Completed the Boston Marathon-Time 4 hrs and 12 minutes-2008
Completed the Long Island Marathon-Time 4 hrs and 9 minutes-2009
Completed the Long Island Marathon-Time 5 hrs-2012
Merrill Lynn Banks
Bellport,USA
Summary
To achieve and support a teaching position as an educator striving to meet the needs of all students to help them reach their greatest potential.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Second Grade Teacher
Brookhaven Elementary
01.2022 - Current
- Worked closely with computer/technology specialist to incorporate OZOBOT systems for students to practice computer coding
- Implemented Next Generation Standards throughout lesson plans in all academic areas
- Utilized and reviewed benchmark assessments to guide instruction for student achievement
- Incorporated parental involvement at school/class events throughout the school year
- Informed parents of child’s academic/behavioral progress quarterly
- Organized STEM activities using hands-on learning for all students
Dual Language Kindergarten Teacher
Brookhaven Elementary
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Implemented differentiated instruction utilizing best practices that adhered to Next Generation Learning Standards for NY State and district learning standards
- Strived to provide engaging lesson plans and academic cooperative learning using a myriad of modalities
- Created a warm and nurturing environment for all students to excel and grow in as independent learners
- Collaborated in a Dual Language setting to provide lessons to children in both English and Spanish
Kindergarten Teacher
Kreamer Street Elementary
09.2020 - 01.2021
- Utilized Pre-Post unit assessments to help facilitate and monitor students’ academic growth and achievements in all subject areas
- Designed and implemented interdisciplinary curriculum activities and lessons following the Next Generation Learning Standards for NY State
- Developed and instructed thematic units that coincided with students’ specific learning goals and achievable learning outcomes
- Monitored and assessed students’ learning in a kindergarten setting using researched and evidence-based programs and best practices
- Collaborated with colleagues to implement varied teaching strategies across the curriculum using a myriad of modalities
Second Grade Teacher
Kreamer Street Elementary
09.2017 - 01.2020
- Volunteered to be Grade Level Representative for SMART Technology
- Implemented Common Core Standards throughout lesson plans in all academic areas
- Utilized and reviewed benchmark assessments to guide instruction for student achievement
- Incorporated parental involvement at school/class events throughout the school year
- Informed parents of child’s academic/behavioral progress quarterly
First Grade Teacher
Brookhaven Elementary School
09.2014 - 01.2017
- Participated in school-wide events both before and after school
- Designed interdisciplinary instructional activities following state and district standards
- Utilized benchmark assessments to help guide instruction for student achievement in academic areas
- Maintained parent-teacher communication through scheduled conferences and coordinated phone conferences
- Instructed students in cooperative learning groups as well as guided reading groups
- Employed ENO and SMART table technology in all content areas to enrich students’ academic successes
Education
M.Ed. - Special Education
George Mason University
Fairfax, Va.06-2021
MA/LS - Education
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY08-2011
BS - Early Childhood Education
Fitchburg State University
Fitchburg, Ma.05-1997
BA - Humanities
Fitchburg State University
Fitchburg, Ma.05-1997
Skills
- Curriculum implementation
- Team collaboration
- Problem-solving skills
- Lesson plan development
Certification
- ABA Certification, George Mason University - 2021
Interests
Timeline
Second Grade Teacher
Brookhaven Elementary
01.2022 - Current
Dual Language Kindergarten Teacher
Brookhaven Elementary
01.2021 - 01.2022
Kindergarten Teacher
Kreamer Street Elementary
09.2020 - 01.2021
Second Grade Teacher
Kreamer Street Elementary
09.2017 - 01.2020
First Grade Teacher
Brookhaven Elementary School
09.2014 - 01.2017
MA/LS - Education
Stony Brook University
BS - Early Childhood Education
Fitchburg State University
BA - Humanities
Fitchburg State University
M.Ed. - Special Education
George Mason University
PHILOSOPHY
Each child is unique and special in their own way. Every child should be respected and nurtured to promote their physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development. Having this strong foundation, children become curious well-rounded learners able to make independent choices and act responsibly as citizens of the world.
LEADERSHIP
- Raised funds for Hurricane Melissa through UNISEF-2025
- Social Science Committee Member 2025-2026
- Mentor for College Student Observer-2022-2023
- Math representative for Grade Level- 2022-2023
- Lead Social Studies Teacher for newly adopted program-2018-2019
- Piloted new Go Math! Program for first grade- Sept.-June 2017
- Acted as grade level representative for the SMART table technology implementation-2017
- Applied for and was granted a scholarship for the Colonial Williamsburg Teacher Institute-2017
- Applied for and was granted a scholarship from the SCCD Educational Committee for a Back To School booklet-2015-2017
- Joined with colleagues to raise money for UNISEF-2016