DALE KNIGHT
Branciforte Small Schools
Felton
1
Language
1
Certification
28
years of professional experience
Dedicated educator with a commitment to high standards and effective teaching methods. Focused on building strong relationships to create a positive learning environment that enhances student outcomes. Passionate about implementing innovative strategies to boost student engagement and improve learning experiences. Thrives in collaborative educational settings while pursuing growth opportunities alongside peers.
Work History
ELA Teacher Grades 6, 7, 8
14 Years 2 Months- Designed standards-aligned ELA lessons supporting reading, writing, speaking, and listening development.
- Differentiated instruction to meet diverse learner needs and strengthen classroom engagement.
- Assessed student progress using formative data to adjust pacing and instructional strategies.
- Managed classroom routines and expectations to maintain focused, respectful a focused, respectful learning environment.
- Collaborated with grade-level teams to align curriculum, assessments, and intervention supports.
Principal
15 Years 9 Months- Santa Cruz City Schools
- Directed campus operations, aligning instructional priorities with school-wide goals.
- Supervised staff, providing coaching, feedback, and performance support.
- Led student discipline processes, ensuring consistent policy enforcement and due process.
Assistant Principal
3 Years- Supervised English, PE, VAPA, social sciences, science departments to ensure alignment with curricular goals
- Coached new teachers in English and other departments to enhance instructional practices and support professional growth
- Coordinated data analysis processes within the team
- Pajaro Valley Unified School District
Assistant Director
1 Year- Coordinated professional development initiatives for staff to enhance teaching effectiveness
- Oversaw training sessions for new teachers
- Collaborated with IEP teams to discuss student progress
- Santa Cruz County Office of Education
Teacher
1 Year- Developed and implemented English curriculum to enhance student engagement and comprehension
- Designed and developed Social Sciences curriculum
- Implemented character-based literacy program
- Santa Cruz County Office of Education.
Teacher
4 Years- Coached Academic Decathlon team, guiding students to prepare for competitions and fostering critical thinking skills.
- Advised Shakespeare Club, organizing events and discussions to deepen student appreciation of literature and enhance public speaking abilities.
- Student radio advisor/creator
- Collaborated with AVID team to support student academic success
- Contributed to RTI team efforts to improve student performance
- Marysville Joint Unified School District.
Student teacher
1 Year- Nevada Joint Unified High School District
- Delivered classroom instruction aligned with lesson plans and curriculum standards.
- Monitored student progress and adjusted teaching methods to support learning needs.
- Assisted with classroom management to maintain focused, respectful learning environment.
Education
Masters - Educational Leadership/Administrative Services Credential Program
completed May 2008
Teacher Education Program - English
completed May 18, 2000
BA - Communication Studies
completed May 13, 1996
Skills
Teacher evaluation
Cultural awareness
Teacher mentoring
Teacher evaluation
Data analysis
Team collaboration
Teacher mentoring
Culturally responsive teaching
Accomplishments
- Designed standards-based curriculum/pacing charts for English instruction
- Participated in several professional development workshops including: AP Summer Institute, reading and writing development, use of technology in the classroom, alignment of content standards in English, common assessments, and much more.
- I have participated, and guided the WASC process for many schools.
- I have collaborated with several of my colleagues in other departments to develop common practices towards student engagement and achievement.
Certification
- Professional Clear – Single Subject – English (CLAD)
- Professional Clear Administrative Services – Educational Leadership
Languages
Spanish
Limited Working
Interests
I spend as much time with my family as I can
I am an avid motorcyclist a motorcycle instructor for the California Motorcycle Safety Program.
I am also an instructor of capoeira
a Brazilian martial art. I currently teach both kids and adult classes at my studio in Felton.
When the snow comes
I find myself on the mountain with a snowboard attached to my feet. Oh
I am also an internationally certified snowboarding coach.
I love to spend time with my family. Spending time with my family takes up the majority of any free time I have.
Timeline
ELA Teacher Grades 6, 7, 8
San Jose Unified School District (John Muir Middle)
08.2012 - CurrentRead More
Principal
Branciforte Small Schools
01.2011 - CurrentRead More
Assistant Principal
Aptos High School
01.2008 - 01.2011Read More
Assistant Director
Special Education
01.2007 - 01.2008Read More
Teacher
STAR Community School
01.2006 - 01.2007Read More
Teacher
Lindhurst High School
01.2002 - 01.2006Read More
Student teacher
Nevada Union High School
01.1999 - 01.2000Read More
California State University
BA from Communication Studies
Read More
California State University
Teacher Education Program from English
Read More
California State University
Masters from Educational Leadership/Administrative Services Credential Program
Read More