Educator Spotlight: Project Success Subject Matter Expert

PCG’s Project Success Resource Center is comprised of a team of passionate special education subject matter experts who design and deliver targeted professional development and coaching to teachers, administrators, and paraprofessionals across the country. Project Success is proud to spotlight the work of one of our subject matter experts, Meredith Keedy-Merk. Learn more about her background and professional development experience.

Please tell me a little bit about your background before coming to PCG.  

Hello, my name is Meredith Keedy-Merk. I began my career in Ocala, Florida, supporting students identified with emotional and behavioral disabilities and modeled classroom management techniques for special educators throughout the Marion County School District. In both 2008 and 2009, I was named Rookie Teacher of the Year for my school and represented the school as a model teacher for the district. As a special education resource classroom teacher within Indiana's North Montgomery School Corporation, I developed visual learning schedules, modified the academic curriculum for students ranging in ability levels, served on the Crisis Intervention Team, as supported the development of a new program to provide students with access to their local school system. I became Dean of Students and Local Special Education Coordinator at Flat Rock Hawcreek School Corporation in Indiana. In addition to my work with Public Consulting Group, I am an adjunct instructor at the University of Evansville, teaching pre-service teachers in the following courses: Mild Interventions, Intense Interventions, Assessment, and Emotional and Behavioral Disabilities. Go Aces!

PCG’s Project Success Resource Center offers a broad range of professional development, coaching, and learning programs. Are you involved in all of them, or do you focus on any in particular?  

As an advisor of PCG's Project Success Resource Center, I collaborate in the work done in partnership with state departments of education and local school districts to develop and lead professional development on the integration of academic standards, functional skills, curriculum, and assessments to improve outcomes for students with significant disabilities. One way to facilitate clear communication and collaboration is through our Project Success Playbook. Our Project Success Playbook allows teachers to be paired with a coach, engage in learning modules known as Plays, and monitor progress through a Needs Assessment. I'm proud of our Project Success Playbook coaches, dedicated, innovative, and caring educators who consistently put students first in their decisions and actions.

What piece of advice would you give to a new teacher or paraprofessional today?

The greatest piece of advice I can give someone new in the career of teaching would be to connect with a positive, solution-centered mentor teacher. Find a mentor teacher who will champion your work, support the advocacy of your students, and provide honest feedback to help guide your next steps in your teaching career. Education is consistently shifting, so the ability to monitor your growth and to connect with individuals who always seek a positive solution is invaluable.

We like to wrap up our conversations with PCG subject matter experts on a less serious note so, if it’s all right with you, we have one final request: Could you share something about yourself that isn’t related to work or teaching?

I am the mama of two incredible kids, Carlyle (5) and Lennon (almost 3). The ability to parent, even with the stress it brings, is the greatest privilege of my life. My family enjoys exploring downtown Indianapolis, Indiana, including the zoo and Children's Museum, and loves exploring our home away from home, Tybee Island, Georgia.

For more information on joining any of our professional development opportunities, contact Ashley aquick@pcgus.com or visit the Project Success website at www.pcgprojectsuccess.com.