Reading
Melissa Strickland
Melbourne,FL
Summary
Passionate Teacher with experience developing and implementing diverse curriculums covering wide range of subjects. Highly skilled at motivating students through positive encouragement and reinforcement of concepts via interactive classroom instruction and observation. Successful in helping students develop strong literacy, numeracy, social and learning skills. Compassionate, creative and effective Teacher with valuable experience in classroom administration, professional development and project planning. Equipped with extensive background in versatile education environments. Student-centric instructor, academic facilitator and motivational coach. Competent at performing independently or as member of teaching team. Well-versed in classroom and online technologies.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
VE-SLD TEACHER/RESOURCE
Sherwood Elementary
8 2023 - Current
- Co-taught in several Kindergarten classrooms
- Maintained and taught a self-contained classroom
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress, attendance, and behavior to facilitate ongoing communication with parents about their child''s educational journey.
- Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
- Identified struggling students early on and provided additional support through tutoring sessions and modified lesson plans.
- Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Assessed student performance regularly using both formative and summative assessments to inform future lesson planning.
- Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
- Collaborated with other teachers to plan interdisciplinary units that connected subjects and promoted deeper understanding among students.
- Graded and evaluated student assignments, papers, and course work.
- Fostered student curiosity and interest through creative hands-on activities.
- Prepared quizzes, tests and examinations to gauge how well students were learning.
- Designed detailed learning plans for struggling students based on test, homework and assignment records.
- Developed and implemented classroom routines to address varying student needs.
- Participated in department meetings to provide input to colleagues about student achievement and improvement.
- Worked with staff members and teachers to design comprehensive and individualized plans to optimize student education.
- Created and developed lesson plans to meet students' academic needs.
- Helped students explore concepts with engaging, learning-focused activities.
- Modified lessons and curriculum to accommodate diverse learners by using strategies such as peer-assisted learning and group work.
- Communicated frequently with parents, students, and faculty to provide feedback and discuss instructional strategies.
- Completed student progress reports mid-term to notify students and parents of strengths and areas of improvement.
- Scheduled conferences with parents to discuss students' progress and classroom behavior.
- Met with students, parents and administrators to address and resolve students' behavioral and academic issues.
Volunteer
Brevard Public Schools
Melbourne, FL
01.1998 - Current
- Predominantly Sherwood Elementary School
- Supported public relations efforts by representing the organization at various community events, building positive relationships with potential supporters.
- Assisted with special events and programs.
- Used strong interpersonal communication skills to convey information to others.
- Tutored at various competency levels to help people with reading, math and writing skills.
- Maintained clean, neat, and operational facilities to serve program needs.
- Supported engaging, fun, and smooth-running events by helping with organization and planning.
VE-SC TEACHER
JUPITER ELEMENTARY
1 2019 - 1 2023
- Taught K-3 very small group instruction
- Students specifically with social communication deficites capable of working on grade level standards
- Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
- Collaborated with other teachers to plan interdisciplinary units that connected subjects and promoted deeper understanding among students.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress, attendance, and behavior to facilitate ongoing communication with parents about their child''s educational journey.
- Continuously pursued professional development opportunities such as workshops or conferences to stay current in educational trends.
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Integrated cultural awareness into lessons by incorporating diverse perspectives and materials into the curriculum.
- Provided one-on-one support for students with learning disabilities, enabling them to excel in their coursework.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Assessed student performance regularly using both formative and summative assessments to inform future lesson planning.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
- Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
- Planned and implemented integrated lessons to meet state standards.
- Advised and counseled students to help them develop skills and knowledge required to succeed.
- Worked with staff members and teachers to design comprehensive and individualized plans to optimize student education.
- Developed and implemented classroom routines to address varying student needs.
- Fostered student curiosity and interest through creative hands-on activities.
- Created lessons and online testing materials to facilitate remote learning.
- Participated in department meetings to provide input to colleagues about student achievement and improvement.
- Scheduled conferences with parents to discuss students' progress and classroom behavior.
