Rico Thornton
Lawrenceville
Summary
Dynamic Social Studies Instructor and Department Chair at Gwinnett County Public Schools, skilled in curriculum implementation and student engagement strategies. Proven track record in enhancing student learning outcomes through innovative lesson planning and effective mentorship. Adept at utilizing technology in education and fostering collaborative faculty relationships to drive academic success.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Social Studies Instructor/ Department Chair
Gwinnett County Public Schools
Lawrenceville
07.2024 - Current
- Developed schedules and lesson plans to meet curriculum objectives.
- Participated in professional development workshops to enhance teaching strategies.
- Met with administrators and department team members to work on curriculum planning and assessment methods.
- Selected learning materials tailored to student needs, interests, strengths, and weaknesses.
- Created comprehensive social studies lesson plans aligned with state standards on history, geography, civics, and economics.
- Engaged students using diverse teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, and project-based learning.
- Evaluated and graded assignments, quizzes, tests, projects, and classwork per curriculum standards.
- Provided constructive feedback to enhance student growth and academic performance.
- Developed and implemented strategies to improve student learning outcomes.
- Served as a mentor for new teachers during their onboarding process.
- Participated in weekly faculty meetings by providing updates on departmental goals or objectives.
- Created lesson plans and chose supporting materials to promote positive learning experiences.
- Developed engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards.
Academic Support Coach Part-Time
Boy and Girls Club of Metro Atlanta
Lawrenceville
07.2024 - 01.2025
- Plans and implements activities within budget constraints to achieve program objectives.
- Prepares monthly reports reflecting activities, including attendance and program participation for Director of Expanded Learning.
- Supervised students' independent learning and delivered quality one-on-one support.
- Provides special guidance and development of participants assigned through the GEER project and other assigned projects.
- Supported student achievement with regular progress monitoring.
- References initial participant intake forms to determine needs and completes periodic tracking forms to track attendance and program participation.
- Conducted reading groups using lessons designed by classroom teachers.
- Evaluate on-going needs of Club members, and review and revise interventions to meet emerging needs.
- Includes preparation for and support of informal and formal evaluation of program effectiveness.
- Facilitated youth development programs to enhance life skills and personal growth.
- Provided support and coaching to employees on a variety of topics, including job performance, conflict resolution, and career development.
- Evaluated modes of training delivery to optimize training effectiveness, training costs or environmental impacts.
- Devised programs to develop executive potential among employees in lower-level positions.
Instructional Aide
Muscogee County School District
Columbus
08.2022 - 05.2024
- Facilitated end-of-day activities and prepared theclassroom for thenext day.
- Ensured student safety during pickup and drop-off procedures.
- Enforced classroom discipline through consistent application of rules.
- Supervised independent learning and provided targeted one-on-one support.
- Managed classroom recordkeeping, documenting attendance and posting grades for over 30 students.
- Monitored student progress to support achievement goals.
- Collaborated with small groups and individual students to help achieve class objectives.
- Conducted reading groups using lessons crafted by classroom teachers.
Autism Paraprofessional
Muscogee County School District
Columbus
08.2021 - 07.2022
- Used technology, AV equipment, and communication devices in theclassroom.
- Instructed students on concepts outlined in lesson plans.
- Mentored struggling students, explaining class materials and helping with specific problems.
- Helped the supervising teacher manage theclassroom and implement lesson plans.
- Boosted student learning bycarrying out planned lessons and activities.
- Planned and organized class parties, awards, and field trips.
- Built positive relationships with parents, administrators, and teaching staff.
- Adhered to IPE and BIP plans with strict attention to requirements and goals.
- Kept parents informed about students' progress by participating in conferences and using apps to share daily updates.
- Supported students with autism in daily classroom activities and routines.
- Engaged in team meetings to discuss assessments, treatment plans, and educational programming for identified children.
- Monitored student performance using evidence-based practices to identify areas of need or improvement.
- Facilitated small group instruction tailored to meet theindividual needs of students with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Student Engagement Specialist
Georgia Gwinnett College
Lawrenceville
08.2017 - 07.2018
- Implemented student-facing activities.
- Coordinated Volunteer Events.
- Provided Support to the Volunteer Coordinator with Clerical Items.
- Helped create Programs for Students to get Volunteer Hours and be able to document those hours.
Education
Post-Master's Certificate - Ed Leadership Tier 1 Certification
University of West Georgia
Carrollton, Georgia, GA07-2026
Master of Education (MED) - Curriculum and Instruction
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA12.2025
Bachelor of Arts - History For Secondary Education
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ07-2024
Skills
- Group and individual instruction
- Progress reporting
- Student support
- Faculty collaboration
- Classroom technology
- Special needs assistance
- Student supervision
- Assessment and evaluation
- Lesson planning
- Classroom management
- Student engagement strategies
- Curriculum implementation
- Positive mentorship
- Grading and feedback
- Behavior management techniques
- Instructional methods
- Critical thinking skills
- Public speaking proficiency
- Technology integration in education
- Needs assessment for students
- Standardized testing administration
- Diverse community service
- Department leadership
- Teacher coaching
- Project-based learning
- Training and mentoring
- TESOL certified
Certification
120 Hour TESOL/TEFL Certificate
World TESOL Academy
World TESOL Academy
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Social Studies Instructor/ Department Chair
Gwinnett County Public Schools
07.2024 - Current
Academic Support Coach Part-Time
Boy and Girls Club of Metro Atlanta
07.2024 - 01.2025
Instructional Aide
Muscogee County School District
08.2022 - 05.2024
Autism Paraprofessional
Muscogee County School District
08.2021 - 07.2022
Student Engagement Specialist
Georgia Gwinnett College
08.2017 - 07.2018
Post-Master's Certificate - Ed Leadership Tier 1 Certification
University of West Georgia
Master of Education (MED) - Curriculum and Instruction
Liberty University
Bachelor of Arts - History For Secondary Education
Grand Canyon University