Bernard Colton
Grand Rapids,MI
Summary
Experienced Educational Leader skilled in school improvement planning and budget management. Expertise in data analysis and teacher evaluation, enhancing student success through strategic initiatives. Proven success in fostering positive learning environments and boosting academic progress through collaboration. Impactful in improving school culture and implementing innovative strategies for student engagement and staff development.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
Work History
Principal
Waverly Middle School
Lansing, MI
07.2023 - Current
- Analyzed M-Step data to inform instructional decisions and improve student outcomes.
- Collaborated with teacher coaches to enhance instructional strategies.
- Evaluated staff performance during annual reviews.
- Conducted classroom observations.
- Completed school improvement plan.
- Completed SIP report.
- Oversaw the school budget and the Title I budget to ensure effective resource allocation.
- Applied school discipline procedures for students.
- Built a school calendar with the leadership team.
- Coordinated athletic schedule to maximize facility usage.
- Supervised athletic events.
- Responded to crisis situations.
- Collaborated with MDE to ensure compliance with regulations.
Principal
Grand Rapids Public Schools
Grand Rapids, MI
08.2019 - 06.2023
- Conducted evaluations for all staff members to assess performance and development needs.
- Enforce school discipline procedures for students
- Assist Teacher Coaches with improving instruction
- Make school calendar with leadership team
- Respond to crisis situations
- Conduct classroom observations
- Review and analyze M-Step data
- Complete School Improvement Plan
- Complete SIP report
- Complete athletic schedule
- Operate and manage school budget and Title I budget
- Evaluate coaches
- Work with Schedule Star
- Check student eligibility for sports
- Supervise all athletic events
- Work with MDE
- Complete Grant request
Principal
Grand Rapids Public Schools
Grand Rapids, MI
08.2012 - 06.2019
- Evaluate coaches
- Conduct classroom observations
- Review and analyze M-Step data
- Complete School Improvement Plan
- Compiled and submitted School Improvement Plan report
- Enforced school discipline procedures, promoting a positive and safe learning environment
- Assist Teacher Coaches with improving instruction
- Make school calendar with leadership team
- Respond to crisis situations
- Evaluated staff performance through observations and feedback
- Operate and manage school budget and Title I budget
- Verified student eligibility for participation in sports programs
- Supervise all athletic events
- Created detailed athletic schedule for all sports events
Principal
Muskegon Heights Public Schools
Muskegon Heights, MI
08.2008 - 06.2012
- Developed and executed School Improvement Plan to drive academic growth
- Evaluated staff performance to enhance teaching effectiveness
- Conduct classroom observations
- Review and analyze MEAP data
- Enforce school discipline procedures for students
- Assist counselors with scheduling and scholarships
- Make school calendar with leadership team
- Respond to crisis situations
- Complete ED Yes report
- Managed school and Title I budgets to ensure financial compliance and resource allocation
- Middle School Athletic Director
- Assessed coaching staff's performance and effectiveness
- Complete athletic schedule
- Work with Schedule Star
- Ensured compliance with eligibility criteria for student athletes
- Supervise all athletic events at the Middle School
Assistant Principal/Athletic Director
Grand Rapids Public Schools
Grand Rapids, MI
07.2004 - 08.2008
- Recruited and hired qualified coaches for athletic teams
- Evaluate coaches
- Reviewed and verified student eligibility for participation in athletic events
- Recruited and scheduled workers for athletic events to ensure smooth operations
- Coordinated all athletic events to ensure seamless execution and positive experiences for participants and spectators
- Operate and manage the Athletic Budget
- Enforced school discipline procedures to maintain a safe and respectful environment for students in comprehensive high school
- Respond to crisis situations
- Conduct classroom observations
- Evaluated teachers through PLP Professional Learning Plan and PEP Progressive Evaluation Process to support professional growth and enhance instructional quality
- Work with Schedule Star
School Social Worker/School Counselor
Kentwood Public Schools
Kentwood, MI
08.2002 - 06.2004
- Addressed urgent crisis situations to ensure safety
- Provide individual and group counseling sessions
- Conduct classroom counseling lesson
- Developed behavior plans tailored to individual student needs to promote positive classroom behavior
- Conducted IEP and MET meetings to facilitate student support and collaboration
- Write social work evaluations
- Provided services to students and families to restore social and emotional behavior in classroom
- Coordinate with classroom teachers about special education policies and procedures
- Team teach and assess students in a classroom environment
- Maintained discipline by enforcing school policies
Assistant Head Coach
Central High School
08.2002 - 01.2003
- Coordinated drills and conditioning sessions for Central High School teams
- Assisted head coach with Central High School student-athlete practice planning
- Reviewed opponent film and shared scouting notes with coaching staff
- Communicated with athletes, parents, and school staff about team expectations
- Provided individual instruction to help players improve technical skills.
