Madelyn Merritt

I’m an educator with 7+ years of experience creating rigorous, joyful, and accessible learning experiences. My work blends curriculum design, structured literacy, inquiry-based learning, and culturally responsive practice to support diverse learners across instructional contexts.

ELEMENTARY TEACHER, Bellingham Public Schools | Bellingham, WA.                              2022-2025

Designed and delivered standards-aligned, culturally responsive instruction for diverse K–1 learners, integrating literacy, social-emotional learning, inquiry-based practices, and multilingual supports.

• Designed and delivered inclusive, standards-aligned instruction for diverse K–1 students, integrating rich literacy, social-emotional learning, inquiry, and culturally-responsive classroom practices.
• Created and maintained detailed instructional documentation including lesson plans, unit overviews, standards correlations, scaffolding guides, and implementation notes to inform decision-making and aid in continuity across support services.
• Continuously reviewed and refined curriculum based on student data, observation, and collaboration with grade-level teams, and specialists in special education, literacy, occupational therapy, speech, multilingual-language learners.
• Adapted instruction for students with interrupted formal education and varying English proficiency levels
• Partnered with families and school teams to address academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs, exercising professional judgment when navigating sensitive or complex situations.

LITERACY SUPPORT SPECIALIST, Washington Reading Corps | Bellingham, WA.                  2018-2021

Delivered and adapted research-based, standards-aligned literacy interventions for K–5 students, with a focus on multilingual learners, newcomers, and students requiring Tier II/III supports.

• Collaborated with colleagues to align instruction, support schoolwide initiatives, and strengthen consistency of learning experiences.
• Implemented evidence-based structured literacy instruction (phonics, vocabulary, oral language) for diverse learners with varying literacy backgrounds.
• Collaborated with classroom teachers, Title I specialists, and school teams to align interventions with core instruction and instructional goals.
• Collected, analyzed, and documented student data to inform instructional decisions and monitor program effectiveness.
• Developed supplemental instructional materials—including literacy games and scaffolded practice resources—to reinforce foundational skills.
• Supported and coordinated family engagement initiatives to strengthen home–school connections and expand equitable access to learning resources.

LITERACY & YOUTH ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS VOLUNTEER, Bellingham, WA.                    2016-2021

Sterling Meadows Mercy Housing & VAMOS Outdoors Project

• Supported newcomer, Latine, Migrant, and multilingual elementary and middle school students through after-school and summer programs centered on literacy, academic enrichment, and social-emotional learning.
• Facilitated reading practice, oral language routines, and vocabulary development for students with diverse language backgrounds and varying levels of prior schooling.
• Collaborated with bilingual staff to support acculturation, confidence-building, and community connection.
• Implemented culturally responsive, identity-affirming activities integrating outdoor education, SEL practices, and hands-on learning.
• Provided homework support, foundational skills practice, and academic coaching for students with interrupted or limited formal education.

RESEARCH FELLOW, National Science Foundation | Rwanda & Bellingham, WA.                       2018

Selected for competitive mixed-methodology research fellowship. Conducted qualitative and quantitative research on maternal and child health outcomes while collaborating with international teams to produce research reports for academic dissemination.

• Conducted interviews, transcribed data, and analyzed findings to generate research insights.
• Cleaned, coded, and analyzed quantitative data using SPSS and regression techniques.
• Synthesized findings into written reports for academic and professional audiences.
• Collaborated with international research teams to ensure culturally responsive and ethical data collection.

Master of Arts in Teaching, Elementary Education, Western Governors University | 2022

Bachelor of Arts, Sociology & Spanish, Western Washington University | 2018