Merissa Foster
Apollo,PA
Summary
Dedicated and student-centered educator with 15+ years of experience in elementary education, literacy intervention, and instructional leadership. Proven ability to create engaging, inclusive learning environments that support academic growth, behavioral success, and social-emotional development. Skilled in differentiated instruction, curriculum planning, data-driven decision making, and teacher mentorship.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Title 1 Reading Interventionist
Derry Area School District
Derry, PA
09.2025 - Current
- Developed personalized reading intervention plans for diverse student needs.
- Implemented evidence-based strategies to enhance literacy skills and comprehension.
- Collaborated with educators to integrate reading interventions into classroom instruction.
- Analyzed student assessments to identify areas for improvement and track progress.
Elementary School Teacher
Grandview Elementary School
Derry, PA
01.2009 - 09.2025
- Delivered engaging instruction across multiple grade levels including 1st Grade (8 years - self-contained) 3rd Grade (1 year - Math, Science, and Social Studies), and 4th Grade (7 years - ELA / 1 year - self-contained)
- Provided targeted literacy interventions for students in Grades 3–5 through Title I Program.
- Designed differentiated lessons to support gifted learners, students requiring learning support, and students with behavioral or emotional needs.
- Used assessment data and progress monitoring tools to improve instructional outcomes and student achievement.
- Maintained positive communication with families to support student success and foster strong school-home partnerships.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop intervention strategies and individualized student support plans.
Education
Master of Education - Curriculum & Instruction
Clarion University of Pennsylvania
Clarion, PA2013
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
University of Pittsburgh At Johnstown
Johnstown, PA2009
Additional Graduate Coursework - 33.5 Credits
Concordia University–St. Paul
Online Courses 2023
Skills
- Differentiated Instruction
- Curriculum Development
- Literacy Intervention
- Classroom Management
- Teacher Mentorship
- Progress Monitoring
- Educational Technology
- Parent Communication
- Student Support Planning
- Data-Driven Instruction
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Team Collaboration
Certification
- Pennsylvania Elementary Education (K–6)
- Pennsylvania Middle Level Mathematics (7–9)
- CPR Certified
- AED Certified
- CPI Certified
Timeline
Title 1 Reading Interventionist
Derry Area School District
09.2025 - Current
Elementary School Teacher
Grandview Elementary School
01.2009 - 09.2025
Master of Education - Curriculum & Instruction
Clarion University of Pennsylvania
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
University of Pittsburgh At Johnstown
Additional Graduate Coursework - 33.5 Credits
Concordia University–St. Paul
Coaching Experience
Derry Area High School
- Girls Junior Varsity Volleyball Coach - 2010 (undefeated season), 2011
- 7th Grade Girls Volleyball Assistant Coach - 2011
- Girls Junior Varsity Basketball Volunteer Coach - 2010, 2011
Success
Distinguished Teaching Rating: 2015-2025
Leadership & Collaboration
- Mentored non-tenured teachers in classroom management, instructional planning, and professional growth.
- Led schoolwide Behavior Management Inclusion Workshops for three consecutive years.
- Facilitated the Raising Readers Parent Club to strengthen literacy partnerships between families and schools.
- Collaborated with faculty and support staff to improve intervention planning and student achievement initiatives.