John Hawkins
Nashville,TN
Summary
Professional educator with extensive knowledge in scientific disciplines and strong commitment to fostering collaborative learning environment. Adept at designing engaging curriculum, utilizing innovative teaching methods, and adapting to diverse student needs. Known for driving academic success and building positive relationships with both students and colleagues. Ability to inspire curiosity and critical thinking in students while ensuring alignment with educational standards.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Lower School Science Teacher
The Oak Hill School
Nashville, TN
01.2020 - Current
- Development and delivery of Kindergarten through 3rd grade hands-on science lessons.
- Developed and implemented engaging, standards-aligned science curricula for grades K-3rd, integrating NGSS and cross-disciplinary learning.
- Designed and delivered hands-on lab experiments and inquiry-based learning activities to foster critical thinking and scientific curiosity.
- Orchestrated and implemented Family Science Night.
- Analyzed formative and summative data to adapt instruction and close learning gaps, increasing student mastery in key areas.
- Created a positive, inclusive classroom culture that supported inquiry, respectful discourse, and collaborative learning.
- Served as leader on Planned Learning Community and academic leadership team.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to create cross-curricular STEM projects and school-wide science initiatives.
- Organized innovative field trips to extend learning beyond the classroom and connect curriculum to the everyday life of the students.
General Manager
Lanes, Trains, & Automobiles
Murfreesboro, TN
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Lead day-to-day operations for family entertainment center, supervising four directors and 25 part-time staff.
- Manage budget of $2M; analyze key performance indicator data to track company health and predict budget impacts.
Director of Education
Discovery Center
Murfreesboro, TN
01.2015 - 01.2019
- Provided strategic leadership in planning, developing, marketing, implementing and evaluating public and school educational programming with focus on STEAM programs (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math). Supervised six full-time and 15 part-time staff.
- Cultivated museum’s image in community as a beacon of learning by crafting a menu of innovative children’s programs, adult education programs/events, parent classes and intergenerational learning opportunities.
- Developed and implemented fundraising strategies - appeals, events, cultivation meetings and prospect management.
- Spearheaded and implemented statewide STEAM Festival series of events blending informal education with non-traditional spaces. Attracted 15K attendees at 100 events in 2017; grew to 20K attendees at 150 events in 2018. Received Southeastern Festival & Event Association Kaleidoscope Award – Best New Event, 2017.
- Conceived and directed Teach Ready teachers’ development conferences presented by Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce – 60+ attendees in standing-room-only setting, 2018 and 2019.
- Built cohesive team from once fragmented staff of six full-time and 15 part-time employees.
- Managed and developed education department’s formerly-breakeven budget into one that generated $80K/year.
- Assisted in exhibit development by creating, designing and writing content for signage and teacher resources.
- Ensured compliance with grants, donor and contract agreements.
Interim Education Director/Youth Engagement Coordinator
Adventure Science Center
Nashville, TN
01.2010 - 01.2015
- Planned, developed, implemented and evaluated all phases of public and school educational programming. Created specialized programs around Center’s mission, exhibitions and honorees. Supervised 10 full-time and three part-time staff.
- Analyzed, assessed and conceptualized training plans, tools and curricula.
- Organized, developed and implemented Nashville Mini Maker Faire, including recruitment of makers, logistics planning, recruitment of volunteers, development of budget and cultivation of sponsorships.
- Developed and managed education department’s $500K budget; turned camp budget that had always operated at a deficit into a program that generated $60K/year.
- Member of writing team that secured $140K grant to start Adventure Science Center’s high school youth development program, Youth Crush.
- Fostered relationships with individuals and organizations in education and nonprofit communities.
- Produced and performed in science education show Wizard World pop culture festival Nashville, 2014-2015.
Client Support Manager
Lighthouse Counsel
Franklin, TN
01.2009 - 01.2010
- Managed traffic flow between clients, freelancers and consultants for nonprofit fundraising consulting firm.
Camp Coordinator
Adventure Science Center
Nashville, TN
01.2006 - 01.2009
- Coordinated summer camp programs, enhancing participant engagement through tailored activities.
Education
M.S. - Science Education
Oregon State University
Corvallis, Oregon01.2017
B.S. - Recreation And Leisure Services
Middle Tennessee State University
Murfreesboro, TN01.2005
Skills
- Curriculum Development
- Leader
- Lesson planning
- Student engagement
- Project Manager
- Communicator
- Faculty collaboration and support
- Inquiry-based learning
- Technology integration
- Classroom management
- STEM programs
- Project-based learning
- Scientific methodology
Community Involvement & Recognition
- Leadership Rutherford Graduate, 2017
- Nashville Chamber of Commerce Education Committee, 2015-2016
- Rutherford County Schools Science Textbook Review Committee, 2017
- Alignment Nashville and Metro Nashville Public Schools Experiential Learning Committee, 2013–2016
- Alignment Nashville and Metro Nashville Public Schools High School Alignment Team, 2014-2016
Presentations:
- Oak Hill parent education series (Seeds to Sow) 2025- “STEM Learning for the Whole Family”
- National Science Teacher Association Summer Conference 2022- “Dude Perfect Science: Pop Culture as a Conduit to Learning.”
- Tennessee Association of Independent Schools 2022- “Dude Perfect Science: Pop Culture as a Conduit to Learning.”
- Association of Science and Technology Centers Annual Conference 2012 – “Art2Stem: A Community-Driven Solution toward Gender Equity in STEM Professions.”
Timeline
Lower School Science Teacher
The Oak Hill School
01.2020 - Current
General Manager
Lanes, Trains, & Automobiles
01.2019 - 01.2020
Director of Education
Discovery Center
01.2015 - 01.2019
Interim Education Director/Youth Engagement Coordinator
Adventure Science Center
01.2010 - 01.2015
Client Support Manager
Lighthouse Counsel
01.2009 - 01.2010
Camp Coordinator
Adventure Science Center
01.2006 - 01.2009
M.S. - Science Education
Oregon State University
B.S. - Recreation And Leisure Services
Middle Tennessee State University