Rebecca Mercer
Denver
Summary
Dynamic and student-centered educational leader with deep experience in school leadership, instructional coaching, team development, and systems improvement. Proven ability to foster a culture of belonging, innovation, and high expectations while leading initiatives that strengthen teaching and learning, staff capacity, and community partnership. Recognized for thoughtful decision-making, strengths-based leadership, and a commitment to equity, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Passionate about developing compassionate, capable, and courageous learners while building schools where every child and adult is seen, valued, and supported.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Principal
Isabella Bird Community School
06.2020 - Current
- Awarded the Governor’s John Irwin Award for Academic Excellence, recognizing sustained high achievement and academic growth across all content areas.
- Attained Green Flag Status from National Wildlife Federation, highest recognition for school sustainability through collaborative leadership among students, staff, and parents.
- Increased enrollment by 17% through inclusive programming, cultural enrichment, and enhanced reputation for excellence.
- Elevated school performance from "Yellow" to "Green – Exceeds Expectations" in literacy, mathematics, and science (CDE School Performance Framework).
- Directed whole-child initiatives, achieving 99% of students feeling welcome and safe.
Facilitated strong communication regarding academic progress, with 96% informed. - Executed CAHN Fellows Leadership Lab, applying design thinking to spearhead equity-focused, innovative change aligned with student needs.
- Mentored aspiring principals through University of Denver Ritchie Program and Learn to Lead Residency, advancing leadership pipeline development.
- Orchestrated successful Innovation Renewal initiative, integrating school vision, operations, and programming to promote equity, inclusion, and whole-child development.
- Established and rolled out Gifted Magnet Program, conforming to NAGC standards while focusing on equitable access and excellence.
- Created and scaled a school-wide inclusive gifted model using cluster grouping, serving diverse learners with intentional supports.
- Acquired three-year CDE grant to enhance mental and behavioral health services through family and community collaboration.
- Navigated school through COVID-19 by implementing robust health protocols and continuity systems that protected student learning and well-being.
- Established data-driven MTSS framework, incorporating academic, SEL, and behavioral supports based on whole-child assessment.
- Cultivated dynamic family and community engagement, strengthening caregiver alliances in decision-making and enhancing student success.
- Advanced a visionary model of the school as a community anchor for equity, sustainability, and student-led transformation.
Design Committee Member
The Logan Learning Lab
07.2018 - 06.2020
- Develop, implement, and finance enrichment programs addressing needs of under-represented gifted learners using diverse-by-design model.
- Created strategic partnerships with Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, Carson Foundation, and Denver Foundation for community development.
Partnered with ReSchool Colorado to advance educational reform initiatives.
Senior Team Lead/Gifted and Talented Teacher
Isabella Bird Community School
07.2014 - 06.2020
- Conduct universal screening utilizing NNAT and Cogat, serving as DPS identification specialist leveraging CDE pathways.
- Guided and empowered group of educators through coaching, observation, and feedback, advancing professional learning and enabling collaborative team time to build capacity; PEBC cognitive coaching.
- Facilitate professional development units (PDUs) for educators focusing on depth and complexity, designing effective advanced learning plans, and addressing affective needs of gifted learners.
- Championed comprehensive OG training for all K-2 educators, achieving an 85% success rate in 2019 Early Lit data.
Gifted and Talented Teacher
Ashley Elementary School
07.2014 - 05.2015
- Engage community in understanding characteristics and identification of gifted children across various racial, linguistic, socioeconomic, and cultural backgrounds and strategies to address these distinct needs
- Develop website featuring extensive resources on gifted education
Education
Principal Licensure Program - Educational Administration
Denver LEAD Today
Denver, CO05.2021
Master of Arts - Curriculum and Instruction- Gifted and Talented
Regis University
Denver, CO01.2014
Counseling Psychology -
St. Leo University
St. Leo, Florida06.2001
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of New Hampshire
Durham, NH07.1995
Skills
- Educational leadership
- Stakeholder engagement
- Grant writing
- Data analysis
- Innovative programming
- Mentorship and coaching
- Change management
- Relationship building and networking
- Verbal and written communication
- Budget administration
- Faculty training and development
- Operational planning
Certification
• CDE Professional Principal Licensure K-12
• CDE Professional Teacher Licensure with endorsements in Elementary Education, Gifted and Talented Specialist, Special Education Generalist
• National Board Certification Exceptional Needs Specialist (in process)
• CDE Professional Teacher Licensure with endorsements in Elementary Education, Gifted and Talented Specialist, Special Education Generalist
• National Board Certification Exceptional Needs Specialist (in process)
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Principal
Isabella Bird Community School
06.2020 - Current
Design Committee Member
The Logan Learning Lab
07.2018 - 06.2020
Senior Team Lead/Gifted and Talented Teacher
Isabella Bird Community School
07.2014 - 06.2020
Gifted and Talented Teacher
Ashley Elementary School
07.2014 - 05.2015
Master of Arts - Curriculum and Instruction- Gifted and Talented
Regis University
Counseling Psychology -
St. Leo University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of New Hampshire
Principal Licensure Program - Educational Administration
Denver LEAD Today