Kelly Merrick

Instructional Designer

Dynamic Leader with over 11 Years of Expertise in Instruction, Curriculum, & Design

Raleigh, NC • 919 741 9983 • kmerrick.nc@gmail.com

linkedin.com/in/kellymerrick30

Summary

Dynamic educational professional offering expertise in curriculum design, professional development, and adult instruction. Proven track-record of developing highly effective curriculum aligned to a variety of audiences, topics, and formats, including online, hybrid, and face-to-face. Results-driven and data-focused professional who utilizes industry best practices to ensure academic outcomes are aligned to organizational objectives. Consummate communicator and active listener who effectively utilizes multiple teaching methodologies to convey information to diverse audiences and engage a wide variety of personalities. Individual dedicated to self-reflection and personal improvement who consistently exceeds performance metrics.

Core Competencies

Professional Experience

Training Specialist / Instructional Designer

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill • 2024 - Present

  • Designed, developed, and implemented a series of 9 engaging CBTs (Computer-based trainings) specifically designed to facilitate learner proficiency in navigating the Concur Travel System.
  • Collaborated with three teams of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to identify learning objectives, analyze knowledge gaps, and break down complex financial concepts into accessible educational content.
  • Developed an interactive eLearning compliance training using Articulate Storyline 360 that over 30 Supervisors needed to take as part of a yearly training.
  • Published over 15 CBTs within the Learning Management System Environment. Two of those CBTs included a Curriculum with a CBT and Quiz.

2nd and 4th Grade Teacher; PBIS Facilitator

Leesville Road Elementary School • 2015 - 2024

  • Oversaw classes averaging 25 students per year, developing curriculum presentations, unit plans, and assessments and mentoring an average of 2 student teachers and 3 volunteers per year, ensuring educational success.
  • Implemented leading research on teaching methods to direct the grade-level team of 6 teachers in the development of small-group lesson plans, leading to an 8.9% increase in student performance.
  • Acted as a Student Teacher Facilitator, instructing student teachers in the real-life application of their studies, leading to an average 50% increase in their Student-Teacher scores (from 50% on average to 100%).
  • Led the Positive Behavior Interventions and Support (PBIS) program at a public school with 634 students, facilitating a 12-member committee to create and lead bi-annual staff development trainings for 50 teachers.
  • Provided monthly training and continuous assistance to 11 PBIS reps, leading discussions to develop support ideas for students with behavioral issues, increasing counselor interventions and reducing detention referrals by 25%.

4th Grade Teacher and PBIS Facilitator

Douglas Magnet Elementary School • 2012 - 2015

  • Acted as a PBIS Facilitator for a school of 618 students and a 4th grade teacher for a class of 25, developing an inclusive classroom environment by creating lesson plans suitable for a variety of learning needs in large and small group settings.
  • Taught quarterly seminars on Sheltered Instructions Observation Protocol for 2 county supervisors and 5 teachers, enabling them to utilize best practices to create culturally responsive lesson plans.
  • Implemented a monthly awards assembly as part of the PBIS program, recognizing up to 30 students per month and increasing stakeholder buy-in by 40%, contributing to a 17% increase in average math test scores (from 43% to 60%).

English as a Second Language Teacher

Moffitt Elementary School • 2009 - 2012

  • Served as an English as a Second Language teacher for 37 students, collaborating with instructors across 12 schools to design curriculum for an English Language Development program supporting 395 students.
  • Oversaw 3 student teachers, providing guidance on classroom and Sheltered Language instruction best practices for English Language Learners, enabling them to receive additional certifications along with their teaching license.
  • Led a bilingual homework program for Spanish speaking families with students in kindergarten to 2nd grade, supporting reading education in Spanish and English with 100% weekly participation and an 85% retention rate.

Technical Skills

Education, Licenses, & Certifications