Sarah Elizabeth Messer
Henrico,VA
Summary
Dedicated National Board Certified Exceptional Needs Specialist versed in working with all levels of learners and learning styles. Skilled at working under pressure and adapting to new situations and challenges to best enhance the field of education. Works collaboratively with all stakeholders to research education options, design, and implement new curriculum. Personable and professional with students, colleagues, and community members to build strong working relationships. Flexible and resourceful with experience in designing and providing quality learning experiences. Prepared to use my expertise and skills to guide educators in becoming their best selves and make a productive difference in the lives of students.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
7
7
Endorsements
Skills
- Collaborative Leader
- Curriculum Design
- Strategic Planning
- Strong Communication
- Instructional Design and Delivery
- Professional Learning
- Organized
- Technologically Savvy
- Proficient in Exceptional Education
- Research and Development
Certification
National Board Certified Teacher: Exceptional Needs Specialist December 2020
Endorsements
- Biology
- Earth Science
- Middle School Sciences
- Gifted Education
- Learning Disabilities
- Emotional Disabilities
- History and Social Sciences
Honors
Alpha Kappa Delta- International Sociology Honor Society
Education
Educational Specialist - Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA05.2023
Add-On Endorsement in Gifted Education - Education of The Gifted And Talented
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VA07.2012
Master of Science in Education - Special Education
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA12.2008
Bachelor of Science - Sociology
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA05.2004
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts And General Studies
Northern Virginia Community College
Woodbridge, VA05.2002
Work History
Teacher Forum Committee Member
Henrico County Public Schools
Richmond, VA
09.2022 - Current
- Represented magisterial district teachers in the planning of guest speakers for professional learning.
- Introduced guest speakers and represented the committee at events.
- Provided suggestions and input on the structure of the Teacher Forum.
- Partnered with Central Office personnel in meetings to convey policy changes, gather information and assess employee thoughts.
- Aided in promotional events to raise awareness and promote initiatives.
Specialization Curriculum Writer
Henrico County Public Schools
Richmond, VA
08.2022 - Current
- Collaborated with colleagues in developing benchmark lessons and identifying curriculum needs of faculty.
- Teamed with subject matter experts in evaluation and revision of training tools in order to continually improve learning for all students.
- Partnered with Central Office personnel in meetings to promote initiatives, gather information and assess employee thoughts.
Administrative Aide
Deep Run High School, Henrico County Public Schools
Richmond, VA
08.2022 - Current
- Developed the managed school-wide administrative detention system and accountability.
- Designed and managed school-wide students behavior reflection forms.
- Evaluated and assigned consequences to student minor student infractions in accordance to discipline policies.
- Redesigned current administrative documents for ease of use.
- Assisted with compliance efforts for fire and other safety regulations.
- Administered standardized tests to evaluate student performance and progress.
- Performed classroom evaluations to gather data on teacher strategies and effectiveness.
- Built and maintained positive relationships with diverse stakeholders, such as parents, school volunteers and outside agencies.
- Led meetings to convey policy changes, gather information and assess employee thoughts.
- Partnered with principal to administer school program in alignment with vision and goals, providing positive, high-expectation academic environment.
Biology Teacher
Henrico County Public Schools
Richmond, VA
08.2021 - Current
- Established positive and encouraging relationship with students and helped to foster appreciation for biology and science.
- Prepared lesson plans and educational materials to structure biology curriculum to needs of each student.
- Communicated frequently with parents, students and faculty to provide feedback and discuss instructional strategies.
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration
- Organized laboratory activities, prepared lectures and design experiments for optimum learning.
- Kept classroom environments consistent and focused on learning by establishing and enforcing clear objectives.
- Monitored student behavior and enforced discipline policies.
- Assisted with compliance efforts for fire and other safety regulations.
- Administered standardized tests to evaluate student performance and progress.
- Defined and enforced student academic achievement standards in line with district goals and objectives.
- Built and maintained positive relationships with diverse stakeholders, such as parents, school volunteers and outside agencies.
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Proficient in the use of Microsoft Works, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Docs, PowerSchool/PowerTeacher, Google Classroom, Quizlet, Schoology, Kahoot, Blooket, Word Wall, Quizizz, Promethean Active Panel, and CHAMPS.
Assistant Coordinator of Summer Academy
Deep Run, Henrico County Public Schools
Richmond, VA
05.2022 - 08.2022
- Developed Safety and CRISIS plans for the summer.
- Assisted with compliance efforts for fire and other safety regulations.
- Build rapport with students to engage them in summer academy activities and ensure student code of conduct is upheld daily.
- Administered personnel policies and procedures and approved professional staff additions.
- Supervised and evaluated teaching and support staff through instructional leadership and professional development.
- Oversaw schedule management and protocols for orientation, registration and related activities.
- Monitored student behavior and enforced discipline policies.
- Supported hiring, training and disciplinary action in compliance with legal guidelines and requirements.
- Skilled in the use of Microsoft Works, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Docs, PowerSchool/PowerTeacher, Google Classroom, Quizlet, Schoology, Kahoot, Blooket, Word Wall, Quizizz, Promethean Active Panel, and CHAMPS.
Curriculum Specialist
KEYS Academy
Charlottesville, VA
06.2020 - 08.2021
- Researched and redesigned current educational practices and curriculum to ensure equity for all stakeholders.
- Developed the responsibilities and roles for the new Curriculum Specialist position.
- Evaluated curriculum resources for purchase and use.
- Effectively implemented best training practices and adult learning principles in planning and creation of professional learning materials for all schools.
- Designed, implemented and managed successful training programs to meet department and each school's needs.
- Worked closely with instructors to prepare online materials, content and tools to facilitate student learning.
