Melissa Zink
Denver
Summary
As a passionate educator committed to student achievement, I strive to cultivate curious, confident learners. I value diverse learning styles and leverage my expertise in multiple curricula, the Colorado Academic Standards, research-based interventions, and assessment tools to identify areas of need and help students reach their full potential. I foster strong relationships and create engaging, enjoyable learning experiences that inspire growth.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Private K-8 Tutor
Green Light Learning (Self-Employed)
Denver, CO
01.2021 - Current
- Support individual K–8 students using specific school curricula and/or research-based interventions
- Collaborate with classroom teachers, school support staff, students, and parents
- Lead engaging, individualized sessions tailored to learning styles; set learning goals and monitor student progress
- Demonstrate understanding of IEPs, 504 plans, interventions, classroom accommodations, and differentiation
Senior Team Lead/Interventionist (Literacy & Math)
Bromwell Elementary - Denver Public Schools
01.2011 - 01.2021
- Coached and evaluated ECE–5 teachers using the LEAP framework and The Learning Cycle through observation feedback, learning labs, co-teaching, modeling, and co-planning
- Planned and facilitated school-wide professional development, learning labs, and book studies aligned to UIP priority standards
- Led Data Team and MTSS meetings to analyze student data, identify root causes, and plan targeted instruction
- Served on the Instructional Leadership Team (ILT), School Leadership Team (SLT), and School Safety and Security Team
- Served as Early Literacy Specialist, applying extensive knowledge of the Science of Reading, Structured Literacy, Orton-Gillingham, Lindamood-Bell, Guided Reading, Lucy Calkins, and Expeditionary Learning with students in K–5
- Fulfilled Site Assessment Leader (SAL) responsibilities, including CMAS, i-Ready, READ Act, interim assessments, ACCESS, and surveys; served as 504 Coordinator
- Promoted a positive school culture by supporting DPS core values and implementing Restorative Justice practices
- Collaborated with classroom teachers to identify intervention needs, set goals, and monitor progress using multiple assessment tools
- Delivered literacy and math interventions using Leveled Literacy Intervention, Read Naturally, Literature Circles, Reciprocal Teaching, and Bridges Math; monitored progress using AIMSweb, i-Ready, CBMs, DIBELS, Running Records, DRA, Intervention Central, easyCBM, and Bridges Math learning targets
Fifth Grade Teacher
The Laureate Private School - San Luis Obispo, California
San Luis Obispo, California
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Used the Common Core State Standards to provide high-quality instruction in an engaging, well-organized learning environment where individual growth was supported, and essential skills were developed to ensure student success
- Differentiated instruction to meet the diverse needs of students
- Earned Lindamood-Bell Seeing Stars Certificate
Mathematics/Science Facilitator and Intervention Teacher
McKinley-Thatcher Elementary School - Denver Public Schools
01.2009 - 01.2011
- Served as Lesson Study Facilitator and Denver Public Schools Teacher Leader
- Participated in Data Team meetings to analyze students’ Bodies of Evidence (BoE) and identify appropriate interventions
- Coached 4th- and 5th-grade teams in best practices for math instruction and standards-based planning
- Paced and planned 1st-, 3rd-, and 5th-grade Everyday Math curricula to meet diverse student needs
- Completed Read Naturally training and provided fluency intervention to 1st- and 2nd-grade students
- Completed Leveled Literacy Intervention training and delivered targeted instruction to primary students
- Monitored and assessed student progress toward targeted learning goals
Mathematics Facilitator
Munroe Elementary School - Denver Public Schools
01.2001 - 01.2006
- Modeled effective mathematics lessons for classroom teachers across grade levels
- Participated in school-wide professional learning communities and supported teachers with short- and long-term instructional planning
- Designed and implemented school-wide mathematics assessment plans
- Managed procurement and organization of Everyday Mathematics instructional materials
- Planned and facilitated staff development sessions focused on math instruction and best practices
- Led bi-monthly K–5 grade-level meetings to analyze benchmark data and align instruction to Secure Everyday Mathematics goals
- Provided differentiated instruction to small groups of students to support targeted math learning needs
Fifth Grade Classroom Teacher
Munroe Elementary School - Denver Public Schools
01.2001 - 01.2006
- Differentiated and scaffolded instruction to support transitioning English Learners, students with special needs, and gifted learners
- Delivered balanced literacy instruction aligned to New Standards for Literacy, including shared reading, guided reading, read-alouds, mini-lessons, and reading and writing conferences
- Supported implementation of Concept Development and English Language Development through literacy instruction
- Communicated and collaborated with families regarding student progress and state assessment performance
- Platooned in mathematics and science for two years, instructing all fifth-grade students using Everyday Mathematics and DPS science curriculum
- Prepared students for the Colorado Student Assessment Program (CSAP)
Fifth Grade Classroom Teacher
Green Gables Elementary School - Jefferson County Public Schools
01.2000 - 01.2001
- Created a challenging and engaging standards-based learning environment for all students
- Adapted instruction to meet diverse needs, including students with learning disabilities and gifted and talented learners
Education
Master of Arts - Education / English as a Second Language / Social, Multicultural, and Bilingual Foundations of Education
University of Colorado at Boulder
Boulder, CO01.2004
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
Indiana University
Bloomington, IN01.1998
Certification
- Professional Teacher License, Elementary Education, Colorado
- Professional Teacher License, Elementary Education, California
- Cognitive Coaching
- Relay
- LEAP Certified
- Orton-Gillingham Comprehensive
- Orton-Gillingham Intermediate
- Lindamood-Bell Seeing Stars
- CR Success Learning
- Read Naturally
- Leveled Literacy Intervention
- Bridges Intervention
- Denver Public Schools Early Literacy Specialist
- Denver Public Schools Aspire Training
Timeline
Private K-8 Tutor
Green Light Learning (Self-Employed)
01.2021 - Current
Senior Team Lead/Interventionist (Literacy & Math)
Bromwell Elementary - Denver Public Schools
01.2011 - 01.2021
Fifth Grade Teacher
The Laureate Private School - San Luis Obispo, California
01.2011 - 01.2012
Mathematics/Science Facilitator and Intervention Teacher
McKinley-Thatcher Elementary School - Denver Public Schools
01.2009 - 01.2011
Mathematics Facilitator
Munroe Elementary School - Denver Public Schools
01.2001 - 01.2006
Fifth Grade Classroom Teacher
Munroe Elementary School - Denver Public Schools
01.2001 - 01.2006
Fifth Grade Classroom Teacher
Green Gables Elementary School - Jefferson County Public Schools
01.2000 - 01.2001
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
Indiana University
Master of Arts - Education / English as a Second Language / Social, Multicultural, and Bilingual Foundations of Education
University of Colorado at Boulder