James Bankowski
South Bend,IN
Summary
With a robust background in educational leadership at South Bend Community School, I excel in curriculum development and fostering strong community relationships. My expertise in technology integration and staff development has significantly enhanced school operations and student achievement, showcasing my ability to drive educational excellence and innovation.
Compassionate Elementary School Principal adept at fostering productive, efficient environments where administrative tasks and educational objectives are achieved seamlessly. Specialize in curriculum development, staff leadership, and conflict resolution to support school success. Excel in communication, problem-solving, and adaptability, ensuring responsive leadership that meets the diverse needs of students and faculty. Qualified administrator with long history in education and dedication to school performance, teacher training and student success. Attentive to pulse of school to proactively manage negative trends and recognize success in teachers and methods. Hands-on in mentoring teachers and supporting students.
Overview
41
41
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Principal
South Bend Community School
South Bend, IN
08.1989 - 06.2016
- Facilitated communication between teachers, administrators, families and other stakeholders in order to promote collaboration among all participants in the educational process.
- Monitored student academic performance data in order to identify trends or areas of need that require additional resources or support.
- Developed positive relationships with school students, teachers and local community.
- Directed school human resources including hiring, training, policy enforcement, and legal compliance.
- Monitored school administration activity and implemented policies to support student safety, inclusion and academic success.
- Organized parent-teacher conferences throughout the year in order to update families about their child's progress towards meeting academic goals set forth by the school administration.
- Encouraged and voiced positive feedback to mentor and motivate new teachers.
- Designed comprehensive plans for professional development activities that focused on improving teacher performance levels across all subject areas.
- Recruited, hired and trained primary and supplemental teaching staff.
- Reviewed test scores from standardized tests administered at different grade levels in order to track academic progress over time.
- Observed teachers under classroom conditions to track professional abilities and identify areas in need of improvement.
- Assessed current teaching methods and techniques used by staff members in order to provide feedback on their effectiveness.
- Directed the implementation of district initiatives such as Response to Intervention program, Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports system and 1, 1 technology integration plan.
- Provided coaching sessions for teachers on best practices for classroom organization and management as well as effective instructional strategies.
- Managed budgeting process for school operations including personnel hiring, supplies procurement and facility improvements.
- Planned and led professional development activities for teachers, administrators and support staff.
- Presented resources and opportunities to teaching staff for further professional development and curriculum training courses.
- Cultivated strong relationships with parents, students and members of the community to ensure a safe learning environment.
- Facilitated staff meetings to convey policy changes and hear employee input.
- Monitored and evaluated performance of school employees.
- Conferred with parents and staff to discuss educational activities, policies and student behavior or learning problems.
- Oversaw school budgets, documented changes and tracked expenses to allocate and manage school funds.
- Enforced school rules for attendance, discipline and honesty.
- Collaborated with other schools within the district on special projects such as after-school programs or extracurricular activities.
- Cultivated positive relationships with parents and staff to facilitate school operations and student success.
- Collaborated with parents and administrators to drive problem resolution and enforce discipline.
- Organized regular meetings with faculty members to discuss issues related to instruction, assessment strategies and classroom management techniques.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on educational trends.
- Observed teaching methods and examined learning materials to determine areas needing improvement.
- Developed and tracked benchmarks for measuring institutional success to help teachers maximize teaching potential.
- Informed students and parents of policies and procedures regarding student behavior and disciplinary actions.
- Provided instructional leadership to faculty and staff in the areas of curriculum development, assessment practices and professional growth activities.
- Promoted an atmosphere of respect amongst students by enforcing disciplinary codes consistently throughout the school year.
- Visited classrooms to evaluate teacher instructional techniques as part of annual evaluation cycle.
- Ensured that all classrooms are equipped with necessary materials needed for successful instruction delivery including textbooks, computers, lab equipment .
- Instructed teachers on classroom management, behavior and instructional strategies.
- Supervised administrative staff responsible for student records, health services, transportation and food services.
- Oversaw afterschool programs and monitored activities for safe and encouraging learning environment.
- Determined allocations of funds for classroom supplies and materials, authorizing purchases.
- Met and listened to student concerns to encourage, guide, and assist, resulting in improved academics.
- Oversaw compliance with state and federal laws related to education programs, student rights and safety regulations.
- Created an environment where all students feel valued regardless of their background or cultural identity.
- Served as a liaison between school administration, local government agencies and external organizations involved in providing educational services.
Curriculum Facilitator
South Bend Community School
South Bend, IN
09.1988 - 07.1989
- Worked with school administrators to determine course needs and set frameworks.
- Evaluated course performance to determine areas in need of improvement.
- Utilized knowledge of industry best practices to improve upon existing training methods.
- Defined and articulated learning outcomes, measurements, performance metrics and changes to improve student learning.
- Attended conferences related to teaching methods or educational technology advancements.
- Developed curriculum materials and lesson plans to meet the needs of diverse learners.
- Coordinated with school administrators to ensure alignment between instruction and district goals.
