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, TX05.2026
Bachelor of Arts and Science - Integrative Studies: Psychology, Sociology, Kinesiology
University of North Texas
Denton, TX05.2017
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
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