Debra L. Murray
Evergreen Park,IL
Summary
Resource education professional with proven expertise in developing and implementing personalized learning plans. Skilled in fostering collaborative environments and adapting to changing needs, ensuring effective team dynamics and student success. Strong background in curriculum development, classroom management, and inclusive education practices. Reliable and results-driven, consistently delivering positive outcomes in diverse educational settings.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Resource Teacher
Queen of Martyrs School
Evergreen Park, IL
08.2022 - Current
- Developed individualized education plans to support 25+ diverse learners
- Collaborated with teachers to implement effective instructional strategies and accommodations.
- Monitored student progress by utilizing data from iReady, easy CBM and Dibbles and adjusted interventions to enhance learning outcomes.
- Provided professional development workshops for educators on inclusive teaching practices.
- Created a schedule in which I "pulled out" small groups or individuals for 30-45 minute sessions
Title 1 Reading and Math Teacher
Catapult Learning
Chicago, IL
08.2012 - 11.2017
- St. Helen School, Chicago, IL Aug. 2013-Nov. 2017
- St. Nicholas Cathedral School, Chicago IL Aug. 2012-June 2013
- Epiphany School, Chicago IL Summers 2015, 2016 and 2017
- St. Dorothy School, Chicago, IL Summer 2011
Private Tutor for Students in Grades KG-10th
Self Employed
Chicago/Evergreen Park, IL
01.2018 - 07.2022
- Collaborated with 5+ students to complete homework assignments, identify lagging skills, and correct weaknesses.
First Grade Teacher
St. Barnabas
Chicago, IL
01.2011 - 06.2011
- (maternity leave cover)
- Developed engaging lesson plans to enhance student understanding and foster a love for learning.
First Grade Teacher
St. Mary Star of the Sea School
Chicago, IL
08.2008 - 06.2009
- Cultivated a positive classroom environment that encouraged teamwork, respect, and effective communication among students.
- Implemented differentiated instruction strategies to meet diverse learning needs of 22 first-grade students.
- Established strong relationships with parents through effective communication about their child''s academic progress and social-emotional development.
- Improved student reading comprehension by incorporating engaging phonics activities and guided reading sessions.
- Developed students'' critical thinking skills through inquiry-based learning activities and group projects.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary lessons that connected subjects such as math, science, and social studies.
- Helped students develop self-esteem and life skills by fostering healthy conflict-resolution, critical thinking, and communication.
Education
Master of Elementary Education -
DePaul University
Chicago, IL03-2008
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
Loyola University
New Orleans, LA08-2001
Early Childhood Education - undefined
Montessori Education Center of the Rockies
Boulder, CO08-1999
Skills
- Skilled in creating documents, spreadsheets, and presentations using Microsoft tools
- Proficient in using PowerSchool for grading management
- Knowledge of academic resource tools for educators and students
- Adept at Google Classroom, AI, Promethean and Virtual Teaching systems
- Experienced with E-Learning platforms such as: Stride Academy and i-Ready Connect
- Modifying instructional strategies
- Inspiring role model
- Enhancing executive functioning in middle school students
- Deep knowledge of K-8 Curricula (especially Reading and Math content)
- Familiar with Wilson, Orton-Gillingham and Heggerty
- Effective collaboration with parents and educators
Certification
- Illinois Professional Educator License (K-9).
- Middle Grades Endorsement in Language Arts.
Timeline
Resource Teacher
Queen of Martyrs School
08.2022 - Current
Private Tutor for Students in Grades KG-10th
Self Employed
01.2018 - 07.2022
Title 1 Reading and Math Teacher
Catapult Learning
08.2012 - 11.2017
First Grade Teacher
St. Barnabas
01.2011 - 06.2011
First Grade Teacher
St. Mary Star of the Sea School
08.2008 - 06.2009
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
Loyola University
Early Childhood Education - undefined
Montessori Education Center of the Rockies
Master of Elementary Education -
DePaul University