Gary Knowles
Summary
Dynamic educator and counselor with a proven track record in student engagement and classroom management, honed at Escambia County School Districts in Florida and Alabama. Excelled in creating positive learning environments and fostering strong relationships, including parent communication. Leveraged collaborative learning and adaptive teaching strategies to significantly enhance academic and social outcomes.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Teacher/Coach
Escambia County School District
Pensacola, Fl
08.2020 - Current
- Improved student communication skills by incorporating group activities and presentations into the curriculum.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Mentored new teachers to help them successfully navigate their first years in the profession, contributing to higher teacher retention rates.
- Enhanced classroom management by implementing clear expectations, routines, and consequences for students.
- Promoted a positive classroom environment with a focus on mutual respect and collaboration among students.
- Provided one-on-one support for students with learning disabilities, enabling them to excel in their coursework.
- Evaluated student progress regularly through formative assessments, providing timely feedback and modifying instruction as needed.
- Established effective classroom routines that maximized instructional time while minimizing disruptions.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary lessons that connected subject matter across multiple curriculums, leading to deeper understanding of concepts for students.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Incorporated real-world examples into lessons to increase relevance and engagement, better preparing students for future career success.
Teacher/Coach
Escambia County School System
Brewton, AL
09.2016 - 07.2020
- Promoted a positive classroom environment with a focus on mutual respect and collaboration among students.
- Improved student communication skills by incorporating group activities and presentations into the curriculum.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Developed individualized learning plans to address diverse student needs and support academic growth.
- Enhanced classroom management by implementing clear expectations, routines, and consequences for students.
- Established effective classroom routines that maximized instructional time while minimizing disruptions.
- Increased parent involvement in their child''s education by fostering strong relationships through regular communication and conferences.
Counselor
Lakeview Center Inc.
Pensacola, FL
08.2009 - 09.2016
- Assisted clients in setting realistic goals, developing action plans, and monitoring progress towards achievement.
- Maintained accurate documentation of client interactions, assessments, and progress notes for effective case management.
- Educated clients on available community resources, fostering a sense of empowerment and self sufficiency.
- Contributed to a supportive work environment by sharing knowledge, resources, and new findings within the counseling field.
- Communicated closely with other counselors to devise programs and activities based on developmental and academic levels.
- Utilized motivational interviewing techniques to encourage positive change in clients'' lives.
- Used cognitive behavior therapy to assist clients in recognizing and redirecting poor habits.
- Conducted assessments to determine progress and performance and report findings to relevant authorities.
- Worked closely with families to support clients in their recovery process and strengthen relationships among family members.
- Improved client satisfaction through consistent communication, empathy, and understanding of their unique challenges.
- Engaged clients in conversation to determine feelings and apprehensions.
- Transported clients to and from counseling sessions, doctor's appointments, shopping trips, etc.
Counselor
Tuscaloosa Treatment Center
Tuscaloosa, AL
11.2007 - 07.2009
- Assisted clients in setting realistic goals, developing action plans, and monitoring progress towards achievement.
- Maintained accurate documentation of client interactions, assessments, and progress notes for effective case management.
- Offered guidance and advice to help cultivate self-esteem and community involvement.
- Guided clients in developing skills and strategies for dealing with problems.
- Contributed to a supportive work environment by sharing knowledge, resources, and new findings within the counseling field.
- Used cognitive behavior therapy to assist clients in recognizing and redirecting poor habits.
- Conducted assessments to determine progress and performance and report findings to relevant authorities.
- Conducted thorough assessments to identify client needs and appropriate intervention strategies.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
The University of West Florida
Pensacola, FL05.2007
Associate of Arts - General Studies
Jefferson Davis Community College /Coastal Alabama
Brewton, AL05.2002
Skills
- Student Engagement
- Teacher Mentoring
- Classroom Management
- Positive Learning Environment
- Relationship Building
- Parent Communication
- Multidisciplinary team collaboration
- Collaborative learning
- Adaptive Learning
Certification
CPR/First Aid Trained on 5/23/24
Commercial Class B Drivers License with Passenger and Bus Endorsements through July 28th, 2006
Traveling, Watching/playing sports
I enjoy traveling with my family, friends, and my dog, Max. In addition, I enjoy watching and playing sports and currently coach middle school basketball, volleyball, and track.
Timeline
Teacher/Coach
Escambia County School District
08.2020 - Current
Teacher/Coach
Escambia County School System
09.2016 - 07.2020
Counselor
Lakeview Center Inc.
08.2009 - 09.2016
Counselor
Tuscaloosa Treatment Center
11.2007 - 07.2009
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
The University of West Florida
Associate of Arts - General Studies
Jefferson Davis Community College /Coastal Alabama