JV Head Football Coach
Creston High School
08.2001 - 01.2002
- Planned offensive and defensive game strategies for Creston High School student-athletes.
- Organized film review, opponent scouting, and game planning sessions for the team.
- Directed Creston High School football program practices, drills, and weekly preparation.
- Evaluated player skills and created position groups for Creston High School roster.
- Taught conditioning, blocking, tackling, and footwork fundamentals during team training.
School Social Worker
Muskegon Public Schools
Muskegon, MI
08.2001 - 11.2001
- Conducted comprehensive social work evaluations to inform intervention strategies
- Facilitated individual and group counseling sessions to promote social and emotional development
- Managed crisis situations to ensure student safety and emotional stability
- Created individualized behavior plans for students to improve classroom conduct.
- Conduct IEP and MET meetings
- Coordinate with classroom teachers about special education policies and procedures
- Provide services to students and their family that will restore social and emotional behavior in the classroom
- Team teach and assess students in a classroom environment
Lead High School Counselor
Muskegon Heights Public School
Muskegon Heights, MI
03.1999 - 08.2001
- Counseled a student body of 474 students, providing tailored guidance to support academic and personal development.
- Managed severe discipline issues through implementation of school behavior policies, fostering a safer school environment.
- Coordinated parent education seminars to enhance parent engagement and support for student success.
- Provided students with scholarship information
- Helped students complete financial aid applications
- Make student schedules and the master schedule using the CIMS system
- Update and maintain transcript
School Social Worker
Muskegon Heights Public School
Muskegon Heights, MI
08.1997 - 08.2001
- Responded to crisis situations, providing immediate support to students and families in distress.
- Delivered individual and group counseling sessions to support students' emotional and social well-being.
- Wrote comprehensive social work evaluations to assess student needs and inform intervention strategies.
- Developed individualized student behavior plans to promote positive social and emotional development.
- Led individualized education program (IEP) and multidisciplinary evaluation team (MET) meetings to discuss student progress and needs.
- Collaborated with colleagues to team teach and assess students' understanding and progress in the classroom.
- Coordinate with classroom teachers about special education policies and procedures
- Provide services to students and their family that will restore social and emotional behavior in the classroom
Teacher
Muskegon Heights Public School
Muskegon Heights, MI
10.2000 - 05.2001
- Implemented individualized education plans for students with special needs to support their unique learning requirements
- Instructed students in emotional intelligence strategies, enhancing their interpersonal skills and self-awareness
- Executed district-approved curriculum through engaging lesson plans, ensuring alignment with educational standards
EI Teacher
Muskegon Heights Public School
Muskegon Heights, MI
10.2000 - 05.2001
- Developed and executed individualized education plans to address unique student needs
- Facilitated EI classroom activities to promote student engagement and learning
- Aligned lesson planning with district curriculum guidelines to ensure educational standards
JV Head Football Coach
Muskegon Heights Public School
01.1997 - 01.2001
- Directed Creston High School football program and daily team operations.
- Planned practices, drills, and game preparation for student-athletes.
- Evaluated player performance and assigned offensive and defensive positions.
- Improved players' physical fitness and strength through structured weightlifting regimen
- Expanded football program from 3 to 30 players, fostering a larger team culture
Assistant Varsity Track Coach girls/boys
Muskegon Heights Public School
01.1997 - 01.2001
- Coached an average of 6 female state runners each year
- Instructed runners on technique, conditioning, and event-specific skills.
- Developed runners' skills through targeted track training
- Planned track practices for Muskegon Heights Public School student-athletes.
- Supervised student-athletes during workouts, meets, and travel.
Science Instructor
Muskegon Heights Public School, Summer Enrichment Program
Muskegon Heights, MI
06.1998 - 07.1999
- Instructed 9th and 10th-grade students in general science and biology, fostering critical thinking and scientific inquiry
- Taught life science, physical science, and earth science concepts
- Planned science lessons for Muskegon Heights Public School summer enrichment program
- Led hands-on experiments using classroom science materials
Clinical Therapist
Catholic Social Services
Pontiac, MI
06.1991 - 12.1997
- Delivered in-home crisis interventions, counseling, and family education to enhance family functioning.
- Supported families in Families First Program through resource provision and emotional support.
- Coordinated with Children's Protective Services to ensure child safety and family stability.
Substance Abuse Therapist
Shiloh, Substance Abuse Program for Teens
Grand Rapids, MI
03.1997 - 09.1997
- Developed intervention plans tailored to client needs, promoting personal growth and recovery.
