JAMES ZEPEDA
Escalon,CA
Summary
Dedicated and growth-oriented educational leader with 6+ years of experience in secondary education, student development, and team leadership. Proven ability to build structured, positive learning environments while supporting student accountability, behavior, and academic growth. Experienced in collaborating with staff, communicating with families, and contributing to school-wide initiatives that support student success. Brings a unique background in large-scale operations management, supervising teams of up to 90+ employees, implementing systems, and leading under pressure. Known for strong relationship-building, consistency, and the ability to manage complex situations with professionalism and clarity. Currently completing a Master's in Biology and beginning a Master's in Educational Administration to expand leadership capacity and deepen understanding of school systems.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Science Teacher (Biology) / Department Lead
Riverbank High School
Riverbank, CA
07.2021 - Current
- Serve as Department Lead, collaborating with colleagues on curriculum alignment, instructional planning, and student performance analysis
- Lead instruction and classroom management for classes of up to 35 students, maintaining structured, safe, and respectful learning environments
- Implement consistent behavior expectations and accountability systems to support student conduct and engagement
- Address student behavior concerns through proactive communication, relationship-building, and collaboration with administration and families
- Mentored and supported teachers by collaborating on effective instructional practices and problem-solving strategies
- Analyze student performance data to inform instruction and support interventions for struggling students
- Participated in IEP meetings and student support teams to develop and implement academic and behavioral intervention plans
- Build strong relationships with students and families to support both academic and social-emotional development
- Support school-wide initiatives and collaborate with administration to maintain a positive school climate
- Developed engaging lesson plans for diverse student learning styles.
- Implemented hands-on experiments to enhance scientific understanding.
- Collaborated with colleagues to create interdisciplinary projects and activities.
- Facilitated classroom discussions to promote critical thinking and inquiry.
- Integrated technology into lessons using educational software and tools.
- Mentored new teachers on effective classroom management strategies.
- Created a classroom environment that encourages curiosity and critical thinking.
- Met with parents and guardians to discuss student progress and areas for improvement.
- Monitored student performance, offering constructive feedback and additional aid to struggling students.
- Conducted laboratory experiments to demonstrate scientific concepts.
- Researched new methods of teaching science concepts more effectively.
- Provided individualized instruction to help struggling students understand complex topics.
- Adapted teaching methods and instructional strategies to promote learning in students of differing skill levels.
- Managed consistent, learning-focused classroom environments by establishing and communicating clear objectives for students.
Football, Baseball, and Student Program Leadership
Riverbank High School
Riverbank, CA
11.2021 - Current
- Supervise and mentor student-athletes, emphasizing accountability, discipline, teamwork, and personal responsibility
- Managed student behavior, attendance, and expectations to foster a positive team culture
- Communicated with families about student progress and behavioral concerns to strengthen home-school connections
- Coordinated practices, schedules, and logistics to ensure safe and effective program operations
- Build relationships with students that promote engagement, motivation, and positive decision-making
- Reinforce school values and expectations through consistent supervision and leadership
Science Teacher (Grades 7-8)
Denair Middle School
Denair, CA
07.2020 - 06.2021
- Delivered standards-based instruction aligned to NGSS across multiple grade levels
- Developed and tailored engaging lesson plans to accommodate diverse student learning styles and improve engagement.
- Facilitated hands-on science experiments to enhance student understanding.
- Established structured classroom environments that promoted engagement, accountability, and student success
- Implemented classroom management techniques to maintain a positive learning environment.
- Collaborated with staff to design and implement intervention strategies that enhanced student learning and behavior
- Participated in IEP meetings and student support teams to address diverse student needs
- Communicated regularly with families to update on student progress and foster accountability
- Managed school supervision duties and facilitated student activities
Cellar Assistant Supervisor
Bronco Wine Company
Ceres, CA
02.2019 - 06.2020
- Supervised and managed teams of up to 90+ employees in a high-paced, high-accountability environment
- Led staff training, performance management, and disciplinary processes to ensure compliance with company policies
- Implemented operational systems that improved productivity and efficiency by over 30%
- Ensured compliance with safety standards, procedures, and regulatory requirements
- Coordinated staffing, scheduling, and workflow management to support large-scale operations
- Developed and implemented Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to improve consistency and accountability
- Monitored production lines for compliance with quality standards and safety regulations.
