Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Awards
Timeline
Generic

John Stephen Holton

Mansfield,Texas

Summary

Strategic and results-driven leader with extensive experience in coaching, teaching, program development, and human resource management. Proven ability to design and execute long-term strategies that drive cultural transformation, student engagement, and real-world success. Adept at leveraging data-driven insights, cross-functional collaboration, and human-centered approaches to foster adaptability, organizational growth, and people development.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience

Work History

Principals of Construction Instructor

Arlington Martin High School
Arlington, Texas
08.2024 - Current
  • Developed and implemented a long-term strategy to revitalize a failing wood shop class, aligning student skill development with real-world applications and career pathways
  • Established partnerships with local organizations, including the Arlington Art Museum, to provide experiential learning opportunities that enhance student engagement and career readiness
  • Managed a $6,000 budget across multiple classes, ensuring effective allocation of resources for maximum impact
  • Designed hands-on, problem-solving projects that adapt to unexpected equipment failures, ensuring continuous learning momentum

Head Softball Coach

Arlington Martin High School
Arlington, Texas
08.2021 - Current
  • Designed and executed a 3- to 5-year strategic plan that transformed team culture and led to multiple playoff appearances, including two Bi-District Championships
  • Balanced high-level strategic planning with hands-on execution, incorporating advanced fielding and hitting techniques from Texas Tech and USA National Coaching Clinics
  • Led the team through major organizational changes, including guiding athletes through the grief process following the loss of a beloved assistant coach, maintaining team morale and focus
  • Developed and monitored performance metrics beyond wins/losses, emphasizing academic achievement, college acceptance rates, and career success
  • Established stakeholder relationships with parents, administrators, and community organizations to integrate team culture with broader school initiatives

Social Studies Teacher

Arlington Martin High School
Arlington, Texas
08.2021 - Current
  • Leveraged data-driven strategies to improve student outcomes, conducting weekly data reviews with faculty to analyze student performance and implement targeted interventions
  • Designed innovative, human-centered curriculum methods such as fantasy football simulations for stock market education and mock elections for civic engagement
  • Achieved a 97% passing rate on the US History STAAR test through differentiated instruction and strategic assessment analysis

Head Softball Coach

Ferris High School
Ferris, Texas
08.2018 - 05.2021
  • Led the program to a top-ranked state position in 2020, leveraging a culture of accountability, advanced training methodologies, and strategic recruitment
  • Developed long-term athletic and academic success plans for student-athletes, emphasizing performance metrics beyond the field
  • Maintained compliance with UIL regulations while fostering strong community and parental engagement
  • Led the softball team through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, implementing virtual training programs, adapting schedules, and ensuring player development despite restrictions

Social Studies Teacher

Ferris High School
Ferris, Texas
08.2018 - 05.2021
  • Created interactive lessons utilizing experiential learning, such as reenacting battles for history comprehension and 'Shark Tank' simulations to teach entrepreneurship
  • Fostered student engagement and real-world preparedness through community-involved projects and applied economics activities
  • Navigated the transition to remote and hybrid learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring students remained engaged and achieved academic success despite unprecedented challenges

Life Insurance Agent

New York Life
Dallas, Texas
04.2013 - 02.2015
  • Established a portfolio of over 75 clients in the first year, focusing on financial guidance and insurance solutions
  • Provided financial planning for clients across different life stages, from young professionals to retirees
  • Developed strategic networking functions to build relationships with business owners and high-net-worth individuals in North Texas
  • Achieved multiple sales and performance awards, including the Lifetime Producer Award and Executive Council Membership

Specialty Sales Representative

Ben E. Keith
Dallas, Texas
05.2006 - 04.2013
  • Executed market expansion strategies for new craft brands, building strategic relationships with retailers and high-end venues to secure product placement
  • Balanced strategic business planning with direct sales execution, resulting in an annual sales volume of $1.75 million
  • Led data-driven decision-making by analyzing market trends, customer feedback, and sales performance to refine go-to-market strategies

Education

Master's - Psychology, Sociology, Rehabilitation Studies

University of North Texas
Denton, TX
05.2026

Bachelor of Arts and Science - Integrative Studies: Psychology, Sociology, Kinesiology

University of North Texas
Denton, TX
05.2017

Skills

  • Strategic planning & execution
  • Data-driven decision-making
  • Cross-functional collaboration
  • Curriculum design & innovation
  • Stakeholder relationship management
  • Public speaking & storytelling
  • Human-centered program development
  • Adaptability & change leadership
  • People development & mentorship
  • Talent management & team growth
  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • Budget management

References

Available upon request.

Awards

  • District 8-6A Coach of the Year (2024)
  • New Teacher of the Year, Ferris High School (2018-19)
  • State-Ranked Softball Team (2020)
  • Executive Council Member, New York Life (2014)
  • Lifetime Producer Award, New York Life (2014)
  • Employee of the Quarter, Ben E. Keith (2009)

Timeline

Principals of Construction Instructor

Arlington Martin High School
08.2024 - Current

Head Softball Coach

Arlington Martin High School
08.2021 - Current

Social Studies Teacher

Arlington Martin High School
08.2021 - Current

Head Softball Coach

Ferris High School
08.2018 - 05.2021

Social Studies Teacher

Ferris High School
08.2018 - 05.2021

Life Insurance Agent

New York Life
04.2013 - 02.2015

Specialty Sales Representative

Ben E. Keith
05.2006 - 04.2013

Master's - Psychology, Sociology, Rehabilitation Studies

University of North Texas

Bachelor of Arts and Science - Integrative Studies: Psychology, Sociology, Kinesiology

University of North Texas
John Stephen Holton