Deon Ellis
New Braunfels
Summary
Knowledgeable strategic communication skills with strong background in delivering engaging and comprehensive lectures. Consistently recognized for developing valuable course materials and fostering stimulating learning environment. Demonstrated expertise in curriculum development and student mentorship.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Adjunct Faculty Lecturer
San Antonio College
08.2022 - Current
- Instructed three communication courses – Business & Professional Communication, Introduction to Public Speaking, and Introduction to Speech Communication – each with an average class size of 30 students
- Designed and implemented course materials and learning activities that effectively engage students, fostering a comprehensive understanding of communication principles
- Evaluated student performance through assessments and provided constructive feedback to enhance their communication skills
- Quickly learned and adapted to various software applications including Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Padlet, and Canvas LMS navigation
- Cultivated critical thinking skills through challenging assignments that required analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of information from various sources.
- Developed strong relationships with colleagues, collaborating on curriculum development and sharing best practices in teaching strategies.
Learning Trainer
Amazon Warehouse
06.2021 - 08.2023
- Trained and conducted retraining for new hires and associates in several departments
- Support daily management of department duties, including allocating labor, and leading meetings
- Assisted Amazon associates with performance management by documenting quarterly audits
- Collaborated with various departments to ensure associates were meeting both productivity and quality goals
- Utilize problem-solving skills to ensure associates perform at a high level to meet critical processing times
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends, integrating new ideas into existing training curriculums when relevant.
Full-time Faculty Lecturer
Texas State University
08.2022 - 12.2022
- Taught 5 sections of COMM.1310 (Introduction to Human Communication), each averaging 30 students
- This course covered topics such as interpersonal communication, small group communication, and presentation/public speaking
- Exceeded departmental expectations in instructor evaluations by 13.6% (Instructor Average: 4.60; Department Average: 4.47)
- Cultivated a safe and productive learning environment for students to thrive and become leaders in their professions and educational roles
- Adapted delivery of course content to maximize student learning and retention
Graduate Instructor’s Assistant
Texas State University
08.2021 - 05.2022
- Taught 3 sections of COMM.1310 (Introduction to Human Communication), an undergraduate course averaging 90 students per semester under the supervision of an Associate Professor
- Exceeded departmental expectations in instructor evaluations by 14.3% (Instructor Average: 4.66; Department Average: 4.52)
- Revised lab syllabus to meet accreditation standards
- Supported classroom activities, tutoring, and reviewing work.
- Tutored struggling students individually and in small groups to reinforce learning concepts.
Instructional Aide II
Lehman High School
10.2020 - 06.2021
- Utilized Google Suites as a way to collaborate with co-workers and organize teaching material
- Collaborated with the lead teacher in maintaining appropriate learning activities to foster a positive and encouraging learning environment
- Provided instructional, behavioral, and communicational support for students, as needed, resulting in a 33% turnaround rate
- Supported each student’s mental, physical, medical, communicative, and emotional needs
- Implemented evidence-based practices to ensure meeting learning outcomes
Student Program Coordinator
UTRGV Leadership and Mentoring Office
08.2017 - 05.2020
- Crafted marketing messages for cultural events that were hosted on campus.
- Recruited and supervised a diverse team of 10 executive members of the Freshman Leadership Academy Organization.
- Sourced candidates for assigned leadership roles.
- Programmed Seminars, Socials, and Service Events for the Freshman Leadership Academy Organization.
- Documented organizational change strategies.
- Streamlined processes within the office, improving efficiency and enhancing overall program management.
Education
Master of Arts - Communication Studies
Texas State University
San Marcos, TX05.2022
Bachelor of Arts - Communication Studies
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Edinburg, TX05.2020
Skills
- Change Management Expertise
- Verbal and Written Communication
- Workshop Facilitation
- Advanced Technical Skills
- Effective Collaboration Skills
- Analytical Problem-Solving
- Performance Evaluation
- Business Workflow Management
- Effective Class Management
Certification
- Certificate in Corporate Communication and Training - 2022
- Certificate of Completion: Teaching & Learning Academy (TLA) - 2021
- Certificate in Mediation - 2022
Leadership:
Faculty Program Mentor – Black Male Mentoring Initiative (BMMI) August 2023 – Present
- Facilitated regular one-on-one and group mentoring sessions.
- Assist mentees in setting and achieving academic, career, and personal goals.
- Connected mentees to resources and opportunities on and off campus.
- Helped mentees navigate academic and social challenges.
- Collaborated with the program coordinator to assess mentees’ progress and needs.
- Maintained confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions with mentees.
Skills Trainer/Speaker - May 2021
- Administered and curated content for Leadership Training
- Cultivated and constructed content for a Time Management Training Session
- Composed and achieved training objectives to ensure successful delivery and overall training experience.
- Delivered 2 two-hour training sessions to several organizations at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
SPANISH
Limited Working
Timeline
Adjunct Faculty Lecturer
San Antonio College
08.2022 - Current
Full-time Faculty Lecturer
Texas State University
08.2022 - 12.2022
Graduate Instructor’s Assistant
Texas State University
08.2021 - 05.2022
Learning Trainer
Amazon Warehouse
06.2021 - 08.2023
Instructional Aide II
Lehman High School
10.2020 - 06.2021
Student Program Coordinator
UTRGV Leadership and Mentoring Office
08.2017 - 05.2020
Master of Arts - Communication Studies
Texas State University
Bachelor of Arts - Communication Studies
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
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