KEVIN BLANKS
WASHINGTON,DC
Summary
Dedicated educational professional with a focus on supporting diverse learners through individualized instruction and targeted interventions. Experienced in developing innovative teaching strategies and personalized success plans. Committed to collaborating with faculty and community partners to enhance student outcomes and promote inclusive learning environments.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Academic Success Coach
George Washington University Academic Success & Retention Programs
Washington, DC
08.2021 - 07.2025
- Facilitated academic coaching sessions enhancing support for diverse student groups.
- Developed personalized success plans that enhanced student engagement and retention.
- Built collaborative partnerships with faculty and staff at GW to support scholar success, retention, and workforce development, including financial aid, orientation, academic advising, and career services.
- Supported student diversity initiatives creating safe space for exploration and sharing of diverse identities and experiences.
Teacher, Special Education
Rocketship Public Schools
Washington, DC
07.2020 - 08.2021
- Developed IEP-aligned lessons for students with diverse learning needs.
- Identified learning needs of students with disabilities and implemented appropriate interventions.
- Collaborated with school team, families, and service providers to enhance student outcomes and align curriculum planning with identified needs.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress toward IEP goals.
Teacher, Curriculum Director, Department Chair of English
KIPP Texas Public Schools
San Antonio, Texas
01.2015 - 06.2019
- Led curriculum practice and internalization, clarifying teacher exemplars and facilitating collaborative learning across grade levels and content areas.
- Collaborated with content and grade-level teams to cultivate critical thinking and academic rigor among students.
- Developed yearlong scaffolded, standards-based unit and lesson plans to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
- Provided individualized instruction to meet the needs of all students.
Education
Ph.D. - English
George Washington University
Washington, DC05-2027
Master of Arts - English
George Washington University
Washington, DC05-2021
Bachelor of Arts - English
The University of Kansas
Lawrence, Kansas05-2015
Skills
- Academic coaching and advising
- Retention strategies
- Curriculum development
- Collaborative teaching
- Diverse learning approaches
- Community outreach
- Critical thinking skills
- Diversity initiatives
- Program coordination
- Case management
EXTRACURRICULAR EXPERIENCE
- SMYAL (Supporting and Mentoring Youth Advocates and Leaders), Volunteer, Washington, DC, 2022-05, Present, Supporting opportunities for youth to build self-confidence, develop critical skills, and engage peers and community through service and advocacy.
- NBDA (National Black Deaf Advocates), Volunteer, Washington, DC, 2021-12, Present, Promotes leadership development, economic and educational opportunities, and social equity for Black deaf and hard of hearing people.
Timeline
Academic Success Coach
George Washington University Academic Success & Retention Programs
08.2021 - 07.2025
Teacher, Special Education
Rocketship Public Schools
07.2020 - 08.2021
Teacher, Curriculum Director, Department Chair of English
KIPP Texas Public Schools
01.2015 - 06.2019
Ph.D. - English
George Washington University
Master of Arts - English
George Washington University
Bachelor of Arts - English
The University of Kansas