Artist /Educator: Brandon Markell Holmes

Special Education Teacher Profile

Brooklyn, United States | brandonmarkellmngt@gmail.com

Professional Summary

Humanities-Special Education instructor with extensive background in singing, songwriting, vocal technique, and theatre performance. Skilled in developing individualized education plans, implementing differentiated instruction strategies, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to support students with disabilities. AI proficient educator able to design, scaffold, and aid students with various learning needs.

Certification

  • Internship Certificate( SWD) 2027 
  •  (EAS) Certified
  •  (SWD) Certified
  •  (Arts + Science ) Certified 
  •  (ELA) Certified 
  • (Initial Certification) Sept 2026

Employment History

Brandon Markell Holmes

Special Education Instructor  • Singer-Songwriter  •  Brooklyn, NY

EXPERIENCE

Special Education Instructor: U.S. History (Humanities)

Art + Design High School |  New York City  | September 2025 — Present

  • Provide specially designed instruction (SDI) for students with IEPs in an 11th grade Regents U.S. History classroom, adapting content, methodology, and delivery to meet each student's individualized learning goals.
  • Implement differentiated instructional strategies to make grade-level U.S. History Regents curriculum accessible to students with a range of disabilities, learning profiles, and language needs.
  • Ensure IEP compliance by monitoring student progress toward annual goals, documenting accommodations and modifications, and collaborating with general education teachers and related service providers.
  • Design and deliver targeted interventions aligned with U.S. History Regents exam preparation, supporting students in developing content knowledge, historical thinking skills, and academic writing.

 

Special Education Instructor: ELA & History (Humanities)

New York City Charter School of The Arts |  New York City  |  June 2023 — June 2025

  • Collaborated with parents and professionals to develop individualized education plans (IEPs) for students with special needs.
  • Implemented tailored strategies to meet individual student requirements while working across departments to enhance special education programming.
  • Provided differentiated instruction for gifted, special education, and English language learners.
  • Created academic interventions focused on basic skill development and retrieval strategies.
  • Partnered with speech pathologists and occupational therapists to provide comprehensive support for students with special needs.

 

ELA Interventionist / Co-Teacher

Achievement First Crown Heights Middle School |  Brooklyn, New York  | September 2022 — June 2023

  • Led small group interventions for students with Individualized Learning Plans.
  • Guided and implemented strategies to close academic gaps in reading comprehension and fluency.
  • Facilitated academic discourse to enhance critical thinking and educational growth.

 

K-3 Inclusive Classroom Teacher

Ivy Hill Prep  |  Brooklyn |  December 2021 — October 2022

  • Co-led K-3 classrooms and guided reading interventions with developing readers.
  • Implemented Lexile differentiation for various learning levels.
  • Taught mathematics and phonics using step methods of learning.

 

Singer-Songwriter / Performer

Freelance  |  New York City |  September 2021 — Present

Brandon Markell Holmes, described as a "slow-burning vocal-house juggernaut" by Rolling Stone, is a formally-trained theatre actor and self-trained vocalist exploring themes of social observation and the relationship between art and history. Featured vocalist on the GRAMMY-nominated Gorillaz album 'Humanz' and highlighted in Afropunk for his visual EP 'Inertia'. Chicago native now based in Brooklyn, recognized as a go-to vocalist in the house music underground.

EDUCATION

Masters of Science in Education

Brooklyn College of Graduate Studies |  Brooklyn  | August 2023 — May 2025

Special Education - Teacher of Students with Disabilities Generalist (7-12), M.S. in Ed.

Bachelor of Fine Arts

University of Illinois at Chicago |  August 2007 — May 2011

BFA in Acting with comprehensive training in various theatrical methods and techniques. Studied under notable instructors including Yasen Peyankov, Erica Daniels, Zeljko Djukic, Derrick Sanders, Luigi Salerni, William Raffield, Sharon Gopfert, and Tanera Marshall.

SKILLS

Google Suite · Google Workspace · Teamwork · Creativity · Leadership · Adaptability · Effective Time Management · Ability to Multitask · Communication · Effective Teaching · Ability to Work in a Team · Lexile Differentiation · AI Proficiency

Cover Letter : 

Special Education Teacher 

Trained in SpEd : Brooklyn College , Ms.Ed

Lexile Differentiation using AI and other technological platforms for better learning. Great at building relationships with students and families of all backgrounds.

Classically Trained Artist and Scientifically Trained Special Educator with a background in literacy, data, and teaching grades 7-12.

I am enthusiastic about teaching within the New York City public school system. I hope to combine my passion for arts-based learning with specialized education strategies to create transformative learning experiences for all students. New York City's rich cultural diversity and dynamic educational landscape provide the perfect environment for implementing innovative teaching approaches. 
My background in arts education and my understanding of special education principles have equipped me with a unique skill set. I believe in creating an inclusive classroom environment where students can express themselves through multiple modalities. By incorporating arts-based learning strategies into academic instruction, I have witnessed how creative expression can unlock student potential and enhance comprehension across subject areas. My approach to pedagogy emphasizes the following:

  • Integration of visual, performing, and digital arts into core academic subjects
  • Development of individualized learning strategies that accommodate different learning styles
  • Creation of supportive learning environments that celebrate diversity and promote student confidence
  • Implementation of evidence-based special education practices that ensure all students can access the curriculum

I am most interested in teaching 7th- 12th grade, where I can fully implement my arts-integrated approach while addressing the unique developmental needs of this age group. My experience has shown that this is a critical period where creative teaching strategies can profoundly impact student engagement and academic success.

 

My Philosophy:
My deep commitment to understanding and implementing effective pedagogical strategies sets me apart as a candidate. I continuously research and adapt my teaching methods to ensure they are both evidence-based and culturally responsive. My creative background allows me to develop innovative solutions to educational challenges, while my special education training ensures that these solutions are accessible to all learners.
I am excited about the possibility of bringing my passion for arts-based learning and inclusive education to your school community. I would like to discuss how my skills and experience align with your school's mission and goals.

 

I have witnessed how creative expression can unlock student potential and enhance comprehension across subject areas. ​"