Markal Barnes-Johnson
Woodbridge,VA
Summary
Experienced manager and problem-solver with a passion for fostering teamwork, leadership, and motivation. Proven ability to cultivate strong customer relationships and excel in relationship-building. Skilled in independent decision-making and exercising sound judgment to drive positive outcomes for the company. Committed to utilizing training, monitoring, and morale-building expertise to enhance employee engagement and elevate performance levels.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Interim Head of School
Guidepost Montessori
10.2024 - Current
- Guided strategic planning efforts for long-term visioning and goal-setting within the school community.
- Developed a positive school culture by fostering strong relationships among faculty, staff, students, and parents..
- Diversified hiring practices to create a more inclusive faculty that better reflects the diversity of the student population.
- Ensured fiscal responsibility through careful budget management and resource allocation.
- Increased student enrollment by effectively marketing the school's unique programs and extracurricular offerings.
- Scheduled educational activities, faculty lectures and departmental events to drive mission and values of institution.
- Checked on instructor lessons and communication in order to assess quality of education and assistance offered to students.
- Conferred and resolved education-related issues and problems with students, parents and school officials.
Assistant Head of School
Guidepost Montessori
06.2023 - 10.2024
- Coordinated extracurricular activities that promoted teamwork, leadership skills, and personal growth among students.
- Ensured timely communication between administration, teachers, parents, and students regarding important updates or announcements..
- Ensured compliance with federal, state, and local education regulations by staying updated on current policies and procedures.
- Increased parent engagement by organizing informative meetings, workshops, and events throughout the year.
- Maintained tuition terms and followed up on delinquent accounts.
- Promoted the school's values and vision through active involvement in community events, public relations efforts, and marketing campaigns.
- Collaborated with the Head of School to set annual goals and objectives, monitoring progress throughout the year.
- Oversaw schedule management and protocols for orientation, registration, and related activities.
- Coordinated staff and student activities to promote a safe and productive learning environment.
- Kept school in full compliance with established policies, legal requirements and student safety standards.
Office Manager
The Woods, A Montessori School
10.2021 - 11.2022
- Coordinated outreach events to bring in parents, family members, and the community at large to support students
- Maintained computer and physical filing systems of students and staff
- Promptly received and forwarded incoming communications, such as phone calls, emails, and letters, to appropriate staff
- Managed office operations while scheduling appointments for department managers
- Sourced vendors for special project needs and negotiated contracts
- Supervised and guided new employees and responded quickly to questions to improve understanding of job responsibilities
- Assisted the Head of School with interviewing potential employees by asking appropriate questions and providing feedback after interviews
- Monitored front areas so that questions could be promptly addressed
Primary Montessori Assistant
The Springs, A Montessori School
08.2019 - 10.2021
- Assisted with maintaining classroom order by observing, guiding, and redirecting children as needed
- Presented lessons as directed, used positive discipline strategies, and discussed strategies with lead teachers to maintain consistency
- Maintained classroom expectations/ratios during lunch, recess, group time, and transitions
- Prepared materials and replenished classroom supplies
- Developed and maintained positive relationships with parents, children, and colleagues
- Assumed the role of lead teacher when the lead teacher was absent
PM Supervisor
Minnieland Academy
09.2017 - 08.2019
- Maintained competency with customer service, managed staff transitions, ensured classroom and building requirements are met each evening, and interacted professionally with children, parents, and co-workers
- Acted as the Director's authorized agent in the absence of the Director or Assistant Director
- Provided front desk support to families and assisted with classrooms, parent questions/concerns, pick-up issues, etc., courteously and professionally
- Utilized the Family Handbook guidelines, Minnieland Personnel Policies, and Licensing Standards when deciding how to handle various situations that may arise after the daily departure of the Director and Assistant Director
