Lila Harris
Owens Cross Roads,AL
Summary
Goal-driven History Teacher, Scuba Instructor, and published Photographer with over 30 years of experience providing top-notch education to students and safe scuba diving clients. Hardworking and reliable with excellent leadership development skills. Eager to apply my combined expertise Highly-motivated with a desire transition from public school education to take on new challenges. Strong work ethic, adaptability, and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills. I have planned and coordinated international travel for scuba divers to over 35 countries for myself and groups.
Overview
40
40
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Secondary Social Studies Teacher
Huntsville City Schools, Morris Middle School
Huntsville, AL
07.2022 - Current
- Established and enforced clear class objectives and requirements to promote consistent education for students.
- Developed and implemented lesson plans to teach students about world history, geography, economics and government.
- Cultivated collaborative and innovative learning environment to meet each student's unique educational needs.
- Integrated technology into lessons by utilizing online resources and multimedia presentations.
Free Lance Photographer
Self Employed Services
Huntsville, AL
07.2010 - Current
- Manipulated and enhanced scanned or digital images using computers and specialized software. (i.e. Photoshop, Lightroom)
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of photography equipment and technology advancements.
- Proficient in the use of multiple digital cameras and lenses, as well as the complex underwater housing and lighting systems.
- Extensive travel to international locations to photograph and publish in a variety of travel magazines.
- Transferred photographs to computers for editing, archiving and electronic transmission.
Master Scuba Instructor
Down Under Dive Shop
Gulf Shores, AL
04.2002 - 08.2020
- Carried out balanced program of instruction and work time to give students optimal learning experiences.
- Coordinated with boat captains and other staff personnel associated with diving operations.
- Provided first aid assistance as required by PADI regulations if any medical emergencies occurred during a dive trip.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
- Coordinated international diving travel for clients to include selected location, accommodations, flights and local excursions. Proficient in adjusting to ongoing travel challenges and changes.
- Created a young based "scuba camp" for 4-6 children with 100% success, leading to 85% pursuing scuba certification.
Secondary History Teacher
Macon East Montgomery Academy
Cecil, AL
08.1997 - 05.2001
- Compiled, administered and graded examinations and other assigned work.
- Built life-long learning skills and strong study habits in students to help each prepare for higher-level education.
- Developed and implemented lesson plans to teach students about world history, geography, US History, Alabama History. .
- Facilitated discussions on various historical topics in order to promote critical thinking skills among students.
- Organized field trips to local museums or other educational sites in order to enrich classroom learning experiences.
- Designed instructional materials such as course syllabi, handouts and activities to enhance learning.
Special Education Teacher
Churchill Academy
Montgomery, AL
08.1996 - 05.1997
- Organized field trips or community experiences to enhance learning opportunities for special education students.
- Designed and delivered personalized learning for each student and advocated for student inclusion and success in general education environments.
- Developed IEP to leverage developmental practices and educational theories to achieve educational objectives.
- Analyzed student data and prescribed remediation and enrichment to meet learning needs.
- Cultivated classroom environment focused on inclusion and growth, fostering both social and academic development.
Special Education Teacher
Chilton County Board Of Education
Clanton, AL
08.1992 - 05.1996
- Designed and delivered personalized learning for each student and advocated for student inclusion and success in general education environments.
- Developed IEP to leverage developmental practices and educational theories to achieve educational objectives.
- Analyzed student data and prescribed remediation and enrichment to meet learning needs.
- Facilitated small group instruction tailored for individual student needs.
- Adapted curriculum materials as needed to meet individualized student needs.
Special Education Teacher
Jefferson County School District
Birmingham, AL
08.1986 - 05.1988
- Served as an advocate for special education students within the school system.
- Designed and delivered personalized learning for each student and advocated for student inclusion and success in general education environments.
- Collaborated with other educators and professionals to design instructional plans.
- Developed IEP to leverage developmental practices and educational theories to achieve educational objectives.
- Analyzed student data and prescribed remediation and enrichment to meet learning needs.
Special Education Coordinator
Glenwood Wilderness Camp
Birmingham, AL
05.1984 - 08.1986
- Developed transition plans for students moving from one level or program to another or transitioning into postsecondary settings.
