Derrick Harden
Houston,Texas
Summary
Dedicated coach and physical educator with over 15 years in athletic development. Known for cultivating strong relationships with athletes and parents while fostering accountability and teamwork. Expertise in developing sport-specific training programs and creating structured environments that promote student growth and confidence.
Overview
1
1
Certification
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Physical Educator
Alternative Learning Center
Houston, Texas
01.2026 - Current
- Design and deliver engaging physical education lessons aligned with TEKS and curriculum standards.
- Assess students' physical abilities, strengths, areas for improvement, and individual needs to support meaningful growth.
- Establish positive relationships with students that promote trust, accountability, communication, and engagement.
- Create a structured and supportive environment that encourages students to develop confidence, teamwork, discipline, and healthy habits.
- Assign, evaluate, and provide feedback on student work and performance.
Physical Educator & Coach
O'Donnell Middle School
Houston, TX
01.2022 - 01.2026
- Served as Offensive Coordinator for 8A Football, helping develop offensive strategy, player fundamentals, and team execution.
- Served as Head Coach for 7A Basketball, providing leadership for athletes while establishing expectations for preparation, teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship.
- Planned and coordinated off-season workouts and sport-specific training to improve athlete development and performance.
- Organized game-day transportation and travel logistics to ensure teams were prepared and supported throughout competitions.
- Developed physical education lessons aligned with TEKS and curriculum standards.
- Evaluated student-athletes to identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement.
- Built productive relationships with athletes and parents through consistent communication, encouragement, and accountability.
- Created an environment focused on character development, confidence, teamwork, and athletic growth.
Physical Educator & Coach
Youngblood Intermediate
Houston, TX
01.2008 - 01.2022
- Delivered physical education instruction that enhanced students' physical fitness, teamwork, coordination, and sportsmanship.
- Developed and implemented school-based sports programs designed to increase student participation and athletic development.
- Coordinated and supervised sport-specific after-school training programs to foster skill development and increase student engagement.
- Evaluated student-athletes and adapted instruction and training based on individual strengths and areas for development.
- Built strong relationships with students and parents while maintaining a positive and supportive learning environment.
- Organized and coordinated Field Day, managing activities that promoted student participation and created an enjoyable experience for students and staff.
- Mentored students through athletics while emphasizing discipline, perseverance, responsibility, and personal growth.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Exercise & Sport Studies
Tarleton State University
Stephenville, TexasAssociate Degree - Physical Education
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, ColoradoSkills
- Strength & conditioning
- Athlete Development
- Game & Practice Planning
- Sports Programming
- Coaching & Leadership
- Team Building
- Youth Development
- Student Engagement
- Parent Relations
- Conflict Resolution
- Communication
- Mentoring
Certification
- First Aid & CPR Certified
- Physical Education (EC-12)
- Coaching & Athletic Leadership
Professional Values
I believe athletics are about more than winning games—they are an opportunity to develop disciplined, confident, resilient, and responsible young people. My coaching philosophy combines high expectations with genuine mentorship, creating an environment where athletes understand what is expected of them, receive the support necessary to improve, and learn how to carry the lessons of teamwork, accountability, and perseverance beyond the playing field.
Athletic Development Experience
Velocity Sports Performance, Strength & Conditioning Coach, Experience applying strength and conditioning principles to help athletes improve: Speed and acceleration, Strength and power, Explosiveness, Conditioning and endurance, Sport-specific performance, Overall athletic confidence and preparation.
Additional Qualifications
- Extensive knowledge of child and adolescent development
- More than 15 years of experience working directly with students ages 5–19
- Experience coaching football and basketball
- Experience developing and supervising youth athletic programs
- Strong understanding of physical education and athletic development.
Timeline
Physical Educator
Alternative Learning Center
01.2026 - Current
Physical Educator & Coach
O'Donnell Middle School
01.2022 - 01.2026
Physical Educator & Coach
Youngblood Intermediate
01.2008 - 01.2022
Bachelor of Science - Exercise & Sport Studies
Tarleton State University
Associate Degree - Physical Education
Colorado State University