RACQUEL EDWARDS
Houston,TX
Summary
Award-winning middle school ELA/STEM educator with 13+ years of experience advancing literacy achievement, instructional excellence, and teacher leadership. Recognized at the district, regional, and state levels for innovative instruction, data-driven practices, and mentorship. Skilled in STEM integration, culturally responsive teaching, project-based learning, and coaching educators toward sustained student growth.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
ELA / STEM Middle School Teacher
Null Middle School
Houston, TX
12.2018 - Current
• Lead ELA/STEM instruction for grades 7–8, designing rigorous, standards‑aligned lessons that integrate literacy, STEM tools, and real‑world application
• Consistently drive 85%+ STAAR Approaches and Meets performance across multiple grade levels through targeted instruction, data analysis, and strategic remediation
• Serve as STEM Team Lead and former ELA Content Lead, guiding curriculum alignment, instructional planning, and best practices across teams
• Mentor and coach teachers through modeling, feedback cycles, and instructional support focused on engagement and student growth
• Design and implement innovative instructional models recognized at the district level for technology integration and experiential learning
• Facilitate inclusive, equitable learning environments supporting general education, ESL, and special education learners
• Lead student‑centered initiatives that increase engagement, critical thinking, collaboration, and ownership of learning
4th Grade ELA Teacher
The Rhodes School
Houston, TX
08.2016 - 12.2018
- Collaborated in PLCs to analyze data and design targeted instructional interventions
- Differentiated instruction to meet diverse academic and social-emotional needs
- Team Lead (2018–2019)
- Awarded Rookie Teacher of the Year
Kindergarten & 3rd Grade Teacher
Homer Drive Elementary
Beaumont, TX
08.2014 - 06.2016
- Developed engaging literacy instruction and original assessments
- Provided individualized academic support during core instruction
- Collaborated in grade-level planning and data meetings
5th–8th Grade ELA/Writing Teacher
Ambassadors Preparatory Academy
Galveston, TX
08.2013 - 06.2014
- Led literacy instruction resulting in 80%+ STAAR performance
- Implemented differentiated instruction with formative and summative assessments
- Maintained strong family partnerships
Education
Ph.D. - Reading And Literacy
Capella University
12-2028
Bachelor of Science - Interdisciplinary Studies
Prairie View A&M University
01.2013
Master of Science - Education Administration
Lamar University
Beaumont, TX05-2017
Skills
- Classroom management
- Lesson planning
- Learning assessments
- Growth mindset
- Literacy skills
- Project-based learning
- Progress monitoring
Accomplishments
Building Literacy With STEM Tools – Designing integrated literacy experiences through STEM-based instructional strategies
Engaging 21st-Century Learners Through Project-Based Learning – Increasing student voice, collaboration, and real-world application
Stronger Together: Every Piece Matters – Collaborative instructional practices that strengthen campus culture and student outcomes
From MID to LIT: Turning Boring Lessons Into FIRE Instruction – Transforming minimal instruction into learner-centered, integrated, thought-provoking lessons
Interactive Escape Room Instructional Strategies –
Helps teachers create standard-aligned escape rooms to boost student engagement, collaboration, and critical thinking.
STAAR Professional Development –
Practical strategies to improve STAAR readiness through purposeful review, data-driven remediation, and engaging instruction.
Certification
- EC-6 Generalist Certification
- ESL Certification
- 7-12 English Language Arts Certification
Timeline
ELA / STEM Middle School Teacher
Null Middle School
12.2018 - Current
4th Grade ELA Teacher
The Rhodes School
08.2016 - 12.2018
Kindergarten & 3rd Grade Teacher
Homer Drive Elementary
08.2014 - 06.2016
5th–8th Grade ELA/Writing Teacher
Ambassadors Preparatory Academy
08.2013 - 06.2014
Ph.D. - Reading And Literacy
Capella University
Bachelor of Science - Interdisciplinary Studies
Prairie View A&M University
Master of Science - Education Administration
Lamar University
HONORS & AWARDS
Campus Teacher of the Year 2025-2026 HAABSE Teacher of the Year – 2024–2025, TIA Designated Teacher – 2025, TCTELA Middle School Teacher of the Year – 2025, Rookie Teacher of the Year – 2017–2018, Super Stallion Growth Award , G.O.A.T. Award, North Channel Area of Commerce – Teacher of the Month