Bilal Z. Raychouni
Director, High School Theatre; Teacher, Career Technical Education
Powhatan,VA
Summary
Experienced educator with 15+ years creating diverse curriculums across various subjects. Skilled at motivating students through interactive instruction. Successful in building literacy, numeracy, social, and learning skills. Seeking to integrate theatre into the classroom for collaborative exploration and career-focused learning.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
11
11
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Director, Theatre/Drama (High School, Extracurricular)
Powhatan County Public Schools
08.2023 - Current
- Develop and deliver an engaging theatre experience for students in Grades 6-12, in collaboration with administrators, incorporating acting, directing, stagecraft, theatre history, and script analysis.
- Direct mainstage productions, overseeing all aspects of production including play selection, casting, rehearsal schedules, design coordination, and final performances. Mainstage productions included ROALD DAHL'S MATILDA: THE MUSICAL in February 2024 and HADESTOWN: TEEN EDITION in May 2025.
- Foster a positive, inclusive, and collaborative environment where students of diverse backgrounds and skill levels can thrive artistically and personally.
- Teach multiple levels of theatre competencies, from introductory to advanced, with differentiated direction to meet the needs of all learners.
- Supervise and mentor student performers, technical crew members, and student leaders in various production roles.
- Collaborate with other fine arts faculty and academic departments to support interdisciplinary learning and school-wide initiatives.
- Coordinate technical theatre components, including lighting, sound, scenic design, costumes, and props, often in collaboration with students and volunteers.
- Manage the theatre program’s budget, including fundraising, grants, ticket sales, and procurement of materials and equipment.
- Maintain theatre spaces, ensuring safety, organization, and functionality of the auditorium, black box, scene shop, and storage areas.
- Organize extracurricular opportunities such as the VHSL one-act theatre competitions.
- Communicate regularly with school administration, parents, and the broader community to promote performances and advocate for the arts.
- Support student growth in leadership, collaboration, critical thinking, and self-expression through participation in theatrical productions.
- Stay current with educational theatre best practices, professional development, and trends in contemporary theatre education.
Teacher, Career-Technical Education (Middle School)
Powhatan County Public Schools
07.2022 - Current
- Design and deliver engaging, age-appropriate computer science instruction aligned with state and national CTE standards for middle school students in collaboration with PCPS initiatives in the rebranded 'Career and Workforce Development' standards.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Introduce students to foundational computer science concepts, including computational thinking, programming, digital literacy, and responsible technology use.
- Develop and implement hands-on, project-based learning experiences using tools such as block-based coding via Code.org, introductory programming languages such as Python, robotics, and basic web development.
- Integrate real-world applications and career exploration into the curriculum to help students understand pathways in computer science and related technology fields.
- Develop a novel approach to game development curriculum, introducing coding languages such as C++ through software such as Game Maker Studio and the Unity engine to deliver instruction in designing and building video games.
- Foster a supportive, inclusive classroom environment that encourages creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration.
- Use formative and summative assessments to track student progress and inform instruction.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of current trends and best practices in computer science education and emerging technologies.
- Collaborate with school staff, CTE coordinators, and industry partners to enhance learning opportunities and align instruction with workforce needs.
- Support school-wide initiatives related to digital citizenship, STEM enrichment, and technology integration.
- Ensure proper use, care, and inventory of classroom technology, including computers, peripherals, and software platforms.
- Encourage critical thinking regarding new and upcoming technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, and engage students in direct discussions about the technology field and its crossover with other disciplines, such as commerce, ethics, and the law.
- Encourage student participation in extracurricular STEM or coding activities, competitions, or clubs. This includes starting PCPS's first Junior Varsity Robotics Competitive Team.
Debate Coach (Middle School)
Powhatan County Public Schools
10.2021 - Current
- Develop and implement a structured debate program that introduces students to public speaking, argumentation, research, and critical thinking skills.
- Teach students the fundamentals of debate formats commonly used in middle school competitions (e.g., Public Forum, Lincoln-Douglas, Parliamentary).
- Coach students on effective communication techniques, including speech delivery, persuasion, active listening, and respectful discourse.
- Expanded students'' understanding of current events and global issues by incorporating relevant topics into debate activities.
- Promoted diversity within the debate team by recruiting a wide range of participants across various backgrounds.
- Guide students through the research process, helping them gather credible evidence, construct logical arguments, and anticipate counterarguments.
- Plan and conduct regular practices, workshops, and mock debates to build skills and confidence.
- Foster an inclusive and supportive team environment that encourages student participation, teamwork, and leadership.
- Register and prepare students for local, regional, and/or national debate tournaments, including coordinating logistics such as transportation, permission slips, and competition materials.
- Accompany and supervise students at debate events, ensuring professionalism, safety, and school policy adherence.
- Provide individualized feedback and mentorship to help students grow in their debating abilities and self-expression.
- Collaborate with school administration, teachers, and families to support the academic and extracurricular goals of the debate team.
- Proud to announce that my students took 1st Place three years running (2023, 2024, 2025).
Freelance Film Work
Freelance Film Work
04.2014 - 08.2024
- Freelance work in the film industry, engaging in various roles across multiple productions.
- Worked in various positions, from Production Assistant and Asst. Camera, to Editor and 1st Asst. Director. Worked on a variety of productions, including (but not limited to)
- - AMC's TURN
- - Homeland
- - Killing Lincoln
- - American Idol
- - Vampires in Virginia
- - Richmond 48-Hour Film Festival
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Instructional Assistant
Powhatan County Public Schools
08.2021 - 06.2022
- Provide academic and behavioral support to students with disabilities, under the direction of special education and general education teachers.
