HARVEY SMITH
Mesquite
Summary
Dedicated Social Studies Teacher with expertise in differentiated instruction, curriculum development, and educational technology. Proven ability to enhance student engagement and critical thinking through innovative lesson plans and collaborative learning strategies.
Experienced educator with a strong focus on collaborative learning and classroom management. Known for developing and implementing engaging lesson plans that meet diverse student needs, while mentoring new teachers to foster a supportive educational environment.
Results-driven Social Studies Teacher skilled in analyzing student performance data to inform instructional practices. Committed to creating positive learning environments and enhancing student comprehension through project-based learning and technology integration.
Experienced with creating engaging and informative lesson plans that spark student interest in social studies. Uses innovative teaching methods to facilitate comprehensive understanding of historical and social concepts. Strong understanding of classroom management and curriculum development to maintain effective learning environment.
Overview
1
1
Certification
41
41
years of professional experience
Work History
Social Studies Teacher
Dallas Independent School District, DISD
Hillcrest High School
01.2021 - Current
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans aligned with state standards.
- Facilitated classroom discussions that enhanced critical thinking and collaboration among students.
- Designed assessments to evaluate student understanding and adapt instruction accordingly.
- Integrated technology resources to support diverse learning styles and enhance educational experiences.
- Mentored new teachers by providing guidance on curriculum delivery and classroom management strategies.
- Analyzed student performance data to identify areas for improvement and inform instructional practices.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to create school-wide initiatives promoting social studies education.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary lesson plans that connected social studies content to other subject areas.
- Improved student comprehension by utilizing diverse teaching methods and materials tailored to individual learning styles.
- Developed a positive classroom environment by fostering open communication, respect, and collaboration among students.
- Created lesson plans and made adjustments based on overall class performance throughout year.
- Utilized technology to enhance student education and grasp of materials.
- Gave assignments, graded work and regularly discussed performance with students.
- Implemented project-based learning activities that encouraged students to apply their knowledge to real-life situations, enhancing problem-solving skills and deepening understanding of course concepts.
- Implemented prepared lesson plans in established classrooms.
- Participated in professional development opportunities, staying current on best practices in social studies education and incorporating new strategies into lessons.
- Established and communicated clear objectives for all educational activities.
- Enhanced critical thinking skills for students through engaging debates and inquiry-based activities.
Substitute Teacher
Dallas Independent School District, DISD
Various Locations
08.2020 - 12.2021
- Delivered engaging lesson plans tailored to diverse learning styles and classroom dynamics.
- Implemented classroom management strategies to maintain a focused and respectful learning environment.
- Collaborated with regular teachers to ensure continuity in instructional delivery and student support.
- Assessed student progress through informal evaluations and provided constructive feedback for improvement.
Zumwalt Middle School
Dallas Independent School District, DISD
08.2019 - 05.2020
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness, and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
Teacher
Dallas Independent School District, DISD
Molina High School
01.2017 - 05.2019
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards.
- Fostered positive relationships with students and families to support academic success.
- Assessed student progress through various evaluation methods to ensure understanding.
- Collaborated with colleagues to share best practices and improve instructional strategies.
- Analyzed student performance data to drive curriculum adjustments and improve outcomes.
Teacher/Assistant Coach
Houston ISD
08.2007 - 05.2016
- Assisted classroom instruction by providing individualized support to students with diverse learning needs.
- Collaborated with lead teacher to develop engaging lesson plans and educational activities.
- Implemented behavior management strategies to promote a positive learning environment.
- Monitored student progress, offering feedback and encouragement to enhance academic performance.
- Organized classroom materials and resources to ensure an efficient learning space.
- Facilitated small group activities, fostering collaboration and peer interaction among students.
Teacher/Coaching Assistant
Fortbend I.S.D.
Marshall High School
08.2004 - 05.2007
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards.
- Utilized assessment tools to evaluate student performance and adapt instructional strategies.
- Collaborated with colleagues to create interdisciplinary projects enhancing student learning experiences.
- Mentored new teachers, providing guidance on classroom management and instructional techniques.
- Fostered a positive classroom environment that promoted respect, responsibility, and academic growth.
- Analyzed student data to identify trends and inform teaching practices for improved outcomes.
- Organized professional development workshops focused on innovative teaching methodologies and best practices.
Teacher/Coaching Assistant
Austin Independent School District
Akins High School
08.2002 - 05.2004
- Led school-wide initiatives aimed at enhancing community involvement in educational programs.
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress, attendance, and behavior to facilitate ongoing communication with parents about their child''s educational journey.
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
- Assessed student performance regularly using both formative and summative assessments to inform future lesson planning.
Teacher/Coaching Assistant
Killeen ISD
Smith Middle School
08.1996 - 05.2002
- Collaborated with other teachers to plan interdisciplinary units that connected subjects and promoted deeper understanding among students.
- Identified struggling students early on and provided additional support through tutoring sessions and modified lesson plans.
- Continuously pursued professional development opportunities such as workshops or conferences to stay current in educational trends.
- Organized extracurricular activities such as clubs or field trips that enriched students' learning experiences outside traditional classroom settings.
- Mentored new teachers, sharing best practices and providing guidance to help them adapt to their new roles successfully.
- Served on school committees focused on curriculum development, teacher evaluations, or community outreach initiatives to contribute positively to the overall school climate.
- Enhanced students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills through project-based learning.
- Increased parental involvement in students' education by organizing regular communication and events.
U. S. Army
Logistics Sergeant
Various Global Locations
04.1985 - 08.1995
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions, and make decisions.
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Education
Excelsior College
Albany, NY12-1995
Skills
- Differentiated instruction
- Educational technology
- Classroom management
- Technology implementation
- Student engagement
- Student needs assessment
- Verbal and written communication
- Lesson planning
- Group instruction
- Behavior modeling
- Collaborative learning
- Student development
- Physical geography
- Curriculum development
- Standardized testing
- Lesson plan implementation
- Faculty collaboration
- Progress monitoring
- Compliance
- Peer evaluation
- Staff development
- Feedback delivery
- English as a second language (ESL)
- Project-based learning
- Activity planning
- Social studies
- Human geography
- Creative problem solving
- Multicultural education
- Social studies teaching
- Individualized care
- Proctoring
- Smartboard technology
- Online teaching
- Positive learning environment
- Positive reinforcement
- Parent communication
- Student motivation and engagement
- Team collaboration
- Creative instruction style
- Group and individual instruction
Accomplishments
- Completed extra training to further help students under care.
- Volunteer Mentor with Big Brother and Big Sisters
- Member of Texas Association of Sports Officials
- Served as official mentor for new teachers
Affiliations
Current Membership:
- Texas Association Sports Officials (TASO)
- United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA)
Certification
Composite Social Studies
Languages
English
Full Professional
Spanish
Professional Working
Timeline
Social Studies Teacher
Dallas Independent School District, DISD
01.2021 - Current
Substitute Teacher
Dallas Independent School District, DISD
08.2020 - 12.2021
Zumwalt Middle School
Dallas Independent School District, DISD
08.2019 - 05.2020
Teacher
Dallas Independent School District, DISD
01.2017 - 05.2019
Teacher/Assistant Coach
Houston ISD
08.2007 - 05.2016
Teacher/Coaching Assistant
Fortbend I.S.D.
08.2004 - 05.2007
Teacher/Coaching Assistant
Austin Independent School District
08.2002 - 05.2004
Teacher/Coaching Assistant
Killeen ISD
08.1996 - 05.2002
U. S. Army
Logistics Sergeant
04.1985 - 08.1995
Bachelor of Science - Education
Excelsior College