VE-SLD TEACHER
Challenger 7 Elementary
Port St. John
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Taught grades K-6 pull-out and separate class, all core subject areas.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Integrated cultural awareness into lessons by incorporating diverse perspectives and materials into the curriculum.
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
- Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Served on school committees focused on curriculum development, teacher evaluations, or community outreach initiatives to contribute positively to the overall school climate.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress, attendance, and behavior to facilitate ongoing communication with parents about their child''s educational journey.
- Provided one-on-one support for students with learning disabilities, enabling them to excel in their coursework.
- Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Developed and implemented classroom routines to address varying student needs.
- Scheduled conferences with parents to discuss students' progress and classroom behavior.
- Created and developed lesson plans to meet students' academic needs.
- Met with students, parents and administrators to address and resolve students' behavioral and academic issues.
- Shifted between formal and informal methods of teaching to keep students engaged.
- Worked with staff members and teachers to design comprehensive and individualized plans to optimize student education.
VE-SLD TEACHER
Challenger 7 Elementary
08.2017 - 05.2018
- Taught grades 3-6 pull-out and separate class, all core subject areas
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
- Assessed student performance regularly using both formative and summative assessments to inform future lesson planning.
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Served on school committees focused on curriculum development, teacher evaluations, or community outreach initiatives to contribute positively to the overall school climate.
- Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress, attendance, and behavior to facilitate ongoing communication with parents about their child''s educational journey.
- Provided one-on-one support for students with learning disabilities, enabling them to excel in their coursework.
- Continuously pursued professional development opportunities such as workshops or conferences to stay current in educational trends.
- Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Implemented reading and writing workshops to increase student literacy and support school reading programs.
VE-SLD TEACHER
Challenger 7 Elementary
Port St. John
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Taught grades 3-6 pull-out and separate class all core subject areas.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Integrated cultural awareness into lessons by incorporating diverse perspectives and materials into the curriculum.
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Advised and counseled students to help them develop skills and knowledge required to succeed.
- Evaluated students' understanding of course material through examinations and in-depth essay writing.
- Worked with staff members and teachers to design comprehensive and individualized plans to optimize student education.
- Completed student progress reports quarterly to notify students and parents of strengths and areas of improvement.
Instructional Assistant
Eau Gallie High School
08.2016 - 09.2016
- Perfucntionatory students
- Managed classroom materials inventory, ensuring necessary supplies were available for daily lessons and activities.
- Implemented behavior management techniques to maintain a positive and focused learning environment.
- Supervised students during non-instructional times such as lunch breaks or recess periods, maintaining safety standards at all times.
- Assisted educators in planning and executing field trips that reinforced daily living while providing hands-on learning experiences for students.
- Assisted students in personal hygiene needs.
Instructional Assistant
Dr. W.J. Creel Elementary
Melbourne, FL
02.2016 - 05.2016
- Preschool VE
- Promoted a culture of respect and inclusion within the classroom, fostering positive relationships among students from diverse backgrounds.
- Managed classroom materials inventory, ensuring necessary supplies were available for daily lessons and activities.
- Assisted teachers in developing differentiated instructional strategies, resulting in improved student outcomes.
- Implemented behavior management techniques to maintain a positive and focused learning environment.
- Facilitated small group instruction sessions based on specific skill sets or subject matter, boosting overall student achievement levels.
- Assisted in collecting and analyzing data from various assessments to identify trends that informed future instruction planning.
- Provided feedback on student work samples allowing teachers to better understand strengths and areas for improvement.
- Coordinated with other instructional assistants to ensure consistent implementation of classroom procedures and expectations across all subjects.
- Supervised students during non-instructional times such as lunch breaks or recess periods, maintaining safety standards at all times.
- Provided one-on-one support to students with special needs, enabling them to achieve academic success.
- Prepared instructional materials such as worksheets, visuals aids, or manipulatives according to teacher directives for effective lesson execution.
