Rhonda Avery Merker
Carlsbad,CA
Summary
Dedicated Special Education professional with over 18 years of experience seeking a position as a Learning Center Teacher. Deeply committed to addressing California’s literacy challenges by supporting diverse learners through individualized instruction, targeted literacy interventions, and collaborative IEP development. Passionate about fostering equity, empowering students by building on their strengths, and helping them achieve their goals through data-driven practices and team-based support.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher
San Diego Workforce Innovation High School
07.2016 - 06.2025
- Developed, scheduled, and implemented compliant, measurable IEPs.
- Used curriculum-based measurement (CBM) tools to track and analyze progress toward IEP goals.
- Delivered reading interventions using programs like READ 180 and System 44 to support struggling readers.
- Collaborated with general education teachers, parents, counselors, and administrators to align supports.
- Conducted formal/informal assessments and adjusted instruction based on student data.
- Supported Title I students and multilingual learners through individualized education plans.
- Participate in relevant meetings and trainings as needed
Special Education Teacher – Math & Science
San Marcos Middle School
08.2015 - 06.2016
- Delivered individualized instruction in math and science to a caseload of 60 students.
- Supervised paraprofessionals, ensuring instructional alignment with IEP goals.
- Conducted academic assessments and provided accommodations/modifications.
- Coordinated and led IEP meetings with families and IEP teams.
- Used data to differentiate curriculum and support classroom inclusion where appropriate.
Special Education Instructional Assistant
Foothill Oak Elementary
04.2007 - 06.2014
- Provided individualized academic and behavioral support to students with disabilities.
- Assisted lead teachers in lesson planning, classroom instruction, and behavior management.
- Facilitated small group interventions and modified instructional materials as needed.
- Supported communication with families and collaborated on intervention strategies.
Education
Master of Science in Education - Education Specialist Instruction Credential
National University
La Jolla, CA12.2014
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology, Emphasis on Children, Youth, and Families
California State University
San Marcos, CA07.2012
Associate of Arts Degree - Spanish
San Diego City Mesa College
12.2000
Skills
- Passionate about equity, student advocacy, and culturally responsive education
- Expertise in writing and implementing meaningful, compliant IEPs
- Strong background in literacy instruction and progress monitoring
- Expertise in conducting and interpreting educational assessments
- Effective in collaborating with both special education and general education teams, as well as families
- Proficient in SEIS, Data & Design, Google Suite
- Successful in developing and applying appropriate behavior management strategies
- Skilled at creating positive, inclusive, and engaging learning environments that support the whole person
- Practiced transparency, honesty, and vulnerability to build trust-based relationships
- Applied talents and resources to support others and contribute to a greater good Approach
Certification
- California Education Specialist Instruction Credential (Mild/Moderate)
- Certified in Lindamood-Bell
- Training in Orton-Gillingham approach
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
San Diego Workforce Innovation High School
07.2016 - 06.2025
Special Education Teacher – Math & Science
San Marcos Middle School
08.2015 - 06.2016
Special Education Instructional Assistant
Foothill Oak Elementary
04.2007 - 06.2014
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology, Emphasis on Children, Youth, and Families
California State University
Associate of Arts Degree - Spanish
San Diego City Mesa College
Master of Science in Education - Education Specialist Instruction Credential
National University
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