Alton Cullins
Jacksonville
Summary
Elevating BASIS International School of Nanjing's English Department, I spearheaded initiatives that AP English writing proficiency by 27%. My leadership in educational innovation and mentorship, coupled with a commitment to culturally responsive teaching and literacy development, has consistently fostered academic excellence and teacher professional growth.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Head of English Department
BASIS International School of Nanjing
06.2022 - Current
- Continue to teach AP English Language and Composition and Grade 8 English, implementing rigorous rhetorical analysis, argumentation strategies, and student-centered discussions.
- Advocated for and secured funding for classroom libraries, digital resources, and innovative literacy programs, expanding access to high-quality reading materials.
- Launched the “Empathy in Action” workshop series, training 100% of teachers in student-centered classroom management and restorative practices, leading to a 30% decrease in behavioral referrals in observed classrooms.
- Designed and implemented the “Voices of Change” writing initiative, which increased student writing proficiency by 27% based on AP-style rubric assessments.
- Evaluated teacher performance continuously to identify areas in need of improvement and implement strategies to keep team on-track.
- Oversaw hiring processes for new department members, ensuring the selection of highly qualified candidates committed to student success.
Corps Member
Teach for America
06.2020 - 06.2022
- Developed curriculum materials that aligned with state standards, ensuring comprehensive coverage of required content.
- Completed over 200+ hours of professional training on instructional strategies, classroom management, and culturally responsive teaching.
- Served as an AmeriCorps Member, engaging in community-based initiatives and leadership.
- Selected for and completed the University of Chicago's Cultivate Fellowship, engaging in advanced pedagogical training, equity-focused instructional strategies, and data-driven decision-making to improve student outcome.
English Teacher
Urban Prep Academies - Englewood Campus
06.2020 - 06.2022
- Developed and led gang violence intervention programs, partnering with community organizations and school counselors to provide at-risk students with mentorship, conflict resolution strategies, and academic support, contributing to a 20% decrease in discipline incidents over two years.
- Served as an Assistant Professor for Arizona State University, facilitating the Poetry in America dual enrollment course, where students engaged in college-level literary analysis, historical context research, and multimodal composition.
- Honored as “Teacher of the Year” for outstanding instructional innovation, student advocacy, and leadership in professional development, recognized for elevating student performance and fostering a culture of intellectual curiosity.
- Designed and led professional development workshops on lesson planning and student-centered classroom management, equipping 15 educators with data-driven instructional strategies, engagement techniques, and restorative discipline practices, resulting in higher student participation and reduced classroom disruptions.
Education
Master of Arts - High School Teaching
Relay Graduate School of Education
Chicago06-2022
Bachelor of Arts - English
Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University
Tallahassee, FL12-2019
Skills
Educational Leadership & Instruction
Curriculum Design & Implementation
Differentiated Instruction & Assessment
AP English Language & Composition Instruction
Dual Enrollment & College-Level Course Facilitation
Culturally Responsive Teaching
Literacy Development & Rhetorical Analysis
Data-Driven Instructional Strategies
Professional Development & Mentorship
Teacher Coaching & Mentoring
Lesson Planning & Classroom Management Training
Restorative Discipline & Conflict Resolution
Workshop Facilitation (Empathy, Lesson Planning)
Faculty Leadership & Collaboration
Professional Learning Community (PLC) Development
Certification
Harvard University's Instructional Leadership Certificate - Aligning Purpose and Practice
Timeline
Head of English Department
BASIS International School of Nanjing
06.2022 - Current
Corps Member
Teach for America
06.2020 - 06.2022
English Teacher
Urban Prep Academies - Englewood Campus
06.2020 - 06.2022
Master of Arts - High School Teaching
Relay Graduate School of Education
Bachelor of Arts - English
Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University
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