- Assist in implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) by supporting students’ specific learning goals, accommodations, and modifications.
- Offer one-on-one or small group instruction and guidance in classroom, resource, or inclusive settings to reinforce lesson content and develop student skills.
- Monitor and document student progress, behaviors, and engagement, reporting observations to certified staff to inform instructional planning and IEP reviews.
- Support students in developing social, communication, and self-regulation skills in academic and non-academic settings.
- Assist students with physical, medical, or personal care needs as required, including mobility, toileting, or feeding, while maintaining dignity and privacy.
- Encourage student independence while providing appropriate levels of assistance to foster confidence and autonomy.
- Collaborate with teachers, specialists, counselors, and other staff to support inclusive practices and a positive learning environment.
- Facilitate access to classroom materials and activities by modifying or adapting instructional resources as needed.
- Accompany students during transitions, including hallway movement, lunch, recess, and school arrival/dismissal, ensuring safety and supervision.
- Help maintain a respectful and structured classroom environment by implementing behavior management strategies aligned with students’ needs.
- Participate in professional development and training related to special education, behavioral support, and inclusive instructional strategies.
- Uphold confidentiality and professionalism when supporting students with diverse learning and behavioral needs.
- Collated classroom materials to help teachers prepare for daily instruction and activities.
- Supported student learning objectives through personalized and small group assistance.
Store Leader
GameStop 2410
04.2021 - 08.2021
- Transferred downtown to the highest-grossing location in the City of Richmond, to spearhead its rebuilding and reopening following its destruction the year prior, after previously leading a newly-opened store and driving its success to be in the Top 25 retail locations nationwide in overall performance and sales metrics in Fiscal Year 2020 and Q1 2021.
- Improved employee retention rates through fostering a supportive work culture that promoted growth opportunities.
- Built loyal customer base by consistently delivering quality products, top-notch service and efficient check-out procedures.
- Enhanced employee performance by conducting regular training sessions and providing constructive feedback.
- Tracked performance and communicated global insights with corporate leaders, sharing successes and strategies to proactively tackle any deficiencies.
- Established open communication channels with employees to encourage feedback sharing and improve team dynamics.
- Elevated team performance with motivational approach and excellent training abilities.
- Coached staff to leverage upselling and cross-selling opportunities, driving consistent sales by cultivating competitive and results-driven culture.
- Boosted brand awareness through creative and multifaceted marketing strategies.
- Oversaw cash management procedures including reconciling daily transactions; minimized discrepancies and maintained accountability.
- Developed strong customer relationships by delivering exceptional service and personalized attention.
- Planned optimal workflow through successful scheduling and task delegation.
- Involved associates in decision-making processes to empower team and drive continued successes.
- Reduced shrinkage levels through diligent monitoring, staff education, and improved security measures.
Store Leader
GameStop 7815
10.2018 - 04.2021
- After successfully transforming a low-performance, high-shrink store into a top-tier retail experience, transferred to a newly-constructed high-volume location, to oversee its development and maximize growth in a new environment.
Store Leader
GameStop 6383
05.2018 - 10.2018
- Tasked with rebuilding a suffering retail location within four weeks, the store exceeded performance expectations and continues to exhibit exceptional service, due to the establishment of a healthy and positive work and shopping setting.
Education
Other - Teaching Certification, CTE
University of Virginia College at Wise
Wise, VA 08.2022 - 08.2023
Other - Digital Marketing
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA 06.2021 - 04.2022
Master's - Interdisciplinary Studies - Film and Video Studies
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA 09.2015 - 12.2016
Bachelor's - Visual Media Arts - Film Production
Emerson College
Boston, MA 09.2009 - 05.2013
High School Diploma - undefined
American International School of Jeddah
09.2005 - 06.2009
Skills
Student engagement
Classroom instruction
Curriculum implementation
Creative vision
Scheduling and planning
Stage management
Technical direction
Fundraising strategies
Improvisation techniques
Acting coaching
Rehearsal techniques
Lighting design
Accomplishments
May 4, 2025 - The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts sent a scout to the closing night of HADESTOWN: TEEN EDITION to determine scholarship eligibility. Nine students were awarded individual scholarships totaling $60,000.
Timeline
Director, Theatre/Drama (High School, Extracurricular)
Powhatan County Public Schools
08.2023 - Current
Other - Teaching Certification, CTE
University of Virginia College at Wise
08.2022 - 08.2023
Teacher, Career-Technical Education (Middle School)
Powhatan County Public Schools
07.2022 - Current
Debate Coach (Middle School)
Powhatan County Public Schools
10.2021 - Current
Instructional Assistant
Powhatan County Public Schools
08.2021 - 06.2022
Other - Digital Marketing
Old Dominion University
06.2021 - 04.2022
Store Leader
GameStop 2410
04.2021 - 08.2021
Store Leader
GameStop 7815
10.2018 - 04.2021
Store Leader
GameStop 6383
05.2018 - 10.2018
Master's - Interdisciplinary Studies - Film and Video Studies
George Mason University
09.2015 - 12.2016
Freelance Film Work
Freelance Film Work
04.2014 - 08.2024
Bachelor's - Visual Media Arts - Film Production
Emerson College
09.2009 - 05.2013
High School Diploma - undefined
American International School of Jeddah
09.2005 - 06.2009