Jontae WALCHAK-Cook
Dallas,TX
Summary
Transformational educational leader with 5+ years of experience in instructional leadership, student behavior systems, campus culture, and academic intervention. Skilled in TEKS-aligned curriculum implementation, PBIS/MTSS frameworks, restorative practices, and differentiated instruction for diverse and neurodiverse learners. Recognized for strong classroom management, relationship-building, and innovative student-centered instruction rooted in project-based and self-paced learning models. Administrator-ready with experience in curriculum writing, grant development, student engagement initiatives, collaborative leadership, and social-emotional learning support.
Passionate secondary school teacher with significant experience in developing and implementing engaging curriculum across various subjects. Skilled in creating inclusive learning environments that encourage student participation and foster academic growth. Successfully enhanced student performance through innovative teaching methods and individualized support. Committed to continuous professional development and collaboration with colleagues to improve school-wide educational standards.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Science Teacher (Grades 6-12)
Port Arthur ISD
Port Arthur, USA
01.2019 - Current
- Taught 6th-7th Grade Science and currently High School Chemistry & Physics utilizing inquiry-based, TEKS-aligned instruction.
- Implemented strong classroom management systems, differentiated instruction, and restorative behavior practices supporting diverse learners and academic growth.
- Shadowed the District Science Coordinator in curriculum writing and lesson planning to maximize accessibility for neurodiverse and complex learners.
- Supported STAAR intervention programs, coordinated grade-level events, completed 4 years of Summer School and after-school tutoring, and contributed to Women in STEM, Tech Day, Career Day, and campus engagement initiatives.
- 3-year CAST Science Convention attendee.
Science & Art Teacher | Mentor Teacher | Cheer Coach
Bob Hope Middle School
Bob Hope, USA
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Delivered highly engaging, inquiry-based instruction rooted in hands-on learning, collaboration, and student ownership of learning.
- Served as a Mentor Teacher, coaching and supporting new educators in classroom management, instructional strategies, engagement practices, and campus expectations.
- Directed cheer and student leadership activities, fostering discipline, accountability, teamwork, confidence, and school pride.
- Reinforced campus behavior expectations within extracurricular settings through structured leadership and restorative discipline practices.
- Facilitated after-school tutoring, enrichment, and intervention programs designed to support at-risk and underperforming students.
- Played a key role in helping the campus achieve an 'A' TEA accountability rating through instructional support, student engagement, and intervention initiatives.
- Developed creative interdisciplinary learning experiences integrating science, art, technology, and student collaboration.
- Recognized for cultivating a highly engaging classroom environment where students felt emotionally safe, academically challenged, and empowered to lead.
Mental Health Counselor
Louisiana Children’s Methodist Home
Ruston, Louisiana
05.2017 - 06.2019
- Provided individual counseling sessions for children with emotional and behavioral challenges.
- Developed treatment plans tailored to each child's specific needs and goals.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive care for clients.
- Educated families about mental health resources and coping strategies for children.
- Maintained accurate documentation of client progress and treatment plans.
- Assisted in crisis intervention when needed to provide immediate support for clients in distress.
- Monitored client safety by assessing risk factors associated with suicide or self-harm behaviors.
Education
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) - Curriculum Writing & Administration, Neurodiversity Learning Methods & Inclusive Instructional Leadership
Master of Arts - Criminology
Grambling State University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Grambling State University
Skills
- Instructional Leadership
- PBIS
- MTSS
- Restorative Discipline
- TEKS-Aligned Instruction
- Data-Driven Intervention
- Neurodiversity Differentiation
- Student Engagement
- Campus Culture
- Classroom Management
- SEL
- Parent Partnerships
- Curriculum Writing
- Project-Based Learning
- Grant Writing
- Curriculum Design & Writing
- Self-Paced Learning Models
- Classroom & Behavior Management
- Technology Integration
- Data-Driven Instruction
- Student Leadership Development
- Culturally Responsive Teaching
- Parent Engagement
- Team Leadership
- Academic Intervention
- Event Coordination
- STAAR intervention support
- classroom management
- interdisciplinary projects
- creative teaching strategies
- collaborative teamwork
- crisis intervention
- Progress evaluations
- Multicultural sensitivity
- Constructive student feedback
- Instructional planning
- Faculty collaboration and support
- Chemistry
- Environmental science
- AP lesson planning
- STEM programs
- Lab project demonstrations
- Laboratory skills
- Technologies integration
- Specimen handling
- Biological science
- IEP progress tracking
- Student records management
- Technology integration
- Formative assessments and Standard-based grading
- Enforcing rules and expectations
- Lab management
- Chemical use
- Inquiry-based learning
- Field trip coordination
Educational Philosophy
I believe learning is most impactful when students are actively engaged, emotionally supported, and empowered to take ownership of their educational journey. My pedagogy is grounded in Constructivist and Progressive philosophies that prioritize hands-on exploration, collaboration, creativity, and real-world application. Through student-led, project-based, and differentiated instruction, I strive to cultivate classrooms where all learners-especially neurodiverse students-feel seen, capable, challenged, and inspired to succeed.
Featured Initiative
STEM Gardening Initiative, Designed and led an innovative STEM Gardening Initiative integrating science, sustainability, engineering, and real-world problem-solving., Developed hands-on project-based learning experiences that increased student engagement and environmental awareness., Established a student-led 'Garden Team' focused on leadership development, collaboration, and community involvement., Secured grant funding and educational resources to expand the program's long-term impact and accessibility., Fostered partnerships between students, families, and the surrounding community through collaborative STEM outreach initiatives.
Leadership Impact
- Two-time Science Grant Writer and Recipient, securing funding for innovative STEM programming and student enrichment initiatives.
- Demonstrated success building strong relationships with students, families, faculty, and community stakeholders.
- Recognized for exceptional classroom management and the ability to successfully engage behaviorally challenged and at-risk students.
- Promoted positive campus culture through academics, athletics, arts integration, mentorship, and leadership development.
- Supported school-wide accountability systems, intervention initiatives, and student success programs.
- Developed student leadership opportunities that increased participation, confidence, accountability, and school pride.
- Established inclusive learning environments that celebrated diverse learning styles and neurodiverse student success.
- 3 years of experience in the mental health field supporting youth and families.
- Experience with GEAR UP College Readiness & Networking Program supporting post-secondary success initiatives.
Timeline
Science & Art Teacher | Mentor Teacher | Cheer Coach
Bob Hope Middle School
01.2021 - 01.2023
Science Teacher (Grades 6-12)
Port Arthur ISD
01.2019 - Current
Mental Health Counselor
Louisiana Children’s Methodist Home
05.2017 - 06.2019
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) - Curriculum Writing & Administration, Neurodiversity Learning Methods & Inclusive Instructional Leadership
Master of Arts - Criminology
Grambling State University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Grambling State University