Dirk D. Dierking
Summary
Results-driven educator with extensive experience in geography instruction and curriculum development. Known for strong commitment to student success and collaborative approach to teaching. Focused on fostering supportive classroom environment and adept at adjusting to evolving educational needs while maintaining high academic standards.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
English, AP World History, and AP Human Geography Teacher
St. Francis High School and Junior Seminary
08.2003 - 07.2025
- Worked with students of various ages concerning proper communication skills; direct students toward understanding culture through an understanding of geography. Corrected classroom and homework assignments; lead classroom discussion and presented information in a multi-faceted learning environment. Non-classroom duties included assisting and creating writing workbook for students, served as a mentor for Kairos speakers, and acted as facilitator to both the Rubik's Cube and Environmental club. Summer programs include SAT writing preparation courses, junior high school English, Introductory Guitar, and freshman through senior English; served as coach for the Academic Decathlon team (2005-2012), and served as Moderator for the Alvernian yearbook (2013-2016).
- Improved classroom management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and effective communication strategies.
- Organized and prepared materials for daily instruction.
- Implemented new teaching methodologies to increase overall effectiveness in delivering course content while promoting a dynamic learning environment for all students.
- Fostered a positive relationship between parents and the school through regular communication about student progress via email updates and parent-teacher conferences.
- Promoted cultural awareness among students by incorporating diverse perspectives and materials into the curriculum.
- Evaluated individual student needs to provide appropriate accommodations for those requiring additional assistance in their learning process.
- Supported students'' college readiness efforts by guiding them through the process of researching universities with strong writing and social studies programs.
- assisted juniors with their college admissions essays through discussion and revision.
Grader
AP College Board
06.2017 - 06.2020
- Grade AP human Geography exams from across the globe for the benefit of ascertaining passing scores on the nationalized examination; grades are recorded based upon understanding elements of geography from numerous perspectives, in which said written components are placed on a rubric. Scoring occurs for one week a year in Cincinnati, Ohio at the start of the summer season.
- Enhanced grading accuracy by implementing efficient assessment tools and rubrics.
- Collaborated with teaching staff to align grading standards and practices, ensuring consistency across sections.
English Teacher, Education Careers Academy
Pasadena Unified School District
08.2002 - 08.2003
- Worked with students of various grades and assisted them in reaching a degree of success in the art of effective communication; served as a chaperone on day and extended field trips; served as fundraising chair for ECA and met with various leaders of the local business community for the purpose of attaining job placement opportunities for students.
English/ Health Teacher, Visual and Performing Arts Academy
Antelope Valley Union High School District
08.1998 - 08.2002
- Assisted students achieve effective reading and writing skills. Non-classroom activities included acting as advisor for various clubs; served on WASC committee for Assessment and Accountability, and graded senior projects for Visual and Performing Arts Academy.
Office Manager
Law Offices of Levine and Dierking
04.1994 - 07.1998
- Duties included overseeing the daily operations of the offices and maintained calendars for the attorneys. Reviewed all potential cases and retained clients; Served as liaison between clients and administrative agencies; represented clients before administrative judges in Social Security claims. Trained and supervised college interns; wrote legal briefs.
Education
Graduate Certificate - College Counseling
University of California, Riverside
Riverside05-2025
Master of Arts - English emphasis in Literature
Chapman University
Orange, CA01.1996
Bachelor of Arts - History
Pitzer College
Claremont, CA01.1991
Skills
- Learning strategies
- Field research
- Team teaching
- Student assessments
- Instructional skills
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Organizational skills
- Decision-making
- Critical thinking
- Course design
- Professionalism
- Interpersonal skills
- Analytical thinking
- Written communication
- Interpersonal communication
Community Service And Interests
- Host, Youth Group at All Saints Church, Pasadena, CA, 01/01/13 to Present
- Literacy Coach, Socorro Cri-Help, Los Angeles, CA, 01/01/13 to 12/2017
- Volunteer, Odyssey Charter School Fundraising Committee, 01/01/06 to Present
- Eagle Scout, Boy Scouts of America, Troop 405, Claremont, CA, 01/01/83 to 01/01/83
Timeline
Grader
AP College Board
06.2017 - 06.2020
English, AP World History, and AP Human Geography Teacher
St. Francis High School and Junior Seminary
08.2003 - 07.2025
English Teacher, Education Careers Academy
Pasadena Unified School District
08.2002 - 08.2003
English/ Health Teacher, Visual and Performing Arts Academy
Antelope Valley Union High School District
08.1998 - 08.2002
Office Manager
Law Offices of Levine and Dierking
04.1994 - 07.1998
Bachelor of Arts - History
Pitzer College
Graduate Certificate - College Counseling
University of California, Riverside
Master of Arts - English emphasis in Literature
Chapman University
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