Justin Baird
Lewiston
Summary
Dynamic educator with a proven track record in creating engaging and effective learning environments. Demonstrates exceptional productivity and time management skills, consistently meeting deadlines without compromising quality. Expertise in curriculum development, classroom management, and educational technology integration enhances student outcomes. Strong communication, adaptability, and empathy foster positive experiences in diverse educational settings.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Teacher
Ridley College
St. Catharines
08.2006 - Current
- Designed engaging lesson plans that addressed diverse learning styles and promoted active participation.
- Developed strong relationships with students and parents, fostering a positive learning environment.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Worked cooperatively with other teachers, administrators, and parents to help students reach learning objectives.
- Served on school committees, particularly the Strategic Plan Taskforce and the IB Implementation Team.
- Taught across several subject areas, including English, Theory of Knowledge, Philosophy and Psychology.
- Served as Ridley's first Extended Essay Coordinator.
- Was Coordinator of the MGI Gordon Distinguished Speaker Series, 2011-2017.
- Encouraged public speaking and debating in class and in school-wide and inter-school competitions.
Adjunct Professor
Kings University College
London
09.2001 - 05.2008
- Taught English 117: Reading Popular Culture during the full academic year in 2001-2002 and as an evening course professor in Spring 2004, Spring 2006, Fall/Winter 2006-2007 and 2007-2008.
- Developed a reading list and course outline.
- Conducted mid-size to large-size class lectures
- Organized and graded assessments.
High School Teacher
Grey Gables School
09.2002 - 06.2006
- Created engaging lesson plans, fostered culture of discovery and provided well-organized classroom structure to help students succeed in program.
- Taught IB English Literature in the 2004/2005 and 2005/2006, developing the program and introducing its first units and graduates.
Writing Instructor
Western University
London
09.2000 - 05.2002
- Created lesson plans, assigned readings, and evaluated student work.
- Evaluated and documented student learning and growth.
Adjunct Professor
Brescia College
London
09.2000 - 05.2001
- Taught English 117: Reading Popular Culture as a night course over the 2000-2001 academic year.
- Developed course readings and a course syllabus.
- Held weekly lectures for a mid-sized group.
- Assessed student performance through examinations and assignments.
Education
Ph.D. - English
Western University
London, ON07.2004
Skills
- Literary analysis
- Curriculum development
- Public speaking
- Emotional intelligence
- Critical thinking
- Group and individual instruction
- Literacy development
- Social-emotional learning training
- Reporting and documentation
- Differentiated instruction
- Creative and expository writing
- Parent-Teacher communication
- Innovating with Film in the Teaching of the English Curriculum
Affiliations
Have directed several dramatic productions and have led a student writing workshop that created one play, The Yeldir Chronicles (2024), for Middle School Production.
Will have earned a Positive Education Certification by Spring of 2025.
Accomplishments
- Three-time Deans Honour List of Teaching recipient while teaching university classes at Kings and Brescia.
- Earned a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council Grant for my Ph.D. Dissertation.
- Coached five CISAA (Canadian Independent Schools Athletic Association) championship middle school rugby teams.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Teacher
Ridley College
08.2006 - Current
High School Teacher
Grey Gables School
09.2002 - 06.2006
Adjunct Professor
Kings University College
09.2001 - 05.2008
Writing Instructor
Western University
09.2000 - 05.2002
Adjunct Professor
Brescia College
09.2000 - 05.2001
Ph.D. - English
Western University
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