- Performed office work to include, but not limited to, typing, filing, sending emails, reproduction of documents, telephonic communications, and maintaining the office calendar
Lead Montessori Teacher
Minnieland Academy
09.2016 - 08.2019
- Ensured the development and safety of children per state, federal, and local regulations, school policies, and procedures
- Developed lesson plans and managed learning experiences for students to ensure the needs of the group and individual students were met
- Maintained accurate record-keeping and student assessments
- Developed positive and encouraging relationships with families to the class and the larger school community, communicated the child's development based on the individualized tracking of student progress and when necessary, communicated developmental needs to parents, which may include strategies, intervention, and/or support from outside specialists
- Guided the professional development of assistants under my supervision
Counselor I
Chinn Aquatics and Fitness Center
09.2013 - 09.2016
- Supervised campers and maintained emotionally and physically safe environments
- Maintained appropriate paperwork and assisted in the planning and implementation of age-appropriate activities for children
- Communicated closely with other counselors to devise programs and activities based on developmental and academic levels
- Offered guidance and advice to help cultivate self-esteem and community involvement
- Additionally, I performed office duties such as typing, filing, sending emails, reproduction of documents, and telephonic communications
Inclusion Aide
Sharron Baucom-Dale City Recreation Center
09.2015 - 01.2016
- Assisted teachers and staff during school so the program could successfully include and meet the needs of students with disabilities
- Provided additional supervision while working with disabled children, and facilitated friendships with other children with or without disabilities
- Utilized communication skills, exercised judgment
- And creativity in daily activities
- Responded effectively to crisis situations and aggressive behaviors, skillfully mitigating conflicts with proven strategies
Lead Teacher/Front Desk Receptionist
Clairmont School & Child Care
09.2012 - 06.2015
- Demonstrated the ability to work with preschool children by maintaining control of and accounting for the whereabouts and safety of children, planning activities, and maintaining indoor and outdoor activity areas and materials to accommodate daily schedules
- Interacted with children using approved child guidance and development techniques and interacted professionally with staff members and parents
- Worked at the front desk as needed daily performing essential clerical duties
- Transcribed phone messages and relayed them to appropriate personnel
- Greeted guests at front desk and engaged in pleasant conversations while managing the check-out process
Education
Early Childhood Education, Certificate -
Northern Virginia Community College
Annandale, VAHigh School Diploma -
Gar-field Senior High School
Woodbridge, VA06.2012
Skills
- Office Management
- Licensing Requirements
- Issue and Conflict Resolution
- Office Supplies and Inventory
- Skilled in Microsoft Office
- Special Event Projects
- Inquiry Requests
- Scheduling and Coordinating
- Fundraising strategies
- Visionary thinking
- Diversity and inclusion
- Strategic leadership
- Staff development
- Facilities management
- Budget preparation
- Fiscal management
Certification
- Certified Admin Medical Asst., 05/01/12
- Medical Terminology, 06/01/12
- ServSafe Food Handler, 11/01/24
- CPR and AED Certification, 06/08/24
- MAT Certification, 08/01/24
Affiliations
Virginia Montessori Association
Timeline
Interim Head of School
Guidepost Montessori
10.2024 - Current
Assistant Head of School
Guidepost Montessori
06.2023 - 10.2024
Office Manager
The Woods, A Montessori School
10.2021 - 11.2022
Primary Montessori Assistant
The Springs, A Montessori School
08.2019 - 10.2021
PM Supervisor
Minnieland Academy
09.2017 - 08.2019
Lead Montessori Teacher
Minnieland Academy
09.2016 - 08.2019
Inclusion Aide
Sharron Baucom-Dale City Recreation Center
09.2015 - 01.2016
Counselor I
Chinn Aquatics and Fitness Center
09.2013 - 09.2016
Lead Teacher/Front Desk Receptionist
Clairmont School & Child Care
09.2012 - 06.2015
High School Diploma -
Gar-field Senior High School
- Certified Admin Medical Asst., 05/01/12
- Medical Terminology, 06/01/12
- ServSafe Food Handler, 11/01/24
- CPR and AED Certification, 06/08/24
- MAT Certification, 08/01/24
Early Childhood Education, Certificate -
Northern Virginia Community College
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