Melanie Marchand
Rensselaer
Summary
Experienced special education teacher skilled in creating individualized education plans and fostering positive relationships with students, parents, and colleagues. Committed to improving student support services through data-driven decision-making and tailored instructional strategies.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Student Council Sponsor
Rensselaer Middle School
Rensselaer, IN
07.2022 - Current
- Developed and managed logistics for successful fundraising campaigns, fostering community involvement and support.
- Designed and facilitated an inclusive election process to enhance student engagement and participation.
- Coordinated and executed all school activities to enhance student engagement.
- Designed and organized leadership initiatives to enhance member engagement and development.
Special Education Teacher
Rensselaer Central Schools
Rensselaer, IN
08.1997 - Current
- Developed over 100+ individualized education plans to meet unique student needs.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to optimize student support services.
- Designed and delivered tailored instructional materials for diverse learning styles.
- Implemented behavior management strategies to enhance the classroom environment.
- Advocated for student resources and accommodations within school systems.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
- Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support for students with special needs.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Streamlined classroom processes by integrating technology tools such as interactive whiteboards and assistive devices designed for students with disabilities.
- Trained and mentored new staff on special education best practices.
- Assessed student progress and adjusted teaching methods accordingly.
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
- Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Co-teaching for 5 years in the general education math classroom
Education
Master of Science - Special Education
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZBachelor of Arts - Special Education - Mild Disabilities
Purdue University
West Lafayette, INSkills
- Differentiated instruction
- Classroom management
- Individual education plans IEPs
- Small group instruction
- Co-teaching experience
- Lesson planning
- Collaborative teamwork
- Data management
- Parent communication
- Student support
- Mathematics intervention
- Positive role model
- Data collection
- Transition planning
- Competent in smartboard technology
- MS Office proficient
Timeline
Student Council Sponsor
Rensselaer Middle School
07.2022 - Current
Special Education Teacher
Rensselaer Central Schools
08.1997 - Current
Master of Science - Special Education
Grand Canyon University
Bachelor of Arts - Special Education - Mild Disabilities
Purdue University