- Oversaw inventory management processes using company-specific tracking systems.
- Conducted regular inspections to identify areas for process improvement and maintenance needs.
- Implemented training sessions on best practices in wine handling and storage techniques.
- Assisted in training new staff on operational procedures and safety protocols.
- Collaborated with departments to streamline communication and improve operational efficiency.
- Addressed employee conflict, performance concerns, and workplace issues with professionalism and consistency
- Facilitated team meetings to discuss challenges, share updates, and promote teamwork initiatives.
Cellar Process Coordinator
The Wine Group
Ripon, CA
06.2016 - 10.2018
- Managed large-scale production operations, overseeing processes that ensured timely delivery of millions of units annually
- Supervised teams and coordinated workflows across multiple departments to enhance collaboration and streamline operations
- Analyzed data and operational performance to improve efficiency and quality outcomes
- Collaborated with leadership teams to identify and resolve operational challenges, leading to improved system efficiency
- Maintained compliance with quality, safety, and regulatory standards
Education
Master of Science - Biology
American College of Education
Indianapolis, IN11-2026
Master's - Educational Administration
11-2026
Biology & Chemistry Authorization - Preliminary Teaching Credential
Teachers College of San Joaquin
Stockton, CA05-2022
MBA - Business And Accounting
California State University, Monterey Bay
Seaside, CA05-2018
Bachelor of Science - Microbiology
California State University, Stanislaus
Turlock, CA05-2016
California Teaching Credential - Clear
Skills
- Program Supervision & Student Activities
- Student Discipline & Behavior Systems
- School Operations & Organizational Leadership
- Curriculum development
- Classroom management
- Data-Informed Decision Making
- Data analysis
- Educational technology
- Conflict Resolution & Restorative Practices
- Safety, Accountability, & Student Supervision
- Relationship building
- Diverse student engagement
- Inclusive environments
- High-pressure management
- Organizational skills
- Supporting inclusive school environments
- Multitasking
- Time management
- Skilled in organization
- Balancing multiple responsibilities
- Committed to continuous growth
- Reflection
- Leadership development
- Behavior management
- Mentorship skills
- Communication & Relationship Building
- Strong ability to build and maintain positive relationships
- Energetic and enthusiastic
Professional Development And Certifications
- Six Sigma Green Belt
- Lean Process & Project Management Training
- Executive Management Certification
- Diversity & Equity Training
- CPR & Safety Certifications
- CSETS 215, 217, and 219
- Google Educator Level 1 and Level 2
Core Leadership Competencies
- Student Discipline & Behavior Systems
- School Operations & Organizational Leadership
- Staff Collaboration & Team Development
- Parent & Community Engagement
- Conflict Resolution & Restorative Practices
- Data-Informed Decision Making
- Program Supervision & Student Activities
- School Culture & Climate Development
- Safety, Accountability, & Student Supervision
- Communication & Relationship Building
Timeline
Football, Baseball, and Student Program Leadership
Riverbank High School
11.2021 - Current
Science Teacher (Biology) / Department Lead
Riverbank High School
07.2021 - Current
Science Teacher (Grades 7-8)
Denair Middle School
07.2020 - 06.2021
Cellar Assistant Supervisor
Bronco Wine Company
02.2019 - 06.2020
Cellar Process Coordinator
The Wine Group
06.2016 - 10.2018
Master of Science - Biology
American College of Education
Master's - Educational Administration
Biology & Chemistry Authorization - Preliminary Teaching Credential
Teachers College of San Joaquin
MBA - Business And Accounting
California State University, Monterey Bay
Bachelor of Science - Microbiology
California State University, Stanislaus