - 06.2021
- Taught students with special education needs in 6:1:1 Program in the Exceptional Learners Division
- Instructed the Amplify Reading program for diverse learners to both in-person and remote students simultaneously
Committee Member, School Action Cabinet Committee
Watervliet Junior/Senior High School
09.2015 - 09.2016
- Participated in Cabinet Meetings with a select colleagues and building principal to determine and evaluate important school matters, functions, and decisions related to student success and building-wide outcomes
Advisor, National Junior Honor Society
Watervliet Junior High School
09.2012 - 09.2016
- Devised volunteer opportunities for honor students, and conducted the annual induction ceremony
English Language Arts Teacher, Grades 8 and 9
Watervliet Junior High School
03.2009 - 06.2016
- Read and analyzed grade-appropriate literature with several different reading strategies, using NYS Modules as a guide
- Implemented differentiated instruction in expository and creative writing units
- Utilized Google Classroom to provide real-time editing and correcting of essays
Coach, Cross Country Team
Watervliet Junior/Senior High School
09.2012 - 11.2013
- Trained students in grades 7 through 12 in long-distance running and cross-training, and led and attended competitions throughout the sport's season
Long-term Substitute Teacher, Grades 7-12
Shenendehowa School District
09.2008 - 03.2009
- Executed student-centered writing units
- Taught several novels within several grade levels
Education
Supplemental Certification - Special Education
NYSUT Education & Learning Trust Online Program
05.2021
Masters - Adolescent Education 7-12, English
Plattsburgh State University
Plattsburgh, NY12.2007
Bachelor of Arts - English Writing
Plattsburgh State University
Plattsburgh, NY12.2007
Skills
Differentiated Instruction tailored to student needs
Classroom Management that benefits various learning types
Expertly written Individual Education Plans
Small Group Instruction model with repetition of skill work for greater mastery
Related experience
- 09/12/12, 09/16/16, Advisor, National Junior Honor Society, Watervliet Junior High School, Devised volunteer opportunities for honor students, and conducted the annual induction ceremony
- 09/15/15, 09/16/16, Committee Member, School Action Cabinet Committee, Watervliet Junior/Senior High School, Participated in Cabinet Meetings with a select colleagues and building principal to determine and evaluate important school matters, functions, and decisions related to student success and building-wide outcomes
- 09/12/12, 11/13/13, Coach, Cross Country Team, Watervliet Junior/Senior High School, Trained students in grades 7 through 12 in long-distance running and cross training, and led and attended competitions throughout the sport's season
References
- Mrs. Laura Kudlak, Assistant Principal (SPED), Sequoyah High School, (770) 721-3200
- Mrs. Erin Halder, Teacher of Achieve: Adapt program, Sequoyah High School, (470) 216-0635
- Mrs. Linda Chapman, Paraprofessional in Achieve: Adapt program, Sequoyah High School, (678) 977-7911
- Ms. Dawn Weinbaum, Principal, Dean Rusk Middle School, (770) 704-1135
- Mrs. Laura Schaefer, Principal, Washington Street Teaching & Learning Center, (518) 746-3310
Timeline
Special Education Teacher, Grades 9-12
Sequoyah High School
07.2023 - Current
Special Education Teacher, Grades 6-8
Dean Rusk Middle School
08.2022 - 05.2024
Special Education Teacher, Grade 8
Dean Rusk Middle School
07.2021 - 06.2022
English Language Arts Teacher, Grade 7, ELD program in the WSWHE BOCES
Washington St Teaching & Learning Center
08.2020 - 06.2021
Committee Member, School Action Cabinet Committee
Watervliet Junior/Senior High School
09.2015 - 09.2016
Advisor, National Junior Honor Society
Watervliet Junior High School
09.2012 - 09.2016
Coach, Cross Country Team
Watervliet Junior/Senior High School
09.2012 - 11.2013
English Language Arts Teacher, Grades 8 and 9
Watervliet Junior High School
03.2009 - 06.2016
Long-term Substitute Teacher, Grades 7-12
Shenendehowa School District
09.2008 - 03.2009
Masters - Adolescent Education 7-12, English
Plattsburgh State University
Bachelor of Arts - English Writing
Plattsburgh State University
Supplemental Certification - Special Education
NYSUT Education & Learning Trust Online Program
Similar Profiles
Beverly ShengBeverly Sheng
Art Teacher at Turner Middle SchoolArt Teacher at Turner Middle School
Paige BushPaige Bush
Student Teacher, Orchestra at Edmond North High School/Sequoyah Middle SchoolStudent Teacher, Orchestra at Edmond North High School/Sequoyah Middle School
Angela HornerAngela Horner
Paraprofessional at Sequoyah Elementary SchoolParaprofessional at Sequoyah Elementary School