Overview
Work History
Education
Accomplishments
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP INVOLVEMENT
Timeline
Generic

Rakeeah Merritt

Newark,NJ

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience

Work History

Career Development & Public Safety Preparation

06.2025 - Current
  • Preparing for firefighter exams and physical testing while managing household responsibilities and contributing to church volunteer initiatives.

North Star Academy

Educator | Substitute Teacher | Special Education
10.2022 - 06.2025
  • Delivered instruction across general education, mathematics, and special education classrooms, supporting diverse learning styles and academic needs.
  • Designed and implemented differentiated lesson plans aligned with standards to promote student engagement and achievement.
  • Developed and managed Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in collaboration with interdisciplinary teams.

Primrose School at Mountainside

Lead Teacher
09.2017 - 10.2022
  • Created a nurturing and inclusive environment for approximately 20 children, fostering physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development.
  • Implemented developmentally appropriate curriculum, ongoing assessments and interactive learning centers to encourage engagement and independence.
  • Ensured classroom safety, compliance, and effective instructional practices through professional development.

Steps 2 Success

Step Coach
08.2015 - 06.2018
  • Coached and mentored youth through structured step and dance instruction, fostering discipline, teamwork, and confidence.
  • Coordinated performances and competitions, providing constructive feedback to enhance participant growth and performance quality.

North Star Academy

Administrative Assistant
06.2011 - 08.2012
  • Managed high volumes of documentation and records, including filing, copying, laminating, and review, ensuring efficient administrative operations.
  • Organized classroom supplies while providing support to leadership

Education

Bachelor of Science - Integrative Studies – Education Concentration

Clarion University of Pennsylvania
Clarion, PA
12.2021

Associate of Science - Early Childhood Education

12.2021

Sub. Teaching Cert. | Notary Public, New Jersey, 2012-2023

Accomplishments

Educational Leadership. Technology & Media Support. Teamwork & Collaboration. Women & Youth Development. Community Engagement. Program Coordination. Written & Verbal Communication

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP INVOLVEMENT

Active Member, NAACP; Member, NCNW (2023–2024); Volunteer, NJPAC; Volunteer, Vulcan Pioneers of NJ – Newark Fire Department, Former President, Women’s Ministry – Welcome Baptist Church (2017–2020); Former College President, Step Team & Gospel Choir (2013–2015), Member, Welcome Baptist Church (Current) – Media & Technology Support, Public Relations, Praise & Worship Singer

Timeline

Career Development & Public Safety Preparation

06.2025 - Current

North Star Academy

Educator | Substitute Teacher | Special Education
10.2022 - 06.2025

Primrose School at Mountainside

Lead Teacher
09.2017 - 10.2022

Steps 2 Success

Step Coach
08.2015 - 06.2018

North Star Academy

Administrative Assistant
06.2011 - 08.2012

Associate of Science - Early Childhood Education

Bachelor of Science - Integrative Studies – Education Concentration

Clarion University of Pennsylvania

Sub. Teaching Cert. | Notary Public, New Jersey, 2012-2023
Rakeeah Merritt