- Provided support to help students with special needs learn and grow.
- Provided support during classes, group lessons, and classroom activities.
- Copied, organized and distributed classroom assignments or other paperwork.
Children's Worship Teacher
Nomad Community Church
Melbourne, FL
06.2010 - 12.2015
- Collaborated with senior leaders to develop strategic plans aimed at achieving departmental objectives and goals.
- Managed team schedules, ensuring optimal coverage during peak hours and minimizing overtime expenses.
- Increased customer satisfaction levels by providing exceptional support and promptly addressing concerns.
- Identified areas of improvement within the department and proposed actionable solutions to address inefficiencies.
- Developed strong relationships with key stakeholders to facilitate collaboration on project initiatives.
- Championed new initiatives, encouraging team members to think outside the box and embrace innovative solutions for improved efficiency.
- Improved employee retention rates by fostering a positive work environment and providing regular feedback and support.
- Facilitated conflict resolution between team members when necessary, promoting a harmonious work environment.
- Arranged development and delivery of updated training for staff.
Crossing Guard
Melbourne Police Department
Melbourne, FL
11.2008 - 12.2014
- Demonstrated flexibility in adjusting schedule as needed to accommodate changes in school start or end times due to weather conditions or other factors.
- Aided in efficient student drop-off and pick-up processes by directing vehicle flow near designated areas.
- Updated knowledge of local traffic patterns and road construction projects to anticipate potential disruptions near school zones.
- Played an active role in promoting overall school safety initiatives through participation in meetings and planning sessions with administration staff members.
- Maintained proper equipment and signage to ensure visibility and compliance with safety standards at all times.
- Participated in ongoing training sessions to stay current on best practices for maintaining a safe crossing environment for students.
Shift Manager
Taco Bell Inc.
Melbourne, FL
01.1991 - 02.1994
- Contributed to increased sales revenue by motivating staff to achieve individual and team goals consistently.
- Played an essential role in achieving store goals through strategic planning alongside upper management during regular meetings.
- Achieved consistent customer satisfaction by addressing concerns promptly and professionally.
- Reduced employee turnover by implementing effective retention strategies such as recognition programs and career development opportunities.
- Handled emergency situations with a calm demeanor, ensuring the safety of both customers and employees during critical incidents.
- Improved overall team performance by effectively delegating tasks and providing clear instructions.
- Managed employee schedules to ensure adequate coverage during peak hours, resulting in a smoother workflow.
- Promoted a positive work environment through open communication and constructive feedback.
- Maximized profitability by monitoring labor costs closely, optimizing staff deployment based on expected customer traffic patterns.
- Handled escalated customer issues effectively, demonstrating strong problem-solving skills while upholding company values and standards.
- Developed strong relationships with vendors to ensure timely delivery of products while maintaining cost efficiencies.
- Ensured strict adherence to safety guidelines, reducing workplace accidents and incidents significantly over time.
- Collaborated with other Shift Managers to maintain consistency in policies enforcement across all shifts, fostering a cohesive workplace culture.
- Trained new employees on company policies, procedures, and job responsibilities, ensuring seamless integration into the team.
- Implemented process improvements that streamlined daily operations, enhancing overall efficiency within the shift.
- Kept employees operating productively and working on task to meet business and customer needs.
- Supervised employees and oversaw quality compliance with company standards for food and services.
- Worked closely with team members to schedule breaks and shifts to meet state regulations.
- Cooperated with coworkers to improve customer experience and manage storefront.
- Excelled in every store position and regularly backed up front-line staff.
- Consistently exhibited calm demeanor during periods of high volume or unusual events to keep store operating smoothly and set positive example for shift team.
- Advised new employees on company procedures and policies to facilitate daily tasks and responsibilities.
- Scheduled staff to establish adequate coverage during peak business hours.
- Reduced process bottlenecks by training and coaching employees on practices, procedures, and performance strategies.
