Melissa Landis
Olathe,KS
Summary
Innovative educator adept at utilizing technology to enrich learning experiences. Expertise in differentiated instruction and collaborative curriculum development. Ready to contribute to a vibrant learning environment that prioritizes student success and engagement.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Secondary Social Studies & English Teacher
Bethany Lutheran School
Overland Park, KS
08.2024 - Current
- Developed engaging lesson plans for diverse student groups.
- Fostered a positive classroom environment promoting student participation.
- Implemented effective classroom management techniques to enhance learning.
- Collaborated with colleagues on interdisciplinary projects and curriculum development.
- Assessed student progress through regular evaluations and feedback sessions.
- Integrated technology into lessons to foster innovative learning and improve student interaction.
- Communicated regularly with parents about student performance and needs.
- Participated in professional development workshops to enhance teaching skills.
- Adapted teaching methods based on each student's unique needs and abilities.
- Developed lesson plans and materials for teaching English grammar, reading comprehension, and creative writing to enhance student understanding.
- Facilitated hands-on learning experiences that increased student engagement and participation.
- Established and enforced clear class objectives and requirements to promote consistent education for students.
- Encouraged student critical thinking and discussion using variety of teaching techniques.
- Customized innovative methods and materials to produce effective learning experiences.
- Utilize primary and secondary sources to enhance student critical thinking, analysis, and inferencing skills
Special Education & Co-Teacher in Social Studies/English Teacher
Blue Valley School District
Overland Park, KS
08.2023 - 05.2024
- Collaborated with lead teacher to plan engaging lesson activities.
- Assisted in classroom management and behavior modification strategies.
- Supported diverse learning needs through differentiated instruction methods.
- Implemented educational technology tools to enhance student learning experiences.
- Facilitated small group discussions to promote critical thinking skills.
- Communicated with parents regarding student progress and classroom events.
- Organized materials and resources for effective lesson delivery.
- Communicated regularly with parents regarding their child's academic progress.
- Administered standardized tests according to district guidelines.
- Supported the implementation of academic interventions, such as Response to Intervention.
- Created instructional materials for use in the classroom including worksheets, handouts, and activities.
- Taught students as part of co-teaching team with shared planning, instructional, and evaluation requirements.
- Helped develop behavior management plans for individual students when necessary.
- Led parent-teacher conferences and IEP meetings to discuss student progress.
- Provided support to struggling learners through differentiated instruction strategies.
- Conducted small group instruction on specific topics.
- Created effective classroom environment by using strengths to share responsibilities and better serve students.
- Divided workload to effectively meet teaching and administrative requirements for students.
- Developed strong, creative and diverse lesson plans to give students numerous and wide-ranging learning opportunities.
- Planned and implemented lessons using various teaching strategies to meet diverse student needs.
- Held conferences with parents to address questions, discuss academic progress and encourage learning goals.
- Developed and implemented English curriculum to meet the needs of students.
- Encouraged student critical thinking and discussion using variety of teaching techniques.
- Maintained records of student progress by monitoring grades throughout the year.
- Participated in professional development opportunities related to teaching practices.
Special Education/Co-teacher Social Studies ELA
Spring Hill School District
Spring Hill, Kansas
08.2021 - 08.2023
- Assisted in classroom management and behavior interventions for students.
- Supported student learning through differentiated instruction techniques.
- Utilized assistive technology to enhance student engagement and participation.
- Monitored student progress and provided feedback to parents and staff.
- Facilitated small group instruction to reinforce core subjects effectively.
- Instructed students using a variety of teaching techniques such as lectures, demonstrations, discussions, multimedia presentations.
- Participated in professional development workshops to enhance teaching strategies.
- Collaborated with administrators to ensure compliance with state regulations concerning the provision of special education services.
- Led meetings to discuss goals, objectives, curriculum modifications, behavior plans, accommodations and modifications for students with special needs.
- Assisted in monitoring and evaluating student progress through data collection, assessment of academic performance, and observation.
- Prepared lesson plans that incorporated accommodations and modifications based on individual student's needs.
- Created a positive classroom environment that fostered learning and respect among students.
- Facilitated communication between staff members, parents, and other professionals regarding student's needs and progress.
- Implemented research-based interventions that addressed student learning deficits.
- Conducted assessments such as criterion-referenced tests and standardized assessments to monitor student progress.
- Maintained accurate records of student attendance and grades in accordance with district policy and procedures
- Created an environment conducive to learning by establishing clear expectations for behavior while providing appropriate guidance when needed.
- Advocated for needs of the students with disabilities
- Maintained consistent and timely contact with parents about student behavior and upcoming events.
