Christopher Lyon
Joliet,IL
Summary
A passionate, driven, and dedicated education professional, specializing in History, Literature, and Rugby Coaching.
Proven track record of engaging students, creating classroom buy-in, developing diverse educational strategies and implementing entertaining and educational classroom projects.
Focused on faith, family, and service to others
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Upper School Teacher and Coach
Chesterton Academy of the Holy Family
07.2018 - Current
- CLASSES TAUGHT: History of Late Antiquity and the Early Middle Ages, Medieval and Renaissance History, Modern and US Constitutional History, Astronomy, Earth Science, Introduction to Philosophy (Pre-Socratics through Aristotle), Medieval Literature, Latin I, II, III, and IV
- Managed classrooms of up to 42 students
- Worked one-on-one with students to determine strengths, weaknesses, and learning patterns.
- Provided warm, supportive environment for developing academic, social, and emotional growth.
- Created study guides, research materials and syllabi for students.
- Evaluated student progress through ongoing assessments, adjusting instruction as needed to address individual needs.
- Developed positive rapport with students through empathetic listening and genuine interest in their lives outside of school.
- Established open communication and positive relationships with students, parents, peers, and administrative staff.
- Developed positive rapport with students of various and diverse backgrounds.
- Collaborated with colleagues to create interdisciplinary lessons that reinforced core concepts across multiple subjects.
- Met and exceeded class-wide achievement and proficiency standards as established by state testing departments.
- Organized extracurricular clubs and activities, providing students with additional opportunities for growth and enrichment beyond regular coursework.
- Delivered audio-visual presentations on various platforms to cater to different learning styles.
- Communicated frequently with parents, students, and faculty to provide feedback and discuss instructional strategies.
- Shifted between formal and informal methods of teaching to keep students engaged.
- Prepared quizzes, tests and examinations to gauge how well students were learning.
- Evaluated students' understanding of course material through examinations and in-depth essay writing.
Middle School Teacher
St. John Paul II Academy
08.2017 - 05.2018
- CLASSES TAUGHT: 6-7-8th Grade History, Language Arts, and Latin
- Provided one-on-one attention to students, while maintaining overall focus on entire group.
- Completed in-service and additional training to maintain professional growth.
- Kept classroom organized, clean and safe for students and visitors.
- Utilized various technology platforms to enhance virtual learning experiences during remote instruction periods, ensuring continued academic progress despite challenging circumstances.
- Identified signs of emotional or developmental problems in students.
- Kept classroom environments consistent and focused on learning by establishing and enforcing clear objectives.
Upper School Teacher and Coach
Founders Classical Academy of Leander
07.2014 - 06.2017
- CLASSES TAUGHT: Western Civilization II, Western Civilization III, Epic Literature (10th Grade), Poetry and the Short Story (Language Arts Elective - High School), PE (6th Grade - Assist)
- Worked one-on-one with students to determine strengths, weaknesses, and learning patterns.
- Provided warm, supportive environment for developing academic, social, and emotional growth.
- Created study guides, research materials and syllabi for students.
- Evaluated student progress through ongoing assessments, adjusting instruction as needed to address individual needs.
- Developed positive rapport with students through empathetic listening and genuine interest in their lives outside of school.
- Enhanced classroom management skills, resulting in a more focused and productive learning environment.
- Continuously updated professional knowledge by attending conferences, workshops, and relevant training sessions, ensuring the most current practices were utilized in the classroom setting.
- Developed positive rapport with students of various and diverse backgrounds.
Research Assistant
Marquette University
01.2012 - 01.2014
- Dr. Alan Ball Project: Soviet intercept/ State Dept. archive micro-film (FIBIS) indexing
- Dr. John Krugler Project: Interview transcription, file archiving.
- Participated actively in regular meetings with fellow researchers to discuss project updates, challenges faced, and lessons learned during ongoing activities.
- Organized research materials, maintaining a well-ordered workspace conducive to productivity.
- Maintained open lines of communication with project leads and team members for effective collaboration on common goals.
- Monitored project timelines, ensuring timely completion of tasks while maintaining high-quality output.
- Synthesized complex information into clear summaries to make findings accessible to diverse audiences.
Marine Corps Infantry Machinegunner
United States Marine Corps
06.2005 - 07.2009
- Deployed: Operation Iraqi Freedom 2006-2007, 2007-2008
- Leadership positions/ billets held: Gunner, Gun Team Leader, Assistant/Temporary Squad Leader, Assistant/Temporary Vehicle Commander
- Primary MS: 0331, Infantry Machine-gunner
- Secondary MOS: 0933, Marksmanship Instructor/ Base Security
- Taught new team members how to operate and maintain weapons.
- Assisted in the planning and execution of live-fire training events for both individual and crew-served weapons, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
- Served as a subject matter expert on machine gun systems, providing guidance and instruction to peers and subordinates alike.
- Demonstrated exceptional marksmanship skills while engaging enemy targets at long range, contributing to mission success.
- Assisted in the development of tactical strategies, contributing to successful mission outcomes.
