Darren Echols
Durham,NC
Summary
Focused Research Assistant currently pursuing PhD degree in Cultural Studies to advance research into Twice Exceptional Boys and Giftedness. Adept in conducting interviews, literature reviews and data synthesis and analysis. Organized and flexible with proven skill in research, data collection and administrative support.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
PhD Graduate Assistant
University Of North Carolina Greensboro - ELC Dept
Greensboro, NC
08.2021 - Current
- Researched information regarding Social Justice, to assist professors with academic pursuits.
- Completed administrative and research duties per professor request.
- Assisted faculty members with data collection for potential academic publications.
- Coordinated materials for PhD Syllabi.
- Performed statistical, qualitative and quantitative analysis.
- Analyzed acquired information and presented to professors.
- Conducted, researched and drafted memos and summaries on various texts, articles, and primary resources..
- Recorded data and maintained source documentation following good documentation practices.
- Organized various class presentations and new course materials as directed by professor.
- Helped team meet regulatory requirements by coordinating documentation and filings.
- Prepared materials for reports, presentations and submission to peer-reviewed journal publications.
- Directed students in performing and completing assigned tasks.
- Liaised between faculty and students to answer questions and optimize faculty time.
- Supported department members with administrative, research and academic assistance.
- Worked with principal investigators to coordinate qualitative research.
- Wrote and edited data collection forms and questionnaires.
Teacher
Various Districts
United States & United Kingdom, Various
09.2008 - 06.2021
- Planned and implemented integrated lessons to meet national standards.
- Communicated frequently with parents, students and faculty to provide feedback and discuss instructional strategies.
- Piloted program to address proposed state subject area competencies and standards.
- Enhanced student knowledge of technology by integrating various web-based applications for research and assignments.
- Evaluated and revised lesson plans and course content to achieve student-centered learning.
- Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Completed daily reports on attendance and disciplinary performance.
- Encouraged creative thinking and motivated students by addressing individual strengths and weaknesses based on standardized testing results.
- Supervised learning groups of students in classroom stations.
- Collaborated with faculty to develop after-school tutoring program for struggling students.
- Incorporated exciting and engaging activities to achieve student participation and hands-on learning.
- Graded and evaluated student assignments, papers and course work.
- Designed dynamic lesson plans based on student interests to increase overall student GPA.
- Held conferences with parents to address questions, discuss academic progress and encourage learning goals.
- Attended and facilitated IEP meetings for students and families.
- Implemented creative ways to foster curiosity for complex principles through hands-on learning and planned activities.
- Developed and implemented lesson plans that addressed general students as well as those with individualized 504 plans as part of integrated classroom.
- Reviewed curriculum and devised alternate approaches to presenting lessons to increase student understanding.
- Instructed students in core educational principles, concepts and in-depth subject matter.
- Devised and implemented strategies to create and maintain cohesive school community within virtual classroom setting.
- Worked cooperatively with other teachers, administrators and parents to help students reach learning objectives.
- Fostered team collaboration between students through group projects.
- Supported student physical, mental and social development using classroom games and activities.
- Incorporated multiple types of teaching strategies into classroom.
- Implemented and encouraged debate-style classroom environment to increase student engagement and promote critical thinking.
- Communicated frequently with parents, students and faculty to provide feedback and discuss instructional strategies
Member Service Supervisor
Thrive Market
Los Angeles, CA
05.2016 - 04.2017
- Responded to customer calls and emails to answer questions about products and services.
- Resolved concerns with products or services to help with retention and drive sales.
- Maintained updated knowledge of internal processes and industry best practices to optimize service delivery.
- Led team of representatives servicing all customers.
- Led team of representatives servicing new and existing customers.
- Gathered materials and submitted completed member applications.
- Helped customers understand benefits with thorough, knowledgeable and friendly explanations.
- Assisted members with correcting account, service and system issues by educating on required forms and technical processes.
- Answered member questions regarding enrollment, claims, benefits, referrals and pre-authorizations.
- Directed floor operations in busy center handling 100+ daily inquiries.
- Investigated problems and discrepancies to resolve issues with renewals and member benefits delivery.
