Kelly Harkins
HOUSTON,TX
Summary
Dynamic educator with a proven track record of mentoring students and facilitating engaging performances and athletic events, driving creativity, and enhancing instructional strategies while collaborating with colleagues and community members.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Theatre Arts Teacher/Director of Bobcat Playhouse
Spring Branch ISD
Houston, TX
07.2013 - Current
- Collaborated to develop and implement curriculum according to TEKS and needs of our diverse community.
- Facilitated classroom performance and projects.
- Mentored students in acting, directing, and production design skills, particularly through the use of student directors, stage managers, choreographers, and production crews.
- Directed over 50 one act plays, talent shows, and musicals with cast/crews averaging over 100 students, most recently Disney's Frozen Jr. (2026)
Department Chair - Spring Forest Performing Arts
Spring Branch ISD
Houston, TX
08.2017 - Current
- Collaborated with faculty to enhance instructional strategies and student engagement.
- Advocated for Performing Arts needs (funding, scheduling, techinical needs)
- Facilitated scheduling of concerts, field trips, fundraisers, and rehearsal time on stage.
Basketball/Volleyball Coach - Spring Forest MS
Spring Branch ISD
Houston, TX
08.2014 - 05.2023
- Planning and facilitating practices focusing on developing player fundamentals and skillsets through progressive training.
- Analyzing in game play and post game statistics to adjust practice plans.
- Coordinated multiple team practice schedules to optimize team preparation, resources, and shared court time.
- Scheduled buses and planned travel for team events.
Theatre Arts Teacher - Miller Intermediate
Alief ISD
Houston, TX
08.2006 - 06.2013
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans to enhance student understanding of theatre arts concepts according to TEKS.
- Facilitated collaborative projects, encouraging teamwork and creativity among students in performances.
- Organized extracurricular activities, including the development of the Maverick Theatre Co. that would produce three one-act plays, per year.
- Developed the Maverick Glee Club which would perform throughout the year at different school events.
- Mentored students in character development and performance techniques, promoting individual growth and confidence.
ComedySportz Performer/Coach
CSz Houston - Home of ComedySportz
Houston, TX
07.2001 - 05.2023
- Delivered engaging performances in improvisational comedy, with a high focus on audience interaction.
- Adapted quickly to diverse audience dynamics, ensuring consistent engagement and positive experiences, particularly at remote locations ranging from churches, schools, restaurants, parties, festivals, etc.
- Coached in the ComedySportz High School League which focused on teaching performance and leadership skills to high schoolers through improvisational comedy. (CE King, Cy Creek, Cy Falls, Memorial, Spring Woods, Stratford)
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Double Major - Drama (Acting/Directing) & History
University of Houston
Houston, TX05-2006
Skills
- Very adaptable with a "Yes, and" attitude
- Comfortable in front of a crowd
- Great with working with large groups
- Excellent communicator with families and stakeholders
- Proficient with woodworking and some mechanical needs
Certification
State of Texas, Teacher Certifications (thru 2031)
- EC - 12 Theatre Arts
- 4-8 English Language Arts and Reading/Social Studies
- 8-12 Social Studies
Accomplishments
- 2008 - Teacher of the Year, Miller Intermediate - Alief ISD
- 2015 - Teacher of the Year, Spring Forest Middle School - Spring Branch ISD
- 2015 - Spring Forest Middle School PTA School Bell Award Winner
Timeline
Department Chair - Spring Forest Performing Arts
Spring Branch ISD
08.2017 - Current
Basketball/Volleyball Coach - Spring Forest MS
Spring Branch ISD
08.2014 - 05.2023
Theatre Arts Teacher/Director of Bobcat Playhouse
Spring Branch ISD
07.2013 - Current
Theatre Arts Teacher - Miller Intermediate
Alief ISD
08.2006 - 06.2013
ComedySportz Performer/Coach
CSz Houston - Home of ComedySportz
07.2001 - 05.2023
Bachelor of Arts - Double Major - Drama (Acting/Directing) & History
University of Houston