Ariesa Mercado

Details

Skills

Over 20 years of teaching experience
English Language Arts expertise (Grades 5–12)
Special Education reading instruction
ESL instruction
Differentiated instruction
Data-driven decision making
IEP and 504 implementation
PLC collaboration
Family engagement
Cross-cultural teaching experience through the J-1 Teacher Exchange Program
Strong literacy instruction
Technology integration
Learning Management Systems (such as Schoology, Canvas, or Google Classroom
Six U.S. state teaching licenses with ESL endorsements

About

I have been an educator for over 20 years. I began my teaching career in the Philippines, where I taught high school English for 15 years. In 2019, I was selected to participate in the J-1 Teacher Exchange Program and spent five years teaching English Language Arts full-time in the School District of Okeechobee County, Florida.

Teaching in U.S. public schools has given me valuable experience collaborating in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), using data-driven instruction to guide student learning, implementing IEP and 504 accommodations, differentiating instruction, and building strong partnerships with families. I am currently working as a Special Education Reading Teacher, where I continue to support students with diverse learning needs.

I am a licensed teacher in the Philippines and hold six U.S. state teaching licenses that authorize me to teach English Language Arts in Grades 5–12. I also hold ESL endorsements and have passed both the Praxis English Language Arts: Content Knowledge and the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (Grades 7–12) examinations.

Academically, I earned my Bachelor of Secondary Education, Major in English, in 2003. I also completed 33 graduate credit hours toward a Master of Arts in Teaching English and recently earned my Master of Arts in Special Education.

While I value my experience, education, and credentials, what matters most to me is how I show up for my students. Every day, I bring curiosity, empathy, and the belief that every student is capable of achieving more than they may believe about themselves. My greatest goal is to create a classroom where students feel seen, supported, challenged, and empowered to grow.