- Team Sports
- Committed to improving personal fitness through regular participation in Track and Field
- Strategy Games
James Merrifield
Saranac,MI
Summary
Dynamic educator and head coach at Ionia Public Schools, adept at fostering collaborative relationships and enhancing student engagement through innovative curriculum development. Proven track record in effective classroom management and mentoring new teachers, while also cultivating athletic excellence and teamwork, resulting in improved performance and student success.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
Work History
Teacher /Head Coach
Ionia Public Schools
02.1987 - 06.2025
- 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.
- Assessed student performance regularly using both formative and summative assessments to inform future lesson planning.
- 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.
- Fostered positive learning environment that encouraged student curiosity and critical thinking.
- Improved student engagement by incorporating interactive learning technologies into lesson plans.
- Created and developed lesson plans to meet students' academic needs.
- Shifted between formal and informal methods of teaching to keep students engaged.
- Fostered student curiosity and interest through creative hands-on activities.
- Prepared quizzes, tests and examinations to gauge how well students were learning.
- Developed athletes'' skills through personalized coaching, resulting in higher individual achievements.
- Organized and led practices and scrimmages to increase competitive attitude and skills.
- Fostered a positive team environment with clear communication and motivational techniques.
- Maintained strong relationships with athletes, parents, and school administrators for program support and success.
- Maintained equipment, facilities and inventory to avoid accidents, mishaps, and damage.
- Improved team performance by implementing effective training programs and strategies.
- Used previous game and team data to make informed decisions regarding game strategies.
- Cultivated team player dedication and loyalty by teaching excellent sportsmanship and commitment.
- Motivated athletes to become stronger, more agile, and more effective through training habits and proper nutrition.
- Prepared athletes for special competitions and tournaments.
- Optimized athlete performance with consistent evaluation and adjustment of coaching techniques based on individual needs and overall team objectives.
- Coordinated with parents, boosters, and other resources to meet team needs involving equipment and travel arrangements.
- Collaborated with assistant coaches to develop comprehensive game plans tailored to exploit opponents'' weaknesses.
- Promoted proper stretching, warmups and conditioning exercises to prevent sports injuries.
Education
Master of Science - Biology
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MIBachelor of Science - Biology
Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MISkills
- Effective Classroom Management
- Collaborative Relationship Management
- Logical Reasoning Skills
- Curriculum Development
Affiliations
- (MSTA) Michigan Science Teacher Association
- MITCA (Michigan Track Coaches Association)
Interests
Timeline
Teacher /Head Coach
Ionia Public Schools
02.1987 - 06.2025
Master of Science - Biology
Michigan State University
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Central Michigan University