- Provided subject matter expertise on all courses, materials and lesson plans.
- Contributed to development of comprehensive employee training courses.
- Planned and monitored implementation of technology-based learning programs.
- Developed curriculum resources for use by teachers.
- Modeled effective instruction for teachers.
- Lead a team reviewing and creating CTE Curriculum for the Middle Schools.
- Acted as the platform manager for user accounts on online curriculum platforms.
Biology, Earth Science,& Special Education Teacher
Henrico County Public Schools
Henrico, United States
08.2015 - 06.2020
- Kept classroom environments consistent and focused on learning by establishing and enforcing clear objectives using the CHAMPS system of expectations.
- Prepared individualized lesson plans and educational materials to structure biology, Earth Science, and math curriculum to needs of each student.
- Established positive and encouraging relationship with students and helped to foster appreciation for biology and science.
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional and social growth.
- Taught reading science and math in self-contained ED and LD classroom.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS).
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
- Proficient in the use of Google Docs, PowerSchool/PowerTeacher, Google Classroom, Quizlet, Schoology, Kahoot, Quizizz, and CHAMPS.
Special Education Teacher
Hanover Co. Public Schools
Richmond, VA
08.2008 - 06.2015
- Taught intensive reading instruction using Wilson Fundations Curriculum.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional and social growth.
- Partnered with standard education teachers from across academic departments.
- Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
- Designed and implemented point system to encourage positive behavior.
- Instructed students in core academic areas and specialized reading groups.
- Taught reading, language arts, math and sciences in self-contained classroom.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
- Organized instruction material, constructed bulletin boards and set up work areas.
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Co-led the Freshman Class Council to foster climate of collaboration between the student body, the school, and the community.
- Collaborated with faculty to develop school- and department-wide tutoring programs for struggling students.
- Communicated frequently with parents, students and faculty to provide feedback and discuss instructional strategies.
- Skilled in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Blackboard, SEAS, Google Suite for Education Wilson Fundations, and Handwriting without Tears.
Special Education Teacher
Henrico Co. Public Schools
Richmond, VA
08.2007 - 06.2008
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional and social growth.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Instructed students in specialized reading groups using a phonics based reading program in a self-contained classroom
Special Education Teacher
Prince Edward Co. Public Schools
Farmville, VA
08.2006 - 07.2007
- Worked closely with teachers, administrators, and the VDOE on the Inclusion Planning School Improvement Team for the development of division policy and conducting ongoing division-wide training for systematic change.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional and social growth.
- Partnered with general education teachers from across academic departments.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Completed intensive leadership training and provided training to colleagues on applied behavior analysis.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Skilled on the use of Microsoft Works, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and IEP Online.
Inclusion Planning Team Member
Prince Edward County Schools
Farmville, VA
08.2006 - 08.2007
- Served as a member of a school improvement team, coordinating systems change activities and planning professional development activities to be conducted with staff from the Virginia Department of Education Training and Technical Assistance Center at the Virginia Commonwealth University; also coordinated VGLA workgroup meetings throughout the year.
Kindergarten Teacher
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Ft. Belvoir, VA
07.2004 - 02.2005
- Created child-centered learning environment characterized by consistent application of sound mental health and educational psychology practices.
- Delivered lesson plans, implemented school curriculum and used data to create, monitor and establish personalized learning plan for each student.
- Created, managed and participated in variety of learning environments and activities to support opportunities for students to develop full potential and achieve learning objectives.
- Identified characteristics, needs, abilities and problems of each child through personal interaction and progress reports to optimize approaches.
- Delegated tasks to teacher assistants and school volunteers.
- Exercised good classroom management focused on positive behavior support by clearly articulating fair and consistent expectations along with appropriate natural consequences.
- Integrated outdoor education into lesson plans.
- Observed and assessed student performance and charted progress.
- Encouraged and prepared students to become independent readers through systematic, multi-sensory instruction in phonemic awareness and decoding skills.
- Introduced read-aloud literature to stimulate imagination and build comprehension and vocabulary.
- Delivered structured lessons on readiness skills by emphasizing phonics, language skills, literature and handwriting.
- Collaborated in planning, organizing and implementing instructional programs to facilitate academic, intellectual and social development.
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration
Timeline
Teacher Forum Committee Member
Henrico County Public Schools
09.2022 - Current
Specialization Curriculum Writer
Henrico County Public Schools
08.2022 - Current
Administrative Aide
Deep Run High School, Henrico County Public Schools
08.2022 - Current
Assistant Coordinator of Summer Academy
Deep Run, Henrico County Public Schools
05.2022 - 08.2022
Biology Teacher
Henrico County Public Schools
08.2021 - Current
Curriculum Specialist
KEYS Academy
06.2020 - 08.2021
Biology, Earth Science,& Special Education Teacher
Henrico County Public Schools
08.2015 - 06.2020
Special Education Teacher
Hanover Co. Public Schools
08.2008 - 06.2015
Special Education Teacher
Henrico Co. Public Schools
08.2007 - 06.2008
Inclusion Planning Team Member
Prince Edward County Schools
08.2006 - 08.2007
Special Education Teacher
Prince Edward Co. Public Schools
08.2006 - 07.2007
Kindergarten Teacher
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
07.2004 - 02.2005
Educational Specialist - Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
Virginia Tech
Add-On Endorsement in Gifted Education - Education of The Gifted And Talented
University of Virginia
Master of Science in Education - Special Education
Old Dominion University
Bachelor of Science - Sociology
Virginia Commonwealth University
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts And General Studies
Northern Virginia Community College
National Board Certified Teacher: Exceptional Needs Specialist December 2020
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