MELISSA E. MARKS-BROWN
New York,NY
Summary
Dynamic educator with a proven track record at the NYC Department of Education, specializing in instructional design and curriculum development. Expert in fostering professional growth through targeted feedback and mentoring, resulting in enhanced teaching practices. Adept at lesson differentiation and building strong relationships, driving student success and engagement.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lead Instructor, Teaching Fellows
NEW YORK CITY, Department of Education
New York, USA
06.2022 - Current
- Coached and mentored fellows to enhance professional growth and readiness for effective classroom instruction.
- Facilitated teacher development through targeted feedback and progress monitoring, leading to observable improvements in teaching practices.
- Modeled rigorous, student-centered instruction to set clear standards for effective teaching and learning.
- Led skill-building sessions that equipped pre-service teachers with instructional practices aligned to classroom readiness.
Integrated Consultant Special Education Teacher
NYC Department of Education
New York, New York
08.2006 - Current
- Implemented successful daily lessons/ unit plans that have shown differentiation, resulting in improvement through students ELA and Math state test scores.
- Developed a transitional program for self-contained special education curriculum to mainstream and support student's inclusive needs.
- Initiated and led professional learning groups focused on differentiated instruction, leveraging digital tools, online platforms, and portfolio-based assessment strategies.
- Organized junior high school clubs and activities (My Sister's Keeper (MSK), spirit day, poetry showcase, out of state trips) centered on community and culture.
- Guided instructional teams in implementing choice-driven and multi-genre project strategies to increase engagement and success among at-risk and reluctant learners.
- Built strong teacher-parent relationships with a focus on consistency and reflective communication regarding student progress and/or concerns.
Model Teacher
NYC Teaching Academics
New York, NY
08.2022 - 08.2025
- Model Continuous Growth: Practice a lead-learner stance by demonstrating reflection, ongoing learning, and use of research-based strategies.
- Foster Critical Reflection & Inquiry: Facilitate collaborative discussions and action research that push colleagues to examine and improve instructional practices.
- Support & Mentor Peers: Guide teachers in experimenting with innovative approaches, offering feedback, resources, and coaching to strengthen instruction.
- Build Collaborative Culture: Create a safe, supportive environment where educators feel empowered to share, take risks, and advocate for student-centered learning.
SIT Lead
PS/IS 171 District 4 school
New York, NY
09.2022 - 06.2024
- Led and coordinated the School Implementation Team (SIT), aligning cross-disciplinary collaboration with schoolwide goals and city priorities to ensure equitable opportunities for all students.
- Directed proactive planning and case management to address the needs of students with disabilities, struggling learners, and those at risk, ensuring access to appropriate services and interventions.
- Provided strategic guidance and advocacy for principals, staff, and families on special education policies, resources, and solutions to improve academic and behavioral outcomes.
- Ensured compliance and resource alignment, monitoring interventions, training staff in safe practices, and upholding regulatory standards across the school community.
Mentor Teacher
PS/IS 171 District 4 school
New York, USA
09.2015 - 06.2023
- Modeled integrity, professionalism, and cultural respect to inspire mentee growth and trust.
- Built strong, supportive relationships that guided academic, career, and personal goal achievement.
- Connected mentees to critical resources across school, community, and wellness supports.
- Ensured accountability and program compliance through consistent communication, confidentiality, and training participation.
Education
Master of Science - Exceptional Education
STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE at BUFFALO
Buffalo, New York05-2005
Bachelor of Science - Exceptional Education and Elementary Education
STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE at BUFFALO
Buffalo, New York05-2002
Skills
- Educational leadership
- Instructional design
- Curriculum development
- Professional development
- Instructional coaching
- Lesson differentiation
- Feedback implementation
- Data analysis
Certification
- New York State Certification in Special Education and Elementary Education, Permanent, 05/08
- New York State Certification in Special Education and Elementary Education, Provisional, 05/02
Timeline
SIT Lead
PS/IS 171 District 4 school
09.2022 - 06.2024
Model Teacher
NYC Teaching Academics
08.2022 - 08.2025
Lead Instructor, Teaching Fellows
NEW YORK CITY, Department of Education
06.2022 - Current
Mentor Teacher
PS/IS 171 District 4 school
09.2015 - 06.2023
Integrated Consultant Special Education Teacher
NYC Department of Education
08.2006 - Current
Master of Science - Exceptional Education
STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE at BUFFALO
Bachelor of Science - Exceptional Education and Elementary Education
STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE at BUFFALO