Derrick Willis Sr.
Biloxi,USA
Summary
Competent, experienced and dedicated professional with over 15 years coaching and teaching in Mississippi public school system. I have had the privilege of learning from some of the best coaches and teachers in the state. With their help, and through my own determination, I have acquired a wealth of knowledge, skills, and experiences that make me a qualified candidate for this opening.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Basketball Coach/ Special Education Teacher
Biloxi School District
07.2024 - Current
- Assist head coach in all facets of leading a championship program.
- Model and lead drills in practice.
- Coordinate with head coach about scouting reports of opponents.
- Implement player development routines.
- Inventory and maintenance of team equipment.
- Communicate with parents regarding player academic and athletic performance.
- Reinforce the standards of the program.
- Lead IEP meetings
- Data collection
- Support and advocate for students.
- Manage student caseload.
- Provide remediation for students who are struggling in core classes.
Assistant Basketball Coach/Learning Interventionist
St. Martin High School
07.2022 - 05.2024
- Assisted head coach with practice plans, facility maintenance, player development and inventory needs.
- Created an Emergency Action Plan in case of accidents that may happen during games.
- Improved state test scores in English by 35% in one school year.
- Collaborated with colleagues to create a Reading initiative to improve engagement and performance on standardized tests.
- Personally responsible for over 40 students learning strategies and socio emotional learning.
- Monitored student-athletes' academic progress and communicated regularly with parents and teachers to ensure academic and athletic goals were being met
Head Coach/Teacher
Bay High School
07.2020 - 07.2022
- Led Varsity Basketball program as head coach Region 7-4A
- Organized workouts to ensure the progress of junior high players.
- Provided Junior High coaches with practice plans to facilitate smooth transition for players to the high school level.
- Maintained and upgraded facilities, equipment and uniforms.
- Organized fundraisers to promote the basketball program in a positive manner within the community.
- Created lesson plans centered around student’s academic interests and strengths.
- 2020-2021 Team finished 3rd in district and advanced to class 4A State Playoffs
- 2021-2022 Increased win total by 10+ wins.
- 2022 Team finished as District Runners up and advanced to the State Playoffs
Head Coach/Teacher
Hancock High School
04.2018 - 06.2020
- Led Varsity basketball program as Head Coach Region 8 Class 6A
- Oversaw routine maintenance of facilities.
- Maintained and upgraded game and practice uniforms.
- Led fundraising efforts to help purchase team uniforms as well as training equipment to build a stronger athlete and program.
- Created skill development programs to increase players' skills and competencies during game performance.
- Increased win total by 5 wins from previous head coach.
- Increased win total by 5 in second season as head coach.
- Advanced to Class 6A state playoffs in 2019-2020 season. It was the program’s first playoff birth in 15+ years.
- Provided mentorship and guidance to student-athletes both on and off the field
- Monitored academic progress of student-athletes and provide support to ensure they meet eligibility requirements for participation
Coach/Teacher
Gulfport School District
07.2013 - 04.2018
- Head Junior High Coach at Gulfport Central Middle School (2013-2015)
- 2013-2014, 2014-2015 District IV Champions
- 2013-2014, 2014-2015 District IV Coach of the Year
- Head JV Boys Coach/Assistant Varsity Coach (2014-2018)
- 2013-2014 District Champions and Class 6A State Champions
- 2015 Class 6A playoffs Sweet 16
- 2016 District Champions. Advanced to Sweet 16
- 2017 District Runners up. Advanced to State Playoffs
- 2018 Advanced to Sweet 16
- Created off season workout plans for player progression
- Electives Teacher at West Elementary 2013-2015
- 3rd Grade Reading teacher 2015-2017. Had 100% pass rate for Reading Gateway test in 2015.
- 4th grade ELA teacher 2018
Teacher Assistant/Basketball Coach
Oak Grove High School
10.2010 - 05.2013
- Created practice plans and scouting reports to prepare players for game performance.
- Created and maintained system for checking grades.
- Created study hall to ensure academic eligibility and success after high school.
- Led practice sessions.
- Created training programs for each player to maximize their athletic potential.
- Assisted in Special Education classrooms for severely autistic students.
- 2011-2012 District Runners up. Advanced to Class 6A playoffs
- 2012-2013 Varsity Girls Assistant. Ranked 1 in the state for 3 weeks. Advanced to Class 6A Sweet Sixteen
- 2010-2011 District champions 9th grade boys
- 2010-2011 District Coach of the Year (9th Grade)
Education
Master's - Secondary Education
William Carey University
Biloxi, MS08.2024
Bachelor's - Human Performance and Recreation
University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, MS12.2009
Skills
- Leadership
- Player Development
- Team Building
- Practice planning
- Opponent Scouting
- Implementing a successful gameplan
- Maintenance of Inventory
- Fundraising
- Scouting/College Networking
- Verbal and Written Communication
- Organization
- Creation and Implementation of practice plans and scouting reports
- Fundraising
- Classroom Management
- Media Relations
Certification
- CPR/AED American Red Cross | Expires (October 2027)
- Mississippi State Teaching License (Expires June 2027)
- 119 English 7-12
- 144 Physical Education K-12
- 221 Mild/Mod disabilities K-12
Timeline
Basketball Coach/ Special Education Teacher
Biloxi School District
07.2024 - Current
Assistant Basketball Coach/Learning Interventionist
St. Martin High School
07.2022 - 05.2024
Head Coach/Teacher
Bay High School
07.2020 - 07.2022
Head Coach/Teacher
Hancock High School
04.2018 - 06.2020
Coach/Teacher
Gulfport School District
07.2013 - 04.2018
Teacher Assistant/Basketball Coach
Oak Grove High School
10.2010 - 05.2013
Master's - Secondary Education
William Carey University
Bachelor's - Human Performance and Recreation
University of Southern Mississippi