- Completed psycho-social assessments to identify individual needs and inform treatment strategies.
- Develop therapeutic rapport with delinquent youth
- Facilitated communication among community service providers to streamline service delivery and enhance client support.
Social Work Intern
Ferris State University, Minority Retention Program
Big Rapids, MI
05.1991 - 09.1997
- Guided minority students in academic improvement strategies, fostering their educational success.
- Helped minority students manage time and daily living situations, enhancing overall well-being.
- Supported processing of financial aid applications, ensuring timely assistance for students.
Protective Service Investigator
Family Independence Agency
, MI
12.1993 - 01.1997
- Conducted thorough investigations of child abuse and neglect cases, gathering evidence to substantiate legal actions.
- Drafted legal court petitions and documents, bolstering child abuse and neglect cases in legal proceedings.
- Advocated for the State of Michigan during court hearings, presenting compelling arguments in abuse and neglect cases.
Therapist
Eagle Village Family Center
Hersey, MI
06.1990 - 08.1990
- Facilitated group counseling sessions, helping participants navigate emotional and social challenges for improved well-being.
- Assisted in individual counseling sessions, providing tailored support and guidance to enhance client coping strategies.
- Shadowed social work professionals to learn effective practices in client management.
- Developed engaging activities for juvenile delinquents to promote positive behavior change and skill-building.
Education
Master of Social Work -
Grand Valley State University
Grand Rapids, MI01-1997
Bachelor of Social Work -
Ferris State University
Big Rapids, MI01-1991
Associate in Arts -
Ferris State University
Big Rapids, MI01-1989
Skills
- Instructional leadership
- Teacher evaluation
- School improvement
- Budget oversight
- Data interpretation
- Special education compliance
- Crisis management
TEACHING INTEREST
- Cultural Diversity, Social Welfare Policy, Human Needs in Complex Societies, Human Behavior and the Social Environment
- At-Risk Minority Youth, Educating multi-cultural communities, College experiences of multi-cultural student
PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITIONS
FIA Service Worker of the Year for Muskegon County, 1996, Senior Social Worker of the Year, Ferris State University, 1991, School Counselor/Social Worker of the Year, Muskegon Heights Public School, 2001, Made AYP for 3 consecutive years, 2012-2013 Principal Award-Components of a Safe school, 2015 NAACP Role Model Education Award, 2017 Award for Removal from the State of Michigan Priority Schools List, 2019 Principal Award-Components of a Safe school, 2019 Leadership Award Campus Elementary, 2017 and 2019 Track and Field Championships
Affiliations
Certified School Social Worker, State of Michigan, 1998-present
COLLEGE ENRICHMENT
- Responsible for 1.2 million dollars in scholarship and financial aid for college bound students.
- Responsible for over 25 high school athletes receiving College scholarships
Timeline
Principal
Waverly Middle School
07.2023 - Current
Principal
Grand Rapids Public Schools
08.2019 - 06.2023
Principal
Grand Rapids Public Schools
08.2012 - 06.2019
Principal
Muskegon Heights Public Schools
08.2008 - 06.2012
Assistant Principal/Athletic Director
Grand Rapids Public Schools
07.2004 - 08.2008
Assistant Head Coach
Central High School
08.2002 - 01.2003
School Social Worker/School Counselor
Kentwood Public Schools
08.2002 - 06.2004
JV Head Football Coach
Creston High School
08.2001 - 01.2002
School Social Worker
Muskegon Public Schools
08.2001 - 11.2001
Teacher
Muskegon Heights Public School
10.2000 - 05.2001
EI Teacher
Muskegon Heights Public School
10.2000 - 05.2001
Lead High School Counselor
Muskegon Heights Public School
03.1999 - 08.2001
Science Instructor
Muskegon Heights Public School, Summer Enrichment Program
06.1998 - 07.1999
School Social Worker
Muskegon Heights Public School
08.1997 - 08.2001
Substance Abuse Therapist
Shiloh, Substance Abuse Program for Teens
03.1997 - 09.1997
JV Head Football Coach
Muskegon Heights Public School
01.1997 - 01.2001
Assistant Varsity Track Coach girls/boys
Muskegon Heights Public School
01.1997 - 01.2001
Protective Service Investigator
Family Independence Agency
12.1993 - 01.1997
Clinical Therapist
Catholic Social Services
06.1991 - 12.1997
Social Work Intern
Ferris State University, Minority Retention Program
05.1991 - 09.1997
Therapist
Eagle Village Family Center
06.1990 - 08.1990
Master of Social Work -
Grand Valley State University
Bachelor of Social Work -
Ferris State University
Associate in Arts -
Ferris State University