Sandra Murphy
Ormond Beach,FL
Summary
Seasoned and student-centered Special Education Teacher with over 10 years of classroom experience and a proven track record of driving academic success for diverse learners. Adept at mentoring novice teachers, modeling effective instructional strategies, and creating inclusive learning environments grounded in research-based practices. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Education, with a passion for reflective teaching, professional development, and preparing the next generation of educators. Highly Effective teacher recognized for excellence in student outcomes, leadership, and collaboration. Seeking to contribute to postsecondary education through teaching, mentorship, and continued scholarly growth.
Experienced with curriculum development, ensuring educational content meets all necessary standards and engages students. Utilizes range of teaching methods to address different learning styles, promoting well-rounded understanding of subjects. Strong understanding of classroom management techniques to maintain productive and respectful learning environment.
Professional educator with strong background in developing and implementing engaging curriculum. Adept at fostering collaborative learning environment that encourages student growth and achievement. Skilled in classroom management, lesson planning, and adapting to diverse educational needs. Known for reliability and flexibility, ensuring smooth and effective teaching operations.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
ELA 1, ELA 2, & Learning Strategies Teacher
Flagler Palm Coast High School – Flagler County Schools, FL
FL
07.2023 - Current
- Deliver differentiated instruction and academic coaching to students with diverse learning needs, scaffolding foundational skills in ELA 1 and fostering advanced analytical and literary skills in ELA 2.
- Mentor students and novice teachers, modeling effective instructional strategies and providing reflective feedback to support professional growth.
- Guide students in meeting graduation requirements through credit recovery, academic interventions, and personalized learning plans.
- Administer and analyze standardized assessments, including SAT, PSAT, and state-mandated tests, using data to inform instruction and monitor student progress.
- Developed engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards.
- Fostered inclusive classroom environments to support diverse learning needs.
Learning Strategies Teacher
Brookland Cayce High School – Lexington District Two, SC
SC
08.2021 - 07.2023
- Developed individualized learning plans aligned with student goals and IEP objectives.
- Facilitated inclusion practices through co-teaching and collaboration with general education staff.
- Recognized as Highly Effective on annual evaluations; nominated for Teacher of the Year.
- Supported at-risk seniors in achieving graduation through test preparation and academic recovery.
- Developed engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards to enhance student understanding.
- Implemented diverse instructional strategies to accommodate varying learning styles and promote inclusivity.
Self-Contained Multi VE / Learning Strategies Teacher
Ponte Vedra High School – St. Johns County Schools, FL
FL
08.2019 - 07.2021
- Taught students in a self-contained setting and later transitioned to a learning strategies model.
- Led initiatives to align IEP goals with academic standards and data-driven interventions.
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans aligned with state standards.
- Fostered a positive classroom environment to enhance student learning and collaboration.
English Teacher / ESOL (Remote)
VIPKID, Beijing, China (Remote)
Beijing, China
07.2015 - 01.2021
- Taught English to students ages 3–15 in a virtual setting, using engaging digital tools and strategies.
- Developed engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards for diverse student groups.
- Implemented interactive teaching methods to enhance language acquisition and retention.
Pre-Algebra, Algebra, & ESE Teacher
Silver Sands Middle School – Volusia County Schools, FL
FL
08.2018 - 05.2019
- Delivered instruction in mathematics and special education; implemented behavior and academic supports.
- Developed and implemented individualized education plans for diverse student needs.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to enhance student support services.
ESE Teacher
St. John's Technical High School – St. Johns County Schools, FL
FL
08.2015 - 06.2018
- Created and implemented IEPs for students with varying exceptionalities.
- Collaborated with community partners to support career readiness and transition planning.
- Developed individualized education plans to meet diverse student needs.
- Implemented evidence-based instructional strategies to enhance learning outcomes.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Special Education
Daytona State College
Daytona Beach, FL05-2015
Master of Arts in Teaching - Special Education: Curriculum & Learning
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA03-2025
Doctoral Studies (In Progress) - Ph.D. in Special Education
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA05-2028
Skills
- Experienced in inclusive, college-level instruction using Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and differentiated strategies for diverse learners
- Skilled in interdisciplinary curriculum and syllabus development for in-person, hybrid, and online courses
- Strong background in academic advising, mentorship, and student success initiatives, including support for students with disabilities
- Proficient in assessment design, learning analytics, and data-driven instruction aligned with institutional and accreditation standards
- Adept in faculty mentorship, professional development, and collaborative program development
- Experienced with LMS platforms (Canvas, Blackboard, Moodle), virtual instruction tools (Zoom, Teams), and digital productivity suites (Google Workspace, Office 365)
- Classroom management
- Critical thinking
- Lesson planning
- Relationship building
Certification
- Exceptional Student Education K–12
- ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages)
- Reading Certification
Leadership & Mentorship
- Ongoing mentor to student teachers, offering coaching, instructional modeling, and collaborative reflection.
- Provided onboarding and support for novice educators in multiple school districts.
- Facilitated training on curriculum planning, behavior management, and effective strategies for diverse learners.
Professional Goals
Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Special Education with a long-term goal of transitioning to higher education instruction. Actively seeking opportunities to share practical classroom experience, contribute to educator preparation programs, and continue growing as a scholar and leader in the field of special education.
Awards
Consistently rated Highly Effective on performance evaluations, Nominated for Teacher of the Year, Successfully supported at-risk seniors to graduation through intensive interventions and advocacy
Timeline
ELA 1, ELA 2, & Learning Strategies Teacher
Flagler Palm Coast High School – Flagler County Schools, FL
07.2023 - Current
Learning Strategies Teacher
Brookland Cayce High School – Lexington District Two, SC
08.2021 - 07.2023
Self-Contained Multi VE / Learning Strategies Teacher
Ponte Vedra High School – St. Johns County Schools, FL
08.2019 - 07.2021
Pre-Algebra, Algebra, & ESE Teacher
Silver Sands Middle School – Volusia County Schools, FL
08.2018 - 05.2019
ESE Teacher
St. John's Technical High School – St. Johns County Schools, FL
08.2015 - 06.2018
English Teacher / ESOL (Remote)
VIPKID, Beijing, China (Remote)
07.2015 - 01.2021
Bachelor of Arts - Special Education
Daytona State College
Master of Arts in Teaching - Special Education: Curriculum & Learning
Liberty University
Doctoral Studies (In Progress) - Ph.D. in Special Education
Liberty University