- Increased operational readiness by leading rigorous training exercises for fellow gunners.
- Implemented risk mitigation protocols while employing heavy weaponry alongside infantry squads during intense combat scenarios.
- Optimized weapons effectiveness through proper cleaning and lubrication techniques, ensuring consistent reliability during crucial moments in combat operations.
- Participated in numerous live-fire exercises, honing shooting accuracy and overall proficiency with various machine guns.
- Learned and maintained proficiency in different shooting positions.
- Enhanced team efficiency by conducting regular maintenance on machine guns and related equipment.
- Worked hard to build and maintain level of physical fitness required to carry and position weapons and ammunition.
- Improved unit safety by enforcing strict adherence to proper handling and storage procedures of firearms.
- Conducted patrols over different types of terrain.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop coordinated assault plans, resulting in more effective combat engagements.
- Developed strong communication skills as a result of coordinating fire support with adjacent units during complex exercises and real-world missions.
- Reduced equipment malfunctions through diligent preventive maintenance efforts on machine guns and accessories.
- Consistently achieved top marks during qualification tests for machine gun proficiency, demonstrating technical expertise in weapon systems operation.
- Operated and maintained various machine gun systems, from light to heavy weapons platforms, ensuring versatility within the unit.
- Maintained detailed records of ammunition usage, enabling accurate supply management and resupply requests when necessary.
- Provided accurate and timely fire support during missions, assisting in the achievement of strategic objectives.
- Advised senior leadership on best practices regarding machine gun employment within various tactical scenarios, shaping battlefield strategy for maximum impact.
- Conducted thorough inspections of weaponry, ensuring optimal performance during critical operations.
- Practiced clock and gun drills to maintain optimum skills.
- Trained new infantry soldiers on standard operating procedures.
- Oversaw maintenance and repair of weapons and equipment to preserve operational readiness.
- Developed and implemented strategies to maximize squad efficiency.
- Instructed squad members on proper use of weapons and equipment.
- Analyzed terrain to identify advantageous positions for operations.
- Conducted safety briefings for squad members prior to missions.
- Used modern communication systems to relay orders to squad members.
- Installed, operated and maintained field communications equipment.
- Applied first aid to squad members at camps and on battlefield.
- Utilized advanced combat tactics to maintain safety during engagements.
- Guided night patrols to search for enemy forces.
- Coordinated with allied forces to achieve mission objectives.
- Led soldiers through successful engagements with enemy forces.
- Directed reconnaissance missions to gather intelligence on enemy forces.
- Established defensive positions during hostile engagements.
- Monitored and reported enemy activity to command center.
Education
Master of Arts - Medieval History
Marquette University
Milwaukee, WI05.2014
Bachelor of Arts - History
University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point
Stevens Point, WI05-2012
St. Gregory’s Academy
Elmhurst, PA05-2004
Homeschool
Bayfield, WI05.2000
Skills
- Led two pilgrimages to Rome (2024 and 2025), in charge of 30 students and chaperones for 10-day trips in Italy
- Led tours of numerous historical sites in Italy, prepared tours in Portugal, Ireland, Scotland, and Greece (though have not employed that preparation yet)
- 25 years of experience in men's rugby, 10 years of coaching experience at various levels including college and high school
- Parent-teacher communication
- Physical education experience
- Subject matter expertise
- Problem-solving skills
- Organizational skills
- Team collaboration
- Tour Group Leader
Language Experience
Modern Standard Arabic: 2 semesters, (+ Iraqi dialect immersion, 14 months)
Latin: 6 years active study (2 years home school, 4 years high school) and 5 years teaching.
Old English: 2 years self-taught
Military Awards
-National Defense Medal
-Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal
-Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
-Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (x2)
-Iraq Campaign Service Medal (x2)
-Combat Action Ribbon
-Navy Unit Commendation
- Rifle Expert Badge (x3)
- Pistol Expert Badge
- Honorable Discharge
Interests
- Playing in a folk rock/Irish music band called "Basil & the Wrath Bones"
- Assisting with school Drama productions (especially Shakespeare plays)
- Assisting with school Music/Choir program
- Led school choirs on two international tours
- Running a film review podcast, entitled "Bards With Beards"
- Avid writer and reader
- Building ship models, painting tabletop miniatures, and creating scenery boards
- Exploring famous landmarks, historical sites, and cultural attractions in a new destination
- Documenting and sharing travel experiences
- Exploring historical landmarks
- Backpacking and Hiking
- Road Trips
Timeline
Upper School Teacher and Coach
Chesterton Academy of the Holy Family
07.2018 - Current
Middle School Teacher
St. John Paul II Academy
08.2017 - 05.2018
Upper School Teacher and Coach
Founders Classical Academy of Leander
07.2014 - 06.2017
Research Assistant
Marquette University
01.2012 - 01.2014
Marine Corps Infantry Machinegunner
United States Marine Corps
06.2005 - 07.2009
Master of Arts - Medieval History
Marquette University
Bachelor of Arts - History
University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point
St. Gregory’s Academy
Homeschool
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