Ricardo Cooke
Educator
Chula Vista,CA
Summary
An educational leader with proven track record of driving academic success and fostering collaborative school environment. Expertise in curriculum development, staff training, and student engagement. Known for adaptability, reliability, and results-driven approach that aligns with institutional goals and changing educational needs.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Principal
Eastlake Middle School, Eastlake High School, Thurgood Marshall Elementary School
01.2016 - Current
- Led school improvement efforts by setting clear expectations for staff performance and providing regular feedback on progress towards goals.
- Trained teachers on effective teaching techniques, classroom management strategies, and behavior modification.
- Performed classroom evaluations to assess teacher strategies and effectiveness.
- Fostered a positive learning environment by promoting open communication among staff, students, and parents.
- Improved student outcomes by analyzing data and adjusting instructional practices accordingly. Organized data gallery walks to discuss climate survey and achievement data; Utilized district and state dashboards to monitor school and state achievement data.
- Managed budgets and resources efficiently to ensure optimal allocation of funds for school programs and initiatives.
- Developed strong relationships with stakeholders to foster trust, collaboration, and commitment to shared goals.
- Increased teacher effectiveness through comprehensive coaching, professional development opportunities, and mentorship programs.
- Administered personnel policies and procedures and approved professional staff additions.
- Enhanced school performance by implementing strategic plans and collaborating with fellow administrators.
- Focus on teacher collaboration with a focus on common curriculum planning, common grade level policy, common assessments and common interventions.
- Served as an Aspiring Administrator Academy Mentor, PAR Liaison and National Center for Urban School Transformation (SDSU) administrator site mentor.
- Enhanced the athletic programs to include a coaches and community member handbook, Captains' Council and branding guide.
- Coordinated community events that included the Magkaisa (Filipino) Conference and RISE: Black Scholars Conference
- Coordinator for AP Testing, EOC Exams, Local Measures and CAASPP.
- Integrated MTSS and Behavior Flow Chart for interventions and monitoring.
Instructor
San Diego State University
01.2014 - 01.2021
- Taught Counseling and School Psychology Course 769 (The Achievement Gap – Leadership, Advocacy and Systemic Change)
- Facilitated discussion on the use of data to address equity concerns at the school site.
- Guided student data project presentations.
- Connected learning outcomes with the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) framework.
- Evaluated student assessments to identify areas of growth and improvement, adjusting instructional strategies accordingly.
Workshop Facilitator and Writer
Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID)
01.2014 - 01.2015
- Co-Facilitator for the Leadership for Implementation Workshop (Summer Institute)
- Taught participants (administrators and coordinators) how to advocate for the AVID program at their schools as well as provide an overview of responsibilities and AVID strategies
- Created the Sustaining and Maintaining Leadership Teams Via the AVID Coaching Domains workshop
- Provided leaders with a framework for supporting AVID strategies at the school site
Teacher
Bonita Vista High School and Capuchino High School
06.1997 - 06.2007
- Taught writing skills, literary analysis, and communication skills.
- Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Taught in the International Baccalaureate Program (English HL) and AVID program for college and career readiness.
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress, attendance, and behavior to facilitate ongoing communication with parents about their child's educational journey.
- Assessed student performance regularly using both formative and summative assessments to inform future lesson planning.
- Continuously pursued professional development opportunities such as workshops or conferences to stay current in educational trends.
- Organized extracurricular activities such as clubs or field trips that enriched students' learning experiences outside traditional classroom settings.
- Led championship basketball and tennis programs and served as an athletic director.
Education
Doctorate of Education - Educational Leadership
San Diego State University
01.2015
Master of Arts with Administrative Credential - Principal Leadership Institute
University of California, Berkeley
01.2007
Master of Arts with Teaching Certification - English
University of Michigan
01.1997
Bachelor of Arts - English
University of California, Los Angeles
01.1996
Skills
- Educational curriculum planning
- Teaching and learning leadership
- Data-driven instruction
- Verbal and written communication
- Systems development
- Employee performance evaluations
- Safety and security procedures
- Training and coaching
- Community engagement
- Team collaboration and leadership
- Strategic organizational leadership
- Proficient in Google and Microsoft Team Applications
Specialized Trainings
- 2024, ACSA Academy: Curriculum and Instruction Certificate, 04/2025
- 2023, ACSA Academy: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Certificate
- 2023, Courageous Principals, Part I (Deloitte)
- 2020, Leading an Inclusive School: Access and Success for All Students (Richard Villa)
- 2019, Introductory Mediation Skills Training (National Conflict Resolution Center)
- 2018, Feedback for Teacher Growth Institute (San Diego County of Education)
- 2018, The Art of Coaching with Elena Aguilar
- 2017, Leading for Equity Institute (National Equity Project)
- 2015, National Center for Urban School Transformation Evaluator (SDSU)
- 2014, Restorative Practices and Circles (International Institution for Restorative Practices)
Professional Associations
- 2024, California Association of African American Superintendents and Administrators (CAAASA), Current
- 2023, California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators (CALSA), Current
- 2023, California Association of Asian and Pasifika Leaders in Education (CAAPLE), Current
- 2013, California Association of School Counselors (CASC), 2013-2021
- 2010, Association of California School Administrators (ACSA), Current
- 2009, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD), Current
- 2006, Board of Directors, Center for Youth of San Mateo County, 2006-2011
- 2008, Sports Booster Outreach Coordinator for Fundraising and Special Events, 2008-2011
Honors And Accomplishments
- 2016-2023, Sweetwater Stars Recognition
- 2013-2015, Barbara Jackson Scholar, SDSU and AERA (American Educational Research Association)
- 2007, Behring Fellow Scholar, Principal Leadership Institute (University of California, Berkeley)
- 2003, Fulbright Teacher Exchange Participant (Scotland)
- 2002, Published in Education Digest (Reducing the Latino Achievement Gap)
- 2000, Top Ten, Salute to Teachers (Cox Cable, San Diego)
- 2000, Teacher of the Year (Sweetwater Union High School District, San Diego)
- 1996, Rackham Merit Fellowship for Graduate Study (University of Michigan)
Timeline
Principal
Eastlake Middle School, Eastlake High School, Thurgood Marshall Elementary School
01.2016 - Current
Instructor
San Diego State University
01.2014 - 01.2021
Workshop Facilitator and Writer
Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID)
01.2014 - 01.2015
Teacher
Bonita Vista High School and Capuchino High School
06.1997 - 06.2007
Master of Arts with Administrative Credential - Principal Leadership Institute
University of California, Berkeley
Master of Arts with Teaching Certification - English
University of Michigan
Bachelor of Arts - English
University of California, Los Angeles
Doctorate of Education - Educational Leadership
San Diego State University
Similar Profiles
Frances RojasFrances Rojas
8th Grade Social Studies Teacher at Socorro ISD - Eastlake Middle School8th Grade Social Studies Teacher at Socorro ISD - Eastlake Middle School
Kellie LeslieKellie Leslie
Physical Education Teacher at Eastlake Middle SchoolPhysical Education Teacher at Eastlake Middle School
Sydney PenwellSydney Penwell
Clinical Student Teaching at Thurgood Marshall Middle SchoolClinical Student Teaching at Thurgood Marshall Middle School