Chelsea Mellott
Curriculum Developer · Instructional Designer · Special Education & Autism Specialist
Nevada Standard Teaching License (Active through May 2029) · Reno, NV
Professional Summary
Instructional Designer, Curriculum Developer, and Special Education Leader (Master of Arts in Autism Spectrum Disorders) with 7+ years of experience designing differentiated K–8 curricula, adult educator training programs, and digital learning systems. Proven track record translating complex academic, behavioral, and technical standards into engaging, accessible learning experiences using Backward Design, ADDIE, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Built and led a 30-week paraprofessional training curriculum, mentored newly licensed educators at the district level, managed school-wide web communications (WordPress, Finalsite), and pioneered AI-assisted curriculum differentiation.
Core Competencies
Instructional Design & Curriculum
- AI Curriculum Development
- Backward Design & ADDIE
- Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
- Multi-Grade Unit Authoring (ELA, Science, SEL)
- Science of Reading & Literacy Interventions
- Multi-Tiered Scaffolding & Accommodations
- NGSS & CCSS Standards Alignment
Adult Learning & Program Leadership
- 30-Week Paraprofessional Onboarding & Training Design
- IRIS Center ASD Modules & Competency Rubrics
- District-Level Educator Mentorship & Coaching
- Live & Virtual Professional Development (PD)
- Caseload & Multi-Disciplinary Service Delivery
- IEP / 504 / IDEA Compliance Leadership
EdTech, AI & Digital Authoring
- AI Curriculum Development & Differentiation (ChatGPT, MagicSchool AI)
- Canvas LMS, Google Workspace & Microsoft 365
- WordPress (Astra) & Finalsite School CMS
- Canva Visual Design & Loom Video Instruction
- Assistive Technology & AAC Implementation
- Remote & Asynchronous Learning Design
Assessment, Behavior & Data Systems
- Formative & Summative Assessment Authoring
- Alternate Assessments for Complex Learners
- IEP Progress Monitoring & Data Systems
- Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) & BIPs
- CAMM & Florida CARD Observation Rubrics
- Data-Driven Instructional & Behavioral Analysis
Professional Experience
Autism Strategies Teacher, Curriculum Creator & District Mentor
Aug 2022 – PresentWashoe County School District — Marce Herz Middle School · Reno, NV
- Adult Training & Instructional Design: Designed and launched a structured 30-week Teaching Assistant (TA) Training & Onboarding Program incorporating IRIS Center Autism Spectrum Disorder modules, competency rubrics, and fidelity observations—measurably improving instructional consistency and classroom safety.
- Original Curriculum Development: Co-authored "My Brain, My Way," a yearlong neurodiversity-affirming SEL and executive-functioning curriculum (in collaboration with the Speech-Language Pathologist), and authored multi-modal science inquiry units including "Pumpkin Jack" scaffolded across 3+ reading and cognitive tiers.
- Educator Mentorship & Coaching: Serve as WCSD District Mentor Teacher for newly licensed special education teachers, providing 1:1 instructional coaching, IEP compliance reviews, FBA/BIP guidance, and actionable performance feedback.
- Digital Communications & Vocational Program Leadership: Serve as School Website Manager (Finalsite & WordPress at mrsmellott.com) and founded Falcon Fuel (falconfuel.mrsmellott.com), a student-operated coffee and vocational training enterprise.
Autism Strategies Teacher
Aug 2021 – Aug 2022Washoe County School District — Shaw Middle School · Sparks, NV
- Directed individualized instruction, sensory regulation, and behavioral interventions for a near-capacity self-contained middle-school caseload of 7 students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (out of a state maximum of 8).
- Coordinated paraprofessionals and multidisciplinary specialists (SLP, OT, school psychologists, administrators, and families) to align IEP goals with state standards and alternate assessment frameworks.
Special Education Resource Teacher
Jan 2019 – July 2021Northwest Allen County Schools — Carroll Middle School · Fort Wayne, IN
- Managed an inclusive resource caseload of 39 seventh-grade students, co-designing scaffolded ELA and mathematics instruction alongside general education faculty.
- Designed and delivered 100% remote special education instruction for 5th-grade students during COVID-19, building asynchronous digital learning modules, virtual small-group interventions, and family progress trackers.
Education & Licensure
Master of Arts in Autism Spectrum Disorders
July 2024Grand Canyon University
Capstone: Mindfulness Interventions & Emotional Regulation for Middle School Students with ASD (CAMM & Florida CARD Observation Tool)
District Leadership & Program Roles
2022 – PresentWashoe County School District — Marce Herz Middle School
Leadership: Special Education District Mentor Teacher · School Website Manager · Falcon Fuel Coordinator
B.S. in Elementary & Special Education (Dual Licensure)
2019Indiana University / Purdue University Fort Wayne
Dual Licensure in Elementary Education (K–8) and Special Education (K–12)
Nevada Standard Teaching License
2024 – 2029Nevada Department of Education
Endorsements: Elementary (Grades K–8) · Special Education Generalist (Grades K–12) · Special Education – Autism Spectrum Disorder (Ages 3–21)