Marcy
Buchanan
Designing Learning Experiences That Inspire, Engage, and Empower
Everything I do begins with listening.
I start every project by listening, to learners, educators, and the realities of how learning happens. That insight shapes instructional systems that are clear, practical, and adaptable. My goal is always the same: design learning experiences that work in the real world, support meaningful goals, and respect the people using them.
🎧 Listen First
I gather insights from learners, educators, and stakeholders to understand goals, needs, and context.
đź“ť Design with Purpose
I create lessons, activities, and assessments that are clear, practical, and engaging.
🎯 Focus on Impact
Every resource is built to support meaningful learning outcomes and real-world application.
🤝 Collaborate & Refine
I work closely with teams and end users, iterating to ensure resources are effective and usable.
My Work
10-Unit Computer Science Course
A full-year, standards-aligned high school course featuring structured lessons, student projects, and cohesive instructional supports.
NGSS-Aligned STEM Currriculum
A hands-on, developmentally appropriate STEM program designed to support consistent instruction across elementary classrooms.
Featured Projects
A real-world engineering design unit guiding students through system analysis, constraints, and problem-solving using an HVAC case study.
Instructional Tools & Templates
Reusable lesson structures, student materials, and teacher supports created to ensure clarity, consistency, and scalability.
In Their Words
Selected feedback from educators, collaborators, and partners reflecting the impact of my work.
“Demonstrated strong science content knowledge and instructional creativity in developing rigorous, engaging learning experiences.”
“Led the transition from a textbook-driven curriculum to an experiential, scaffolded instructional model implemented to meet the needs of diverse learners.”
Need a copy of my résumé to go?
Core Competencies
Curriculum & Instruction Design
- K–5 curriculum writing & adaptation
- Lesson & unit development
- Standards-aligned instruction
- Assessment & student material creation
- Equity-focused & inclusive practices
Instructional Strategy & Collaboration
- Social-Emotional Learning integration
- Professional learning & educator training
- Evidence-based instructional strategies
- Cross-functional collaboration
Tools & Technology
- Google Workspace, Canva, Microsoft Office, LMS platforms
- Digital learning tools: Nearpod, Kahoot, interactive platforms
- AI-assisted curriculum design: lesson drafting, differentiation, assessment creation
Professional Experience
Founder & Curriculum Designer
Supportive Pieces Consulting, LLC | Aug 2025 – Present
- Developed K–5 curriculum units, lesson plans, assessments, and student materials
- Created teacher guides and professional learning resources
- Integrated SEL and collaborative problem-solving across lessons
- Collaborated with educators to refine materials
Course Writer (Contractual)
Skyrocket Education | Aug 2025 – Present
- Authored multi-unit elementary course content including readers, lesson plans, and instructor manuals
- Designed engaging, developmentally appropriate learning experiences
Inquiry Learning Specialist (STEM & Curriculum)
Woodstock CUSD 200 | Aug 2018 – May 2025
- Authored K–5 units, assessments, and student activities aligned to standards
- Embedded SEL skills including collaboration, perseverance, and empathy
- Developed materials supporting equitable access and inclusive learning environments
- Managed multiple concurrent curriculum projects
Middle School Science Teacher & Curriculum Area Specialist
Woodstock CUSD 200 | Aug 2006 – Jun 2018
- Led curriculum writing teams for standards-aligned units and assessments
- Facilitated professional development on instructional best practices
- Supported blended and digital learning initiatives
Instructional Designer & Professional Development Consultant
ISBE, U.S. Dept. of Education MSP Grants, Regional Initiatives | 2012 – 2023
- Designed training modules, instructional resources, and professional learning materials
- Applied equity-focused, evidence-based instructional strategies
- Delivered virtual and in-person professional learning aligned to K–12 trends
Assessment & Item Development Contributor
Illinois State Board of Education | 2017 – 2023
- Created and reviewed standards-aligned assessment items at scale
- Ensured clarity, accessibility, and alignment with instructional goals
Area Teacher Leader – I-STEM Grant
Regional Office of Education #28 | 2015 – 2017
- Facilitated instructional leadership training for multiple districts supporting STEM reform and technology-based curriculum adoption
Education & Certifications
- Master of Arts in Teaching – Elementary Education (K–9)
- Bachelor of Science – Communication & Public Relations
- Illinois Teaching License (K–9)
- National Board Certified Teacher
- PLTW Instructor