Rima C Barrett
Elkridge,USA
Summary
Dedicated and experienced elementary educator with 29 years of teaching across diverse grade levels, including Head Start, Pre-Kindergarten, half-day and full-day kindergarten, first grade, and seventh grade reading. Proven expertise in early literacy development and a deep understanding of student learning needs across developmental stages. Passionate about fostering strong reading foundations using research-based practices and the science of reading. Skilled in supporting diverse learners, including English language learners, students with special needs, and gifted students. Committed to collaboration, equity, and continuous student growth in reading achievement.
Overview
1
1
Certification
Work History
Head Start/Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
MCPS, Roscoe Nix Elementary School
Silver Spring, MD
- Differentiated activities to meet the needs of linguistically and culturally diverse children and those with developmental delays.
- Promoted school readiness through integrated instruction in language and literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development.
- Used play-based learning, songs, storytelling, and hands-on activities to foster engagement and exploration.
- Taught foundational literacy skills using Science of Reading practices (e.g., phonemic awareness, oral language development, print concepts).
- Administered ongoing developmental screenings and assessments to inform individualized instruction.
- Supported children's growth in self-regulation, social skills, and problem-solving through modeled behavior and structured routines.
- Built trusting relationships with families through regular communication, home visits, and parent-teacher conferences.
- Connected families with community resources in coordination with family service workers.
- Worked with paraprofessionals, therapists, and specialists to provide inclusive services.
- Maintained accurate documentation and child portfolios in compliance with federal Head Start regulations.
- Participated in professional development on early childhood best practices, trauma-informed care, and cultural competence.
- Contributed to Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meetings when appropriate.
Kindergarten Teacher (Full-Day Program)
MCPS, William Tyler Page Elementary School
Silver Spring, MD
- Implemented Science of Reading-based instruction, including phonemic awareness, phonics, and vocabulary development.
- Delivered instruction aligned with MCPS Language Arts goals and CKLA curriculum.
- Utilized DIBELS to track literacy development and tailor instruction for ELD, special education, and GT learners.
- Served as Team Leader in the full-day program, facilitating collaboration and curriculum alignment.
- Implemented a comprehensive, full-day curriculum integrating reading, writing, math, science, and social studies.
- Differentiated instruction through small group rotations and tiered centers.
- Conducted formal (e.g., DIBELS, and math inventories) and informal assessments to monitor growth and inform instruction.
- Communicated with families through conferences and newsletters.
Kindergarten Teacher (Half-Day Program)
PGCPS, Kenmoor Elementary School
Landover, MD
- Delivered focused instruction in foundational literacy and numeracy within a condensed timeframe.
- Prioritized phonemic awareness, letter recognition, and early math concepts through whole-group and small-group lessons.
- Created a structured, fast-paced environment to support kindergarten readiness in social and academic domains.
- Facilitated daily learning centers emphasizing early fine motor skills, cooperative play, and basic routines.
First Grade Teacher
PGCPS, Kenmoor Elementary School
Landover, MD
- Fostered literacy development through targeted small-group instruction and intervention strategies.
- Developed and delivered daily instruction in reading, writing, math, science, and social studies aligned to grade-level standards.
- Created a nurturing and structured classroom environment to support student safety, independence, and belonging.
- Used data from informative and formative assessments to inform instruction and groupings.
- Collaborated with special education teachers, reading specialists, and counselors to support whole child development.
Seventh Grade Reading Teacher
HCPS, Harper's Choice Middle School
Columbia, MD
- Taught literary elements, reading comprehension, vocabulary development, and critical thinking skills.
- Integrated diverse texts, genres, and authors to promote cultural awareness and student interest.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop cross-curricular units and interdisciplinary projects.
- Maintained effective classroom management using positive reinforcement and behavior modification contracts.
- Communicated regularly with parents and guardians regarding student progress and behavior.
Paraeducator, First Grade Team
HCPS, Waterloo Elementary School
Ellicott City, MD
- Supported classroom teachers by assisting with daily instruction and small group activities to reinforce learning objectives.
- Worked one-on-one and in small groups with students needing additional academic or behavioral support.
- Assisted in preparing instructional materials, organizing classroom resources, and maintaining a structured learning environment.
- Monitored student progress and provided feedback to teachers to help guide instruction.
- Supported classroom management by promoting positive behavior and helping implement classroom routines.
- Communicated effectively with teachers, students, and families to support student success and well-being.
- Helped with supervision during transitions, recess, and lunch periods to ensure student safety.
Education
Master of Education -
Loyola University
Baltimore, Maryland05-2007
Master of Arts - Teaching
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, Maryland05-1995
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
University of Maryland
College Park, Maryland05-1993
Skills
- Science of Reading & Structured Literacy
- Orton-Gillingham & LETRS
- CKLA & MCPS Language Arts Program Implementation
- DIBELS & I-Ready Assessments
- Inclusive Practices for ELD, Special Needs & GT Students
- Differentiated & Culturally Responsive Instruction
- Teacher Mentoring
- Restorative Justice Practices
- Data-Driven Instructional Planning
- Google Suite for Education
- Canvas
- Synergy
- Microsoft Office
- Data Analysis Tools (DIBELS, I-Ready, MAP)
- Interactive Literacy Platforms (Lexia, Raz-Kids, Epic!)
Certification
- Early Childhood Education (Birth – 3)
- Elementary Education (Grades 1–6)
- Reading Specialist (Grades K-12)
Timeline
Head Start/Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
MCPS, Roscoe Nix Elementary School
Kindergarten Teacher (Full-Day Program)
MCPS, William Tyler Page Elementary School
Kindergarten Teacher (Half-Day Program)
PGCPS, Kenmoor Elementary School
First Grade Teacher
PGCPS, Kenmoor Elementary School
Seventh Grade Reading Teacher
HCPS, Harper's Choice Middle School
Paraeducator, First Grade Team
HCPS, Waterloo Elementary School
Master of Arts - Teaching
Johns Hopkins University
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
University of Maryland
Master of Education -
Loyola University
LEADERSHIP & SERVICE ROLES
- Served as a team leader for early childhood educators, facilitating planning meetings, sharing instructional strategies, and promoting consistency in classroom routines and curriculum.
- Mentored new and student teachers, providing support in lesson planning, classroom management, and the implementation of developmentally appropriate practices.
- Organized and led family engagement events such as literacy nights, parent workshops, and classroom celebrations to build strong school-home connections.
- Chaired the Green Team and supported Restorative Justice initiatives, fostering a positive and inclusive school climate.
- Led professional development sessions on the Science of Reading, classroom organization, and early literacy strategies for colleagues.
- Collaborated with specialists and instructional coaches to support diverse learners, including ELD students, special education, and gifted learners.
- Took initiative to pilot early literacy tools such as LETRS, Orton-Gillingham, and DIBELS assessments in early childhood classrooms.
- Supported curriculum implementation for MCPS Reading and Math programs, providing feedback and resources to strengthen instruction.