Natalie Mercado
Lake Wales,FL
Summary
Dedicated educator with expertise in curriculum implementation, classroom management, and differentiated instruction. Proven ability to foster a positive learning environment and engage students through tailored lesson plans.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Kindergarten, First, and Second Grade Teacher
Osceola County School District
Kissimmee, FL
08.2017 - 03.2026
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans aligned with state standards.
- Fostered a positive classroom environment that encouraged student participation and collaboration.
- Assessed student progress through standardized testing and tailored instruction accordingly.
- Integrated technology into lessons to enhance learning outcomes and student engagement.
- Collaborated with colleagues to refine curriculum and improve teaching strategies across grades.
- Mentored new teachers in classroom management techniques and effective instructional practices.
- Organized parent-teacher conferences to discuss student achievements and areas for improvement.
- Created a welcoming classroom atmosphere by establishing clear expectations and routines, promoting a sense of belonging among students.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop cross-curricular projects, fostering critical thinking skills and interdisciplinary learning.
- Differentiated instruction to meet the unique learning needs of each student, ensuring all students were able to access the curriculum successfully.
- Built positive relationships with parents to involve families in educational process.
- Enhanced student comprehension by utilizing diverse teaching methods and incorporating real-world examples.
- Incorporated hands-on activities and interactive games into lessons, stimulating student interest and engagement in course materials.
- Managed classroom effectively using positive discipline techniques and behavior management plans tailored to individual student needs.
- Utilized data-driven instruction to identify areas of growth for students, implementing targeted interventions to close achievement gaps.
- Assessed student progress regularly through formative assessments, providing timely feedback for improved academic performance.
- Served as a mentor teacher for new educators entering the profession, offering guidance and support throughout their first year of teaching.
- Provided after-school tutoring sessions for struggling learners, increasing their confidence and abilities in core subject areas.
- Participated in professional development workshops to stay current with educational best practices.
- Established open communication and positive relationships with students, parents, peers, and administrative staff.
- Provided warm, supportive environment for developing academic, social, and emotional growth.
- Designed and presented lesson plans in one or more academic subjects using variety of teaching techniques to appeal to various learning styles within assigned grade level.
- Maintained knowledge of school curricula, standards, and policies to correctly prepare students for higher grade levels.
- Met with parents to review Individualized Education Plans for at-risk students.
- Provided regular feedback to students on progress and assigned grades based on performance.
- Retained student interest and maximized receptive learning.
- Adapted lessons to differentiate instruction and meet students' diverse learning needs and abilities.
- Pursued professional development during summer months to maintain certification and extend skills.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Social Services
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL05-2009
Skills
- Curriculum implementation
- Team collaboration
- Problem-solving skills
- Lesson plan development
- Field trip coordination
- Small group interventions
- Classroom management
- Organizational skills
- Parent-teacher communication
- Special education
- Play-based learning
- Mathematics teaching
- Differentiated instruction
- Curriculum development
- Behavioral management
Accomplishments
- Commended for exceptional teaching and support to students.
- Earned Certificate of Academic Excellence for achieving a class growth greater that 70% on Winter NWEA in ELA and Math
- Rated as a Highly-Effective Teacher
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Kindergarten, First, and Second Grade Teacher
Osceola County School District
08.2017 - 03.2026
Bachelor of Science - Social Services
University of Central Florida
Cerificate of Academic Excellence
Certificate of Academic Excellence from Kissimmee Elementary School for achieving a class growth greater that 70% on the Winter NWEA Assessment for ELA and Math