- Teamed with general education teachers to plan and implement curriculum, state and district-wide assessments.
- Established and maintained dynamic working relationships with all stakeholders to support student academic and individual goals.
Special Education Resource Paraprofessional
Blue Valley School District
Overland Park, KS
08.2018 - 07.2020
- Assisted teachers in developing individualized education plans for students.
- Supported students with daily tasks and classroom activities.
- Implemented behavior management strategies to enhance student engagement.
- Collaborated with educators to modify lesson plans for diverse learning needs.
- Monitored student progress and reported observations to teaching staff.
- Facilitated communication between teachers, parents, and support services.
- Participated in training sessions to enhance skills in special education support.
- Maintained records of student progress and updated IEPs when necessary.
- Assisted classroom teachers by reinforcing lessons and providing additional support for students with disabilities.
- Supported classroom teachers with administrative tasks such as record keeping, filing paperwork and data entry.
- Collaborated with teachers, administrators and other staff to develop Individual Education Plans for students with special needs.
- Participated in professional development opportunities offered by the district related to special education best practices.
- Administered standardized tests as well as informal assessments designed to measure academic growth.
- Collaborated with teacher to develop personalized and successful learning strategies.
- Motivated students using feedback and encouragement.
Part Time Childcare Worker
Hillcrest Coventant Church/Journey Bible Church
Prairie Village, Kansas
08.2008 - 08.2018
- Supervised children's activities in a safe and nurturing environment.
- Planned and implemented age-appropriate educational programs for diverse groups.
- Communicated effectively with parents about children's progress and needs.
- Organized daily schedules to balance playtime, meals, and learning activities.
- Monitored children's behavior and provided guidance to foster positive interactions.
- Developed creative materials for arts and crafts activities to engage children.
- Utilized problem solving techniques when dealing with challenging behaviors from children.
- Maintained a safe environment for children by following health standards.
- Organized age-appropriate activities such as games, crafts, music, and outdoor play.
- Developed and implemented activities to meet the physical, emotional, and social needs of children.
- Developed positive relationships with parents and guardians by providing ongoing communication regarding their child's progress.
International Global Mobility
Black & Veatch Corporation
Overland Park, KS
04.2006 - 07.2008
- Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
- Worked with cross-functional teams to achieve goals.
- Responsible for managing relocation process for all C-Suite Executives and Departmental Heads
- Approached customers and engaged in conversation through use of effective interpersonal and people skills.
- Provided support and guidance to colleagues to maintain a collaborative work environment.
- Utilized advanced technical skills and expertise to troubleshoot complex problems and implement solutions.
- Conducted comprehensive research and data analysis to support strategic planning and informed decision-making.
- Achieved cost-savings by developing functional solutions to problems.
- Advised management on best practices related to global mobility policies, such as taxation regulations across multiple jurisdictions.
- Facilitated workshops on topics such as cross-cultural communication, global mobility, diversity and inclusion.
- Responded promptly to inquiries from internal staff members or external customers regarding global mobility issues.
- Prepared reports on global mobility data such as number of employees transferred per year or region, average duration of assignments.
- Advised HR teams on policy matters related to global mobility initiatives.
- Monitored changes in global mobility trends and best practices worldwide.
- Collaborated with senior management team on implementation of new policies related to global mobility initiatives.
- Assisted in the development of global mobility policies and procedures.
- Identified root causes of problems for global escalations and proposed solutions accordingly.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends in order to stay ahead of competition globally.
- Coordinated with external vendors to acquire resources necessary for successful implementation of global assignment
Senior Global Mobility Specialist
SIRVA Relocation
Chicago, Illinois
03.2004 - 04.2006
- Facilitated global relocation processes for employees across multiple countries.
- Responsible for managing all C-Suite Executive level transfers for Fortune 500 clientele and communicating with Executive Administrative staff related to expatriate assignment
- Collaborated closely with external suppliers such as immigration lawyers or consultants to secure visas and work permits for assignees in a timely manner.
- Maintained up-to-date records of all international assignments including documents required by government agencies or other entities involved in the process.
- Advised management on addressing challenges related to foreign assignments, including cultural differences and language barriers.
- Assessed and negotiated contracts with service providers to enhance international relocation services.
- Monitored changes in global mobility trends and best practices worldwide.
- Evaluated repatriation processes and reviewed repatriation packages according to company standards.
- Organized cross-cultural training programs tailored to specific countries or regions of operation.
- Managed the administration of long-term and short-term international assignment packages including salary calculations, allowances, taxes, housing costs.
- Provided guidance on tax, social security, immigration, payroll, and other related issues.
- Negotiated terms with third parties providing goods and services related to overseas assignments.
