Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Timeline
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David Gardner Jr.

Titusville,FL

Summary

Dynamic and dedicated educator with expertise in biology and classroom management, recognized for enhancing student engagement at Orange County Public School District. Proven track record in implementing project-based learning and fostering scientific inquiry, inspiring students to excel in their academic pursuits while cultivating a collaborative classroom environment.

Overview

22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Science/High School Biological Sciences Teacher

Orange County Public School District
10.2003 - Current
  • Established a positive classroom environment by enforcing consistent rules and expectations, promoting respect among students.
  • Increased overall class engagement by designing creative assignments that allowed students to explore personal interests within the context of biological sciences.
  • Developed strong relationships with parents and guardians by maintaining regular communication about student progress and areas for improvement.
  • Contributed to the ongoing improvement of the science curriculum by participating in regular department meetings and providing feedback on course materials.
  • Mentored new teachers in the department, sharing best practices and providing guidance on effective teaching strategies.
  • Inspired a passion for scientific inquiry among students by sharing real-world examples from research articles or news stories related to course topics.
  • Improved student understanding of complex biological concepts by incorporating hands-on experiments and interactive activities.
  • Assessed student learning through various forms of evaluation, including quizzes, exams, lab reports, and presentations.
  • Provided individualized support for struggling students, offering extra help during office hours or after-school tutoring sessions.
  • Adapted teaching methods to accommodate diverse learning styles and needs, ensuring all students had equal access to educational opportunities.
  • Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on advances in the field of biology and improve instructional techniques.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary lesson plans, fostering a more comprehensive learning experience for students.
  • Developed materials for laboratory activities, homework assignments, and handouts to facilitate learning.
  • Evaluated students' academic and social growth, kept appropriate records, and prepared progress reports to gauge performance.
  • Established positive and encouraging relationship with students and helped to foster appreciation for biology and science.
  • Promoted culture of inclusion, respect and collaboration in classroom.
  • Encouraged students to take active role in learning and academic success.
  • Utilized data to inform instructional decisions and personalize learning.

High School Track/Cross Country Coach

Orange County Public School District
08.2005 - 05.2021
  • Organized successful fundraising events to support team travel expenses and equipment purchases.
  • Mentored athletes in setting realistic goals, resulting in increased motivation levels and personal bests throughout the season.
  • Fostered a positive team culture by emphasizing sportsmanship, teamwork, and goalsetting.
  • Improved team performance by implementing tailored training programs for individual athletes.
  • Implemented comprehensive nutrition plans, optimizing athlete performance during peak competition periods.
  • Enhanced athlete endurance and stamina through the incorporation of cross-training exercises and interval workouts.
  • Served as an advocate for cross-country within the school community by highlighting achievements at school-wide assemblies and media outlets.
  • Served as a mentor and role model for young athletes, instilling in them the values of hard work, dedication, and perseverance in reaching their full potential.
  • Collaborated with athletic trainers to develop injury prevention strategies and rehabilitation plans for injured athletes.
  • Provided academic support when necessary to ensure that student-athletes maintained good standing academically and balanced their athletic pursuits with educational requirements successfully.
  • Coordinated and conducted off-season training and conditioning.
  • Established effective communication channels with parents, addressing concerns and providing updates on athlete progress.
  • Planned, instructed and supervised daily practice sessions.
  • Managed budget allocations effectively while ensuring quality coaching resources were maintained for optimal performance outcomes.
  • Developed strategic race plans, leading to consistent top finishes in regional and national competitions.
  • Promoted proper stretching, warmups and conditioning exercises to prevent sports injuries.

FSU FCR-STEM Education Faculty

Florida State University/FCR-STEM GRANT
05.2015 - 08.2017
  • Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
  • Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
  • Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
  • Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
  • Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
  • Developed STEM related activities and lessons designed for educators and students
  • Composed and created several lesson plans for CPALMS website/Florida Education Lesson Plan Hub
  • Lectured/Speaking engagements on a variety of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics topics

NSLC Assistant Coordinator

National Student Leadership Conference
06.2005 - 08.2005
  • Contributed to process improvement initiatives within the department by identifying areas for optimization and proposing solutions accordingly.
  • Attended staff meetings, notified parents regarding special events and interacted with families on routine basis.
  • Maintained parental sign-in and sign-out sheets.
  • Assisted in coordinating events, resulting in successful execution and increased attendee satisfaction.
  • Provided administrative support to the team, enabling them to focus on core tasks and achieve project goals.
  • Prioritized tasks effectively under tight deadlines while maintaining a strong attention to detail throughout all aspects of work responsibilities.
  • Worked with supervisor to assess needs and determine best courses of action.
  • Enhanced team productivity by streamlining communication and implementing effective project management tools.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure smooth project execution and delivery of high-quality results.
  • Coordinated travel arrangements for team members, ensuring seamless logistics during business trips or events attendance.
  • Monitored performance of logistics operations to identify areas for improvement.
  • Built and established relationships with staff and vendors.
  • Facilitated cross-department collaboration to address and resolve logistical hurdles efficiently.

Education

Master of Science - Biology/Genetics/Herpetology

Southeastern Louisiana University
Hammond, LA
06-2003

Bachelor of Science - Biology

Francis Marion University
Florence, SC
05-2000

Skills

  • Active learning techniques
  • Expertise in biology
  • Lab safety procedures
  • Scientific inquiry and STEM related expertise
  • Published Scientist-Zoology
  • Project-based learning
  • Molecular biology
  • Evolutionary theory
  • Environmental education
  • Ecology principles
  • Anatomy and physiology
  • Classroom management
  • Student engagement

Accomplishments

    -Published Scientist- Online Journal of Zoology and Contemporary Herpetologly

    -2 Time Academic All-American-Cross Country/Track

    Francis Marion University/Peach Belt Athletic Conference

    -4 Time Coach of the Year Cross Country/Track- Orange County Public Schools Athletics

    -10 Time Service Learning Award Recepient

    -Highly Effective Teacher 10+ years

Certification

Florida Educator Professional Certificate-PSC

Timeline

FSU FCR-STEM Education Faculty

Florida State University/FCR-STEM GRANT
05.2015 - 08.2017

High School Track/Cross Country Coach

Orange County Public School District
08.2005 - 05.2021

NSLC Assistant Coordinator

National Student Leadership Conference
06.2005 - 08.2005

Science/High School Biological Sciences Teacher

Orange County Public School District
10.2003 - Current

Master of Science - Biology/Genetics/Herpetology

Southeastern Louisiana University

Bachelor of Science - Biology

Francis Marion University

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David Gardner Jr.