Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Certification
Interests
Timeline
Generic

Countess Irvin

Franklinville,NJ

Summary

Dynamic Senior Army Instructor with over 18 years of experience at Trenton Board of Education, excelling in JROTC program management. Proven track record in enhancing student performance through innovative teaching methods and strong communication skills. Recognized for achieving "Honor Unit with Distinction" status, demonstrating unmatched classroom management and leadership capabilities.

Overview

23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Senior Army Instructor

Trenton Board Of Education
04.2007 - 08.2024
  • Senior Army Instructor (SAI) of Trenton Central High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps JROTC) program, with over 300 Cadets/students in attendance annually. Instructed and directed all instructional and operational activities of the JROTC Department. Supervised 2 Army Instructors and was responsible for the overall management of the JROTC Department.
  • Proposed and implemented the reconstruction of Trenton's JROTC program which earned the highest rating that can be held by a high school JROTC program, "Honor Unit with Distinction".
  • Promoted a positive learning environment by establishing clear expectations and maintaining consistent classroom management techniques.
  • Tracked student progress, frequently checking in with struggling students and identifying root causes of problems. Used SGOs for prior knowledge and targeted end results.
  • Boosted student performance by providing individualized support and targeted feedback.
  • Initiated new learning methods, eliminating instructional gaps and improving comprehension.
  • Full-time faculty member in an urban high school that house over 3000 students.
  • Elected by colleagues to serve on the School Leadership Council which is the governing body of the school in accordance with the New Jersey Department of Education governing code.

Assistant Professor of Military Science

United States Army
06.2004 - 04.2007
  • Developed, taught, and mentored over 120 Senior Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (SROTC) Cadets/students in military leadership, tactics, and science, annually. Responsible for developing and delivering curriculum, assessing Cadet/student performance, and staying updated on current military strategies and technologies. Also, was responsible for preparing Cadets/students for various career paths, including those in the military and civilian sectors.
  • Taught a Leadership Course to the aggregate of the Rutgers University students
  • Adapted instructional methods based on individual student needs, resulting in improved comprehension of complex topics.
  • Managed and organized administrative tasks related to student records, course schedules, and program logistics.
  • Worked with other instructors, administrators, and faculty members to support the program's goals.
  • Managed an annual budget in access of over 1 million dollars.

Small Group Instructor

United States Army
04.2003 - 06.2004
  • Instructed and mentored over 300 aspiring lieutenants in the Army's Basic Officer Leadership Course (BOLC). Responsible for delivering comprehensive instruction, evaluating student performance, and providing guidance to foster their growth as future leaders.
  • Utilized various teaching methods to engage students and facilitate learning, including simulations, case studies, and hands-on activities.
  • Evaluated course curricula regularly for relevance and rigor, making adjustments as needed to better serve student needs.
  • Provided timely feedback on assignments to help students improve their work before final submission deadlines.
  • Identified and addressed student needs, ensuring they had the resources and support to succeed.

Battery Commander

United States Army
04.2001 - 06.2003
  • Commander of an Air Defense Artillery unit responsible for the operational employment and maintenance of a Phased Array Tracking Radar Intercept on Target (PATRIOT) missile system and conventional equipment worth in excess of 75 million dollars.
  • Responsible for providing air and missile defense for critical assets in the Republic of Korea, with a world -wide contingency mission supporting a higher echelon mission.
  • Responsible for the readiness of over 180 soldiers and their families to include health and welfare, training, and personal and professional development.
  • Deployed unit and soldiers to Kuwait in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom in 2003.
  • Provided critical input during planning sessions based on extensive knowledge about enemy capabilities as well as past experiences in order to develop effective countermeasures.
  • Responsible for managing and briefing the company's annual budget to higher headquarters weekly.
  • Enhanced battery performance by implementing strategic training programs and optimizing resource allocation.
  • Championed continuous improvement efforts by evaluating current processes and proposing innovative solutions that increased efficiency without compromising safety or effectiveness.
  • Streamlined logistics processes for efficient resupply operations, reducing downtime and enabling continuous mission support.
  • Planned and coordinated tactical movements of personnel and equipment.
  • Directed tactical operations in complex and challenging environments.
  • Developed and implemented plans to reduce risk to personnel and equipment during tactical operations.
  • Executed tactical operations with accuracy and control.
  • Monitored and assessed mission progress and provided updates to command.
  • Ordered, unloaded, sorted and tracked supplies and equipment needed for unit activities.
  • Coordinated activities of subordinate personnel to support mission success.
  • Led team in developing strategic plans to meet operational objectives.
  • Trained and mentored personnel in combat operations and tactics.
  • Handled administrative requirements, maintained records and submitted operational reports.
  • Mentored junior officers and enlisted personnel, fostering professional growth and improved leadership capabilities within the unit.
  • Facilitated the exchange of information between various teams and units, ensuring all stakeholders had access to key data for informed decision making.
  • Addressed equipment deficiencies through diligent tracking of supply requests, ensuring timely receipt of necessary repair parts or replacements.
  • Managed maintenance activities to ensure the readiness of all equipment, contributing to a higher overall unit effectiveness.
  • Conducted regular evaluations of team members'' performance, providing constructive feedback to enhance overall skillsets and increase productivity.
  • Devised and implemented battle plans to achieve tactical objectives.
  • Increased operational readiness rates by proactively identifying potential issues before they escalated into larger problems affecting system performance or safety measures.
  • Served as subject matter expert on battery operations and tactics, conducting regular briefings and training sessions for team members as well as external partners.
  • Led the development of operational plans for successful mission execution, ensuring proper coordination and communication among team members.

Education

Master of Arts - M.A EDL, School Leadership

Thomas Edison State University
Trenton, NJ
09-2013

Bachelor of Arts - Business

Park University
Kansas City, MO
09-2000

Skills

  • Proven seasoned JROTC program manager with over 18 years of leading and managing the program including student and staff development programs
  • Unmatched classroom management skills
  • Classroom Instruction
  • Strong communication skills
  • Proficient in : All military computer applications, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint Access Outlook, Smart-Boards, Whiteboards, and Promethean Boards
  • Public speaking
  • Lesson planning

Affiliations

  • New Jersey Education Association

Certification

Teaching Certification

Global Compliance Network (GCN)

Interests

  • Cooking
  • I enjoy helping others and giving back to the community
  • Enjoy participating in [activity] for overall physical and mental well-being
  • Avid Reader
  • Community Cleanup
  • Dancing
  • Youth Development Programs
  • Offering time and support to shelters for the homeless, women, and animals
  • Participating in local clean-up initiatives
  • Getting involved in local advocacy groups to promote positive change in the community
  • Music
  • Gym Workouts
  • Volunteering at community kitchens and food-related charities
  • Supporting STEM education initiatives and mentorship programs
  • Youth mentor, providing guidance and support to empower the next generation of leaders
  • Fundraising Events
  • Team Sports
  • I enjoy cooking for friends and family gatherings

Timeline

Senior Army Instructor

Trenton Board Of Education
04.2007 - 08.2024

Assistant Professor of Military Science

United States Army
06.2004 - 04.2007

Small Group Instructor

United States Army
04.2003 - 06.2004

Battery Commander

United States Army
04.2001 - 06.2003

Master of Arts - M.A EDL, School Leadership

Thomas Edison State University

Bachelor of Arts - Business

Park University