- Created a positive learning environment that encourages the development of social skills and self-esteem.
- Reviewed data collected from various sources to assess effectiveness of interventions being used with each student.
- Conferred with parents and staff to discuss educational activities and policies.
- Reviewed and evaluated programs for compliance with state, local and federal regulations.
- Assisted in the implementation of behavior management systems for students as needed.
Education
Certified Life Coach -
Coaches Training Institute
05-2004
Bachelor of Science - Secondary History
Auburn University-Montgomery
Montgomery, AL08-1995
Bachelor of Science - Special Education
Jacksonville State University
Jacksonville, AL08-1981
Skills
- Technology Implementation
- Results-Focused
- Leadership Development
- Verbal and Written Communication
- Organizational Abilities
- Smartboard Technology
- Technical Instruction
- Policy Enforcement
- Risk Management
- Adaptability in extreme situations
- Adobe Photoshop
- Equipment Preparation
- Excellent Workflow Management
- Microsoft Suite Proficient
- Proactive Approach to Problem Solving
- Superb Attention to Detail
- Excellent Customer Service
- Geography Expertise
- International Reservations
- Client Networking
- Leisure Travel
- Social Media
- Logistics Support
- Locale Research
- Client Relations
Affiliations
- Extensive travel to over 35 international locations
- Life long interest in books
- Football
- Ballet and Choreography
- Member Alabama Education Association
- Teaching Geography and World History led expertise in knowledge for travel planning.
- Extensive Travel Planning and Coordinating to remote locations such as Papua New Guinea, Bali, Raja Ampat, Great Barrier Reef, Palau, Kangaroo Island Australia, Komodo Island, New Zealand, Hawaii, multiple Caribbean Islands, Iceland, Scotland and many more. Advanced specialty in planning scuba diving excursions and liveaboard diving.
Accomplishments
Published photography and articles in the following magazines: Scuba Diver, Alert Diver, All At Sea, Guy Harvey and more.
Certification
- Certified Special Education and Secondary History teacher
- Certified Life Coach
- PADI Master Scuba Instructor
- Master Underwater Photographer-Freelance
- Certificate for completion of Udemy course "Traditional Project Management for Beginners".
- Certificate for completion of Udemy course " Project Management: The Art of Scheduling".
- Travel Institutebeginning coursework for Travel Agent certification.
Additional Information
I am energetic and dedicated to everything I do. I have an incredible capacity to easily adjust, problem solve, and maintain a cooperative and positive attitude due to my extensive teaching and diving experience. I am at a place in my life and career to transition into a new challenge and career. I am seeking a position where I can support a team and enjoy the collaboration and interactions in working on a project or common goal. My very diverse work history is a cumulative and interesting set of skills that could be applicable to a variety of fields which I am open to consider, but my passion always lies in travel and exploration of the world's diversity. I have experienced any and all challenges while traveling, leading to my excellent and caring problem solving skills associated with international and domestic travel.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Secondary Social Studies Teacher
Huntsville City Schools, Morris Middle School
07.2022 - Current
Free Lance Photographer
Self Employed Services
07.2010 - Current
Master Scuba Instructor
Down Under Dive Shop
04.2002 - 08.2020
Secondary History Teacher
Macon East Montgomery Academy
08.1997 - 05.2001
Special Education Teacher
Churchill Academy
08.1996 - 05.1997
Special Education Teacher
Chilton County Board Of Education
08.1992 - 05.1996
Special Education Teacher
Jefferson County School District
08.1986 - 05.1988
Special Education Coordinator
Glenwood Wilderness Camp
05.1984 - 08.1986
Certified Life Coach -
Coaches Training Institute
Bachelor of Science - Secondary History
Auburn University-Montgomery
Bachelor of Science - Special Education
Jacksonville State University
- Certified Special Education and Secondary History teacher
- Certified Life Coach
- PADI Master Scuba Instructor
- Master Underwater Photographer-Freelance
- Certificate for completion of Udemy course "Traditional Project Management for Beginners".
- Certificate for completion of Udemy course " Project Management: The Art of Scheduling".
- Travel Institutebeginning coursework for Travel Agent certification.
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