- Learned internal systems and related service role duties to provide skilled team backup in handling customer demands.
- Kept administrative records current and accurate to promote efficiency and team effectiveness.
- Recommended specific products and services in alignment with individual needs, requirements and specifications.
- Updated system information with customer and plan details, payments or other relevant information.
- Used key sales tactics to grow membership sales.
- Trained, mentored and evaluated employees on service quality, knowledge and performance.
- Completed in-depth research to answer more complex questions.
- Delivered functionality assistance via phone and online service platforms.
- Completed training and worked effectively under high-pressure client services environments.
- Continuously surpassed customer service standards while ensuring compliance with call volume objectives.
Client Services Manager
MasTypography Studio
Brooklyn, NY
11.2008 - 04.2016
- Established performance and service goals and held associates accountable for individual performance.
- Handled complaints, provided appropriate solutions and alternatives within appropriate timeframes and followed up to achieve resolution.
- Partnered with business leaders to deliver services that support company objectives and consistent with corporate values.
- Delegated tasks to existing support team members and used cloud-based tools to help solve complex business issues.
- Scheduled and attended meetings with clients and prospective clients as requested.
- Kept stakeholders up-to-date on details pertaining to client projects.
- Built client relationships by responding to inquiries, identifying and assessing clients' needs, resolving problems and following up with potential and existing clients.
- Delivered outstanding service to clients to maintain and extend relationships for future business opportunities.
- Achieved high staff morale and retention through effective communication, prompt problem resolution, proactive supervisory practices and facilitation of proactive work environment.
- Developed new employees and on-going performance assessment of current employees.
- Collaborated with finance department on invoicing accuracy for applicable products, services, software and logistics.
- Organized daily workflow and assessed appropriate staffing to provide optimal service.
- Maintained client files with sales contracts, records of client interactions, client notes and other information.
- Investigated, documented and submitted information to Quality Department about special incidents, events and complaints.
- Interacted with clients on regular basis to quickly alleviate issues and provide project updates.
- Performed duties and provided service in accordance with established operating procedures and company policies.
- Encouraged creative thinking, problem solving and empowerment as part of facility management group to improve morale and teamwork.
- Supervised daily operations and sales functions to maximize revenue, customer satisfaction and employee productivity.
- Mentored departmental team, boosting efficiency, success and morale among employees.
- Helped develop monthly schedules and assignments.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired staff members offering exceptional talent and brought great skills to team.
- Referred clients to appropriate team members, community agencies and organizations to meet treatment needs.
- Oversaw staff development through in-depth trainings, workshops, seminars and other learning opportunities.
- Developed and implemented variety of innovative policies and strategies to promote client self-sufficiency.
Education
Ph.D. - Ed. Leadership & Cultural Foundations
University of North Carolina Greensboro
Greensboro, NC12.2025
Master of Art Elementary Education - Elementary
North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University
Greensboro, NC12.2020
Bachelor of Arts - English & Comparative Literature
The City College of New York
New York City06.2006
Skills
- Papers Evaluation
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Excel
- Critical Thinking
- Problem Solving
- Relationship Management
- Verbal and Written Communication
- Instructor Collaboration
- Interpersonal Communication
- Adobe Photoshop
- Discussion Facilitation
- Relationship Building
- Qualitative Research
- Administrative Support
- Academic Presentations
- Data Entry
- Academic Research
- Quantitative Research
- Faculty Collaboration
- Project Support
- Academic Writing
- Academic Goal-setting
Certification
- North Carolina Licensed Elementary Education Teacher 2021 - 2024
Timeline
PhD Graduate Assistant
University Of North Carolina Greensboro - ELC Dept
08.2021 - Current
Member Service Supervisor
Thrive Market
05.2016 - 04.2017
Client Services Manager
MasTypography Studio
11.2008 - 04.2016
Teacher
Various Districts
09.2008 - 06.2021
Ph.D. - Ed. Leadership & Cultural Foundations
University of North Carolina Greensboro
Master of Art Elementary Education - Elementary
North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University
Bachelor of Arts - English & Comparative Literature
The City College of New York
- North Carolina Licensed Elementary Education Teacher 2021 - 2024
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