Thomas Nelson
San Diego,CA
Summary
Diligent Educator with a background in education and proven ability to create engaging learning environments. Adept at developing curriculum and fostering student success through innovative teaching methods including project-based learning. Demonstrated ability to manage classroom dynamics and utilize effective communication skills to enhance student learning. Lengthy history of work experience which helps provide a well rounded disposition for collaborating with a diverse workforce and providing insight gained through hardships, traveling, and application of training.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Educator/Program Developer
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
05.2022 - Current
- 3 years of experience teaching for the School in the Park Program, which partners with SDUSD to provide expert teaching of NGSS for 3-6th grade
- 3 years of experience delivering outreach programs throughout San Diego County, focusing on delivering NGSS for K-5th grade students.
- 2 years of leading Summer Camp programs for 4-8th grade students.
- Conduct Educational tours with government officials, philanthropists, and the general public to bring awareness of San Diego Zoo Conservation Programs and practices.
- Developed and implemented curriculum for the Wildlife Conservation Camp, an 8-week camp that was grant-funded and relied on specific requirements from donors to provide free programming to 6-8th grade students in San Diego.
- Continually participate in professional development courses to connect formal and informal learning practices including interpretation techniques, monitoring and evaluation strategies, and restorative justice exercises.
Substitute Teacher
San Diego Unified School District
02.2022 - Current
- 3 years of experience teaching in San Diego Unified School District including short term and long term applications.
- Experienced in upholding classroom routines to support student environments and maintain consistent schedules.
- An expert at keeping students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies, including redirection and conflict management.
- Repeatedly requested as substitute teacher by teachers based on excellent past referrals and trusted performance.
- Adapt lesson plans and student activities to meet needs of students with special learning needs including 504 plans and IEP's.
Student Teacher
San Diego Unified School District
08.2021 - 01.2022
- 600 hours of coursework teaching Social Science courses for 10-11th grade students.
- Designed lessons in accordance with the California Teaching Credential board using education models such as Universal Design for Learning and Project Based Learning.
- Completed the California Teaching Credential passing the Californian TPA, 6 different California Subject Test, and 3 California Basic Education Skills test. .
- Collaborated with multiple veteran teachers who mentored me in areas such as Lesson Planning, Classroom Management, Scaffolding Instruction, and achieving learning outcomes.
Recreation Specialist
City Of Escondido
09.2020 - 06.2021
- Managed over 20 recreation classes, creating schedules, updating websites, marketing, and signing up individuals for programs.
- Successfully led recruitment and engagement efforts for the Community Services Department bringing in 3 new instructors, 5 volunteers, and over 100 students.
- Taught free fitness classes to the community and provided instruction on implementing and monitoring health goals.
- Created, edited, and promoted four digital Recreation Guides for residents to use for gaining information on community updates, classes, and events.
- Performed program financial administration, reporting and documentation functions.
- Tracked program spending, enrollments and attendance to produce monthly reports for program director.
Recreation Instructor
City And County Of Denver
08.2019 - 04.2020
- Promoted fitness center programs such as youth afterschool initiatives and adult sports leagues
- Led Teen Programming project which hosted 100 high school students Monday thru Friday
- Developed and delivered public presentations on the importance of health education and specific disease prevention and treatment strategies.
- Promoted available resources and connected individuals with services.
Munitions Systems Journeyman
United States Air Force
10.2012 - 02.2015
- Ordered, unloaded, sorted and tracked supplies and equipment needed for unit activities.
- Managed all aspects of administrative and personnel needs of ground supply operations.
- Supervised manual and automated supply strategies, and connected with supply and data processing teams to facilitate communication and collaboration.
- Oversaw teams planning, implementing and realigning field and base operational strategies.
Education
Master's of Education - Inspired Teaching And Learning
National University
San Diego07.2022
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
University Of Colorado Denver
Denver, CO06.2019
Skills
- Leadership
- Group and individual instruction
- Educational/Assistive Technology
- Differentiated Instruction
- Monitor and Evaluation of Programs
- Social-Emotional Learning
- Classroom management
- Student-Centered Learning
- Interpretation
- Recruiting
- Animal Handling
- Curriculum Development
Certification
Credentialed CA Teacher (Social Sciences)
Certified Interpretive Guide through NAI
ACE Certified Personal Trainer
CPR/ First Aid Certified
Timeline
Educator/Program Developer
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
05.2022 - Current
Substitute Teacher
San Diego Unified School District
02.2022 - Current
Student Teacher
San Diego Unified School District
08.2021 - 01.2022
Recreation Specialist
City Of Escondido
09.2020 - 06.2021
Recreation Instructor
City And County Of Denver
08.2019 - 04.2020
Munitions Systems Journeyman
United States Air Force
10.2012 - 02.2015
Credentialed CA Teacher (Social Sciences)
Certified Interpretive Guide through NAI
ACE Certified Personal Trainer
CPR/ First Aid Certified
Master's of Education - Inspired Teaching And Learning
National University
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
University Of Colorado Denver
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