Dawn Perkins
Mesa
Summary
Dynamic and dedicated elementary educator with almost two decades of classroom experience and a Master’s in Reading Education, specializing in early literacy development and Science of Reading–aligned instruction. Proven leader in implementing evidence-based practices that strengthen foundational reading, writing, and language skills for diverse learners. Experienced in analyzing literacy data, designing targeted interventions, and supporting teachers through coaching, modeling, and professional learning. Committed to fostering equitable literacy achievement and ensuring all students have access to high-quality instructional materials and inclusive practices aligned with district and state literacy initiatives.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
1st Grade Teacher
Mesa Public Schools
07.2007 - Current
- Creates an engaging, inclusive classroom that fosters a strong culture of learning, community, and equity.
- Designs and delivers differentiated instruction in literacy, math, and content areas, aligned with state standards and student needs.
- Regularly assesses student progress using formative and benchmark assessments; uses data to drive instruction and interventions.
- Implements targeted Tier 1, 2, and 3 interventions through the MTSS framework to support both academic and behavioral growth.
- Collaborates with administrators, specialists, and team members to develop and refine instructional practices and support schoolwide initiatives.
- Builds and maintains positive relationships with families through consistent communication regarding student progress and development.
- Serves in multiple leadership roles, including Team Lead, Committee Leader, PTO Co-President, MTSS Academic & Behavior Team Member, Curriculum Adoption Committee Member, and MTSS Intervention Professional Development Leader.
- Provides mentorship to new teachers, offering guidance on lesson planning, instructional strategies, and classroom management.
- Participates in professional development to remain current in research-based practices in literacy, instruction, and student engagement.
- Consistently earns highly proficient evaluations based on instructional excellence, collaboration, and student achievement.
1st Grade Teacher
Florence Unified School District
07.2006 - 05.2007
- Created lesson plans to correlate with state curriculum standards and devised educational programs to meet educational objectives
- Provided warm, supportive environment for developing academic, social, and emotional growth
- Collaborated with team members
Education
Master of Science - Elementary Education, Reading Specialist Endorsement
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff05-2010
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND05-2006
High School Diploma -
Grafton High School
Grafton, North Dakota 05-2002
Skills
- Knowledge of Literacy Development
- Professional Development Facilitator
- Technology Integration
- Team Collaboration
- Targeted Intervention
- Differentiated Instruction
- Time Management
- Organizational Skills
- Data Driven
- Engagement
Certification
- Arizona Standard K-8 Teaching Certificate
- Reading Specialist Endorsement
- English as a Second Language Endorsement
- Early Childhood Endorsement
- LETRS Certified
- PBIS, AVID, PLC, PBL, and Thinking Maps Trained
- Building Thinking Classroom Trained
Timeline
1st Grade Teacher
Mesa Public Schools
07.2007 - Current
1st Grade Teacher
Florence Unified School District
07.2006 - 05.2007
Master of Science - Elementary Education, Reading Specialist Endorsement
Northern Arizona University
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
University of North Dakota
High School Diploma -
Grafton High School