- Advised HR teams on policy matters related to global mobility initiatives.
- Managed relocation budgets and provided cost estimates for clients.
- Created tailored relocation packages aligned with client requirements and expectations.
- Collaborated with vendors to ensure smooth transitions for relocating employees.
- Resolved employee concerns regarding international assignments and relocations.
- Developed cost estimates for international transfers and provided budgeting advice to stakeholders.
Senior Global Mobility Specialist
Weichert Relocation
Philadelphia , PA
07.2001 - 03.2004
- Facilitated global relocation processes for employees across multiple countries.
- Managed expatriate assignments for C-Suite executives of Fortune 500 clients, coordinating benefits with human resources and executive administrative assistants to ensure seamless transitions.
- Oversaw relocation budgets and developed cost estimates for clients, facilitating informed decision-making and budget adherence.
- Developed customized relocation packages to meet client needs.
- Collaborated with vendors to ensure smooth transitions for relocating employees.
- Resolved employee concerns regarding international assignments and relocations.
- Maintained accurate records of relocation services and employee data management.
- Developed cost estimates for international transfers and provided budgeting advice to stakeholders.
- Collaborated closely with external suppliers such as immigration lawyers or consultants to secure visas and work permits for assignees in a timely manner.
- Maintained up-to-date records of all international assignments including documents required by government agencies or other entities involved in the process.
- Advised management on challenges of foreign assignments, including cultural differences and language barriers, to enhance expatriate experience and effectiveness.
- Reviewed contracts with service providers regarding international relocations services.
- Monitored changes in global mobility trends and best practices worldwide.
- Evaluated repatriation processes and reviewed repatriation packages according to company standards.
- Organized cross-cultural training programs tailored to specific countries or regions of operation.
- Managed the administration of long-term and short-term international assignment packages including salary calculations, allowances, taxes, housing costs.
- Analyzed international assignments to ensure compliance with local laws and regulations.
- Prepared reports on global mobility data such as number of employees transferred per year or region, average duration of assignments.
- Coordinated relocation services for expatriates and their families.
- Provided guidance on tax, social security, immigration, payroll, and other related issues.
- Negotiated terms with third parties providing goods and services related to overseas assignments.
- Advised HR teams on policy matters related to global mobility initiatives.
- Ensured that all relevant documentation was completed accurately before any transfer took place.
- Responsible for all French speaking clients
Education
Master of Arts - Teaching
Pittsburg State University
Pittsburg, KS05-2022
Bachelor of Arts - French, Minor German
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
West Chester, PA08-1999
Skills
- Lesson planning
- Classroom management
- Differentiated instruction
- Technology integration
- Curriculum development
- Educational assessment
- Interpersonal communication
- Professional development (selected for three Social Studies professional development opportunies in Philadelphia, and Gettysburg, PA, and Kansas City, MO from national selection of secondary social studies educators in 2026
- Attended English Language Arts Professional Development opportunities
- Collaborative teamwork
- Critical thinking facilitation
- Adaptability to change
- Parent collaboration
- Creative problem solving
- Conflict resolution
- Individualized instruction
- Academic advising
- Public speaking
Languages
French
Professional
Certification
- Kansas Department of Education Professional Teaching License
Accomplishments
- Presidential Award for Client Services and MVP at SIRVA Relocation
- Top Client Service Award Winner at Weichert Relocation
- Wrote several successful historical property nominations for Olathe and Kansas State Historical Preservation Boards
- Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society
Technical Skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
- Proficient in Google Suite
- Proficient in ChatGPT, Brisk AI, AI Copilot, Canva
- Proficient in Adobe Acrobat
- Proficient in Gmail and Microsoft Outlook
- Proficient in maintaining complex calendars
- Experience with PeopleSoft HRIS System
- Proficient in AI Suno
Timeline
Secondary Social Studies & English Teacher
Bethany Lutheran School
08.2024 - Current
Special Education & Co-Teacher in Social Studies/English Teacher
Blue Valley School District
08.2023 - 05.2024
Special Education/Co-teacher Social Studies ELA
Spring Hill School District
08.2021 - 08.2023
Special Education Resource Paraprofessional
Blue Valley School District
08.2018 - 07.2020
Part Time Childcare Worker
Hillcrest Coventant Church/Journey Bible Church
08.2008 - 08.2018
International Global Mobility
Black & Veatch Corporation
04.2006 - 07.2008
Senior Global Mobility Specialist
SIRVA Relocation
03.2004 - 04.2006
Senior Global Mobility Specialist
Weichert Relocation
07.2001 - 03.2004
Master of Arts - Teaching
Pittsburg State University
Bachelor of Arts - French, Minor German
West Chester University of Pennsylvania