MICHAEL J. KENTZ
Savannah,GA
Summary
I am an award-winning educator with 15+ years’ experience across journalism and teaching. I have graduate degrees in education and creative writing and have held leadership positions in both news and education. My news reporting and creative writing have been published across a wide array of national publications. Recently, I have developed an AI Exploration Program at my high school and have written extensively about how artificial intelligence is changing the classroom experience. I will be stepping into a role as Director of Educational Technology in August 2024.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Teacher 9th Grade Honors and College Prep English
Benedictine Military School
07.2021 - Current
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
- Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as AI-focused group projects and hands-on activities.
- Developed Artificial Intelligence Research Program focused on Self-Directed Learning Strategies for High School Seniors
Director of After School Programs, Head Basketball Coach
Achievement First Apollo Middle School
08.2020 - 06.2021
- Enhanced student engagement by creating dynamic after-school programs focused on diverse interests and needs.
- Streamlined program administration by implementing efficient scheduling and communication systems.
- Launched and managed several remote programs during COVID to support student mental health.
- Produced student literary magazine and school's first-ever yearbook.
Lead Teacher 6th and 7th Grade Writing
Achievement First Apollo Middle School
07.2016 - 06.2021
- Designed and executed project-based learning experiences, promoting teamwork, problem-solving skills, and real-world connections for students.
- Received “Distinguished Teacher” honor in 2021.
- Led outsized student proficiency gains outpacing State and City Non-Poor Averages by a wide margin.
- Implemented assessment tools that monitored student progress throughout the year, allowing for targeted interventions when needed to close achievement gaps.
Fellow
Leadership Fellows, Achievement First Charter Schools
08.2019 - 05.2020
- Participated in year-long leadership training program that developed leadership identity and skills.
- Launched and managed low-cost girl's basketball program that led to involvement in national non-profit initiatives.
Reporter, Derivatives
Thomson Reuters, International Financing Review
07.2012 - 07.2016
- Enhanced news coverage by conducting thorough research and fact-checking for accuracy.
- Contributed to increased readership by consistently delivering engaging and timely stories.
- Exceeded deadlines consistently, producing accurate and well-written news stories under tight time constraints.
- Published in New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, Fox Business, CNBC, and more.
Senior Reporter
Institutional Investor News, Derivatives Week/Derivatives Intelligence
09.2010 - 07.2012
- Enhanced news coverage by conducting in-depth research and interviews for accurate, comprehensive reporting.
- Mentored junior reporters to improve their writing skills and journalistic integrity for better storytelling.
- Developed strong relationships with community members and sources, fostering trust and enhancing the quality of information gathered.
Patients’ Rights Advocate
Jesuit Volunteer Corps, The Mental Health Advocacy Project
08.2009 - 08.2010
- Achieved positive outcomes for clients by providing thorough legal research and drafting persuasive arguments.
- Delivered high-quality representation to clients in court, resulting in favorable judgments and settlements.
- Represented mentally ill inmates of the local county jail in legal hearings.
Education
Master of Arts - Creative Writing
Wilkes University
Wilkes-Barre, PA01.2024
Master’s in the Art of Teaching -
Relay Graduate School of Education
New York, NY05.2018
Bachelor of Arts - American Studies
Georgetown University
Washington, D.C.05.2009
Skills
- Curriculum Implementation
- Student Engagement
- Data-Driven Instruction
- Differentiated Instruction
- Project-Based Learning
- Technology Integration
- Idea Brainstorming
- Effective Writing
- Creative Writing
- Journalism
- Partnership Development
- Creative Thinking
Accomplishments
Distinguished Teacher (Achievement First Charter Schools)
Artificial Intelligence Expertise
- Vanderbilt University Online, Coursera, Prompt Engineering Class, 15
- AI For Education, AI 101 for Educators Class
Creative Writing Publications
- The Daily Princetonian
- Wanderlust Travel Journal
- The Dewdrop
- The Ravens Perch
Other
Speaking/Reading/Writing, Norlha Atelier Men’s Basketball Team, Tibetan Plateau, China, July 2019, Basketball in Tibet, A Sport’s Unlikely Ascent, PeacePlayers International, Brooklyn, NY, November 2020—Present
Certification
New York State Teaching Certification (valid until 2026)
AI Prompt Engineering (Vanderbilt University)
Leadership Fellows (Achievement First Charter School)
Affiliations
- Basketball
- Tennis
- Fiction Writing
- Biking
- Pickleball
Languages
Spanish
Professional Working
Software
Artificial Intelligence Systems
Microsoft Office
Google Drive
ChatGPT
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Teacher 9th Grade Honors and College Prep English
Benedictine Military School
07.2021 - Current
Director of After School Programs, Head Basketball Coach
Achievement First Apollo Middle School
08.2020 - 06.2021
Fellow
Leadership Fellows, Achievement First Charter Schools
08.2019 - 05.2020
Lead Teacher 6th and 7th Grade Writing
Achievement First Apollo Middle School
07.2016 - 06.2021
Reporter, Derivatives
Thomson Reuters, International Financing Review
07.2012 - 07.2016
Senior Reporter
Institutional Investor News, Derivatives Week/Derivatives Intelligence
09.2010 - 07.2012
Patients’ Rights Advocate
Jesuit Volunteer Corps, The Mental Health Advocacy Project
08.2009 - 08.2010
Master of Arts - Creative Writing
Wilkes University
Master’s in the Art of Teaching -
Relay Graduate School of Education
Bachelor of Arts - American Studies
Georgetown University
Similar Profiles
Russell EllingtonRussell Ellington
Head Football Coach at Gadsden County High SchoolHead Football Coach at Gadsden County High School
Tristan ZuckTristan Zuck
Student at Benedictine Miliary SchoolStudent at Benedictine Miliary School
Sandilyn Newell-NicholsonSandilyn Newell-Nicholson
Teaching Professional at Benedictine School RidgelyTeaching Professional at Benedictine School Ridgely
Annette JensenAnnette Jensen
Lactation Consultant at HCA Memorial HospitalLactation Consultant at HCA Memorial Hospital
Corie StarkCorie Stark
Content Manager at LyntonContent Manager at Lynton