Melanie Penson
Chatsworth
Summary
Experienced special education teacher skilled in developing individualized education programs and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. Focused on enhancing student support services and promoting academic success through tailored instruction.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
GNETS Teacher
North Georgia RESA
Dalton, GA
07.2025 - Current
- Provide instruction in a multi-grade classroom serving students with diverse emotional and behavioral needs, delivering comprehensive, standards-aligned teaching across all core subject areas.
- Integrated differentiated instruction, trauma-informed practices, and positive behavioral supports to create a structured, predictable, and supportive learning environment.
- Collaborated with colleagues to enhance curriculum effectiveness.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
Special Education Teacher
Whitfield County Schools
Dalton, GA
08.2011 - 06.2025
- Developed individualized education programs to meet diverse student needs.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to enhance student support services.
- Evaluated educational assessments to inform instructional decisions and interventions.
- Monitored student progress and adjusted instructional methods accordingly.
Special Education Teacher
Cobb County School System
Marietta, GA
08.2007 - 06.2011
- Coordinated with general education teachers to develop accommodations or modifications necessary for successful inclusion of students with special needs in mainstream classrooms.
- Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet varied needs of students, enhancing educational accessibility.
- Conducted assessments of students to determine individual needs.
- Designed individual education plans to encourage student growth according to different learning abilities and needs.
Special Education Teacher
Murray County Schools
Chatsworth, GA
08.2004 - 06.2007
Special Education Teacher
Murray County Schools
Chatsworth, GA
08.1993 - 06.2003
- Provided training and mentorship to new special education staff members.
- Developed and implemented individualized education plans for students with diverse learning needs, ensuring personalized support.
- Improved reading comprehension among students with learning disabilities by designing and delivering targeted literacy activities.
- Participated in presenting in workshops on best practices for inclusive teaching methodologies.
Special Education Teacher
Gordon County Schools
Calhoun, GA
08.1992 - 06.1993
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Conducted assessments to identify students' strengths and areas for improvement, informing instructional strategies.
- Provided targeted instructional support to struggling learners, identifying specific areas for improvement and designing effective intervention plans.
Education
Master of Science - Learning Disabilities
University of West Georgia
Carrollton, GA05-1995
Bachelor of Science - Special Education
University of Tennesee, Chattanooga, TN
Chattanooga, TN05-1992
Associate of Arts - General Studies
Dalton College
Dalton, GA05-1989
Skills
- I provide instruction in a multi-grade classroom serving students with diverse emotional and behavioral needs, delivering comprehensive, standards-aligned teaching across all core subject areas My approach integrates differentiated instruction, trauma-informed practices, and positive behavioral supports to create a structured, predictable, and supportive learning environment I design individualized and small-group lessons that address academic goals, state grade level standards while also fostering self-regulation, social-emotional growth, and executive functioning skills Through consistent routines, clear expectations, and strong relationship-building, I promote student engagement, self-regulation skills and resilience, ensuring that each learner has access to meaningful educational opportunities and the support necessary to succeed both academically and behaviorally
Accomplishments
Experienced special education professional with a strong record of leadership, mentorship, and instructional impact across grade levels from Pre-K through high school. Served as a Lead Special Education Teacher, guiding program implementation, supporting compliance, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to improve student outcomes. Recognized as a teacher mentor, providing coaching and support to colleagues in instructional strategies, classroom management, and special education best practices.
Skilled in implementing evidence-based literacy interventions, including the Wilson Reading System, to support students with diverse learning needs. Holds a Literacy Endorsement and Teacher Support Endorsement, reflecting advanced training in reading instruction and educator development. Experienced in integrating social-emotional learning frameworks such as The Zones of Regulation to help students build self-awareness, emotional regulation, and positive behavior skills. Demonstrates a consistent commitment to fostering inclusive, supportive learning environments that promote both academic growth and social-emotional success.
Timeline
GNETS Teacher
North Georgia RESA
07.2025 - Current
Special Education Teacher
Whitfield County Schools
08.2011 - 06.2025
Special Education Teacher
Cobb County School System
08.2007 - 06.2011
Special Education Teacher
Murray County Schools
08.2004 - 06.2007
Special Education Teacher
Murray County Schools
08.1993 - 06.2003
Special Education Teacher
Gordon County Schools
08.1992 - 06.1993
Master of Science - Learning Disabilities
University of West Georgia
Bachelor of Science - Special Education
University of Tennesee, Chattanooga, TN
Associate of Arts - General Studies
Dalton College