James Small Jr

I am currently an after school teacher at Emerson Elementary School in Berkeley CA.

• Drama teacher to a class of 50 students where I write and produce a musical and we perform it at the end of the school year
• Lead creative story time classes for a group of 30 students
• Teach a dance class where the students create their own dance moves and I build a routine from it.
• Developed positive rapport with students of various and diverse backgrounds.
• Created and presented clever lessons to engage students and focus on core subjects necessary for personal and academic growth.
• Offered supplemental and individualized instruction for at-risk and struggling students.
• Worked one-on-one with students to determine strengths, weaknesses and learning patterns.
• Fostered student curiosity and interest in learning through hands-on activities and field trips.
• Established open communication and positive relationships with students, parents, peers and administrative staff.
• Assessed and improved lesson plans through implementation and experimentation.
• Provided warm, supportive environment for developing academic, social and emotional growth.
• Maintained positive and professional classroom environment throughout school year.

• Drummer for Fantastic Negrito 2017-2024
• Played on Grammy Nominated song "Oh Betty" by Fantastic Negrito in the category of Best American Roots Performance (2022)
• Musical Director for several groups for both live and recorded performances
• Band Director for Realm Charter Middle school in 2018
• Selected appropriate pieces to meet performance needs and showcase skills.
• Provided musical background for musical theatre
• Toured over 26 countries
• Promoted musical career by maintaining a strong social media presence.
• Planned and organized concerts and programs
• Teach private drum and piano lessons for students of all ages.
• Conducted impromptu performances for groups.