- Researched best practices in curriculum design and implementation as part of ongoing program evaluation efforts.
- Provided guidance and support regarding state standards related to curriculum development.
- Worked with cross-functional teams to achieve goals.
- Participated in meetings with department heads, school boards, and other stakeholders to discuss educational initiatives.
Teacher - Grade 6
South Bend Community School Corporation
South Bend, IN
08.1986 - 09.1988
- Planned and implemented lessons using various teaching strategies to meet diverse student needs.
- Held conferences with parents to address questions, discuss academic progress and encourage learning goals.
- Planned field trips to enrich students' educational experiences outside of the traditional classroom setting.
- Met with parents and guardians to discuss students' progress and areas requiring improvement.
- Used videos, lectures and moderated discussions to engage students during class.
- Provided individualized instruction to meet the needs of all students.
- Encouraged critical thinking skills and problem solving strategies among students.
- Maintained a safe and orderly learning environment for all students.
- Established positive relationships with parents to ensure effective communication regarding student progress and well-being.
- Received recognition for contributions to innovative concepts in classroom instruction.
- Instructed students in academic subjects such as math, science, language arts, and social studies.
- Tutored students requiring extra help and gave additional practice work to help improve concept understanding.
- Built and strengthened positive relationships with students, parents and teaching staff.
Principal
St. Anthony de Padiua School
South Bend, IN
07.1979 - 06.1983
- Provided instructional leadership to faculty and staff in the areas of curriculum development, assessment practices and professional growth activities.
- Organized regular meetings with faculty members to discuss issues related to instruction, assessment strategies and classroom management techniques.
- Organized parent-teacher conferences throughout the year in order to update families about their child's progress towards meeting academic goals set forth by the school administration.
- Oversaw day-to-day work of classroom teachers, administrative staff and school personnel to expertly serve students' needs and meet district and state standards.
- Managed school administration operations and organized teacher schedules, student registration processes and class orientation sessions.
- Collaborated with other schools within the district on special projects such as after-school programs or extracurricular activities.
- Served as a liaison between school administration, local government agencies and external organizations involved in providing educational services.
- Resolved various situations to cultivate strong student and parent relationships.
- Developed positive relationships with school students, teachers and local community.
- Partnered with teaching staff to develop and improve curriculum offerings for students.
- Reviewed test scores from standardized tests administered at different grade levels in order to track academic progress over time.
- Directed school human resources including hiring, training, policy enforcement, and legal compliance.
- Facilitated communication between teachers, administrators, families and other stakeholders in order to promote collaboration among all participants in the educational process.
- Observed teachers under classroom conditions to track professional abilities and identify areas in need of improvement.
- Recruited, hired and trained primary and supplemental teaching staff.
Teacher - Grade 3
Mishawaka School City
Mishawaka, IN
09.1978 - 06.1979
- Assessed student performance through tests, quizzes and other assessments.
- Built and strengthened positive relationships with students, parents and teaching staff.
- Instructed students in academic subjects such as math, science, language arts, social studies, penmanship, and history.
Teacher
St. Anthony de Padiua School
South Bend, IN
08.1975 - 06.1978
- Instructed students in academic subjects such as history, civics, religion, spelling, art, and music. I was also the organist for all weekday class Masses and director of the St. Anthony Children's Choirs.
Education
Administrative License - School Administration
Ball State University
Muncie, IN07-1990
Master of Science - Elementary Education
Indiana University
South Bend, IN06-1979
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Indiana University
South Bend, IN07-1976
General Studies - Associates Degree
Holy Cross Junior College
Notre Dame, IN05-1974
Skills
- Annual reviews
- Staff and educator guidance
- Curriculum development and oversight
- Technology integrations
- Faculty training and development
- Codes of conduct
- School event coordination
- Safety and security procedures
- Standardized testing and scoring
- Teaching and learning assessments
- Student achievement
- Group facilitation and presentations
- Educational staff supervision
- Student performance data
- School safety and security
- Relationship building and networking
- Education administration
- Academic administration
- School culture
- Verbal and written communication
- Student discipline
- Employee oversight
- Staff development
Certification
- Life License in Elementary Education licensed in K-8 (7-8 non-departmentalized)
- Life License in School Administration
Accomplishments
- Teacher of the Year at Darden School either 1987 or 1988?
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Principal
South Bend Community School
08.1989 - 06.2016
Curriculum Facilitator
South Bend Community School
09.1988 - 07.1989
Teacher - Grade 6
South Bend Community School Corporation
08.1986 - 09.1988
Principal
St. Anthony de Padiua School
07.1979 - 06.1983
Teacher - Grade 3
Mishawaka School City
09.1978 - 06.1979
Teacher
St. Anthony de Padiua School
08.1975 - 06.1978
- Life License in Elementary Education licensed in K-8 (7-8 non-departmentalized)
- Life License in School Administration
Administrative License - School Administration
Ball State University
Master of Science - Elementary Education
Indiana University
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Indiana University
General Studies - Associates Degree
Holy Cross Junior College
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