Education
MASTERS DEGREE AUSTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS -
GRAND CANYON UNIVERSITY
PHEONIX, ARIZONABACHELOR OF EXCEPTIONAL STUDENT EDUCATION - undefined
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND HUMAN PERFORMANCE
THE UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA, ORLANDOASSOCIATE OF ARTS - undefined
BREVARD COMMUNITY COLLEGE
MELBOURNE, FLORIDASkills
Classroom Instruction
Group Instruction
Student Engagement
Curriculum Implementation
Small Group Instruction
ESOL Certified
Behavior Management
Standardized Testing
Lesson Planning
Curriculum compliance with Florida
Student Records Management
Social-Emotional Learning training
Learning Assessments
Special Education
Motivating students
Elementary Education
Differentiated Instruction
Learning Strategies
Curriculum Development
Florida teaching credential
Classroom Management
Student rapport
Group and individual instruction
Serving Diverse Communities
Faculty Collaboration
Alternative Learning Methods
Testing and grading
Special Needs Students
Parent Communication
Online Teaching
Positive Reinforcement
Classroom Technology
Co-Teaching and Co-Planning
Conflict Resolution
Diversity and Inclusion
Professionalism
Classroom Safety Practices
Decision-Making
Written Communication
Education Intern
- Longleaf Elementary School (Brevard Public Schools), Melbourne, Florida, Dr. Dan Ezell, Professor of Education at the University of Central Florida, Mrs. Linda Lanza, ESE teacher
- Central Middle School (Brevard Public Schools), West Melbourne, Florida, Mr. Ronald Wilcox (retired teacher)
References
- Mrs Sherri Troisi, Principal, Jupiter Elementary School (Brevard Public Schools), Palm Bay, Florida, troisi.sherri@brevardschools.org, 321-952-5990
- Ms. Elizabeth Prince, ESE Teacher, Jupiter Elementary School, Palm Bay, Florida, prince.elizabeth@brevardschools.org, 321-952-5990
- Amber Ouellette, Jupiter Elementary School, Melbourne, Florida, ouellette.amber@brevardschools.org, 321-952-5990
Accomplishments
- Student Mentor - Volunteered to have a local High School student come in my classroom as part of his career pathway program.
- Administration - Managed VE-SC unit that resulted in multiple positive outcomes for neurodivergent students.
- Employed The Zones of Regulation and positive reinforcement techniques to encourage student learning and build community within the classroom.
- Targeted Development - Met with parents and guardians to discuss children's progress and to determine priorities and resource needs.
- ESL Literacy - Increased ESL students' reading levels by tutoring after school.
Additional Information
I am a passionate self-driven person that enjoys helping our neurodiverse population live up to their best potential.
Certification
Reading Endorsed
Interests
Theme parks
Swimming
Timeline
VE-SLD TEACHER
Challenger 7 Elementary
01.2018 - 01.2019
VE-SLD TEACHER
Challenger 7 Elementary
08.2017 - 05.2018
Instructional Assistant
Eau Gallie High School
08.2016 - 09.2016
Instructional Assistant
Dr. W.J. Creel Elementary
02.2016 - 05.2016
VE-SLD TEACHER
Challenger 7 Elementary
01.2016 - 01.2017
Children's Worship Teacher
Nomad Community Church
06.2010 - 12.2015
Crossing Guard
Melbourne Police Department
11.2008 - 12.2014
Volunteer
Brevard Public Schools
01.1998 - Current
Shift Manager
Taco Bell Inc.
01.1991 - 02.1994
VE-SLD TEACHER/RESOURCE
Sherwood Elementary
8 2023 - Current
VE-SC TEACHER
JUPITER ELEMENTARY
1 2019 - 1 2023
MASTERS DEGREE AUSTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS -
GRAND CANYON UNIVERSITY
BACHELOR OF EXCEPTIONAL STUDENT EDUCATION - undefined
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND HUMAN PERFORMANCE
ASSOCIATE OF ARTS - undefined
BREVARD COMMUNITY COLLEGE