Ryan Dixon
Norwalk,IA
Summary
Results-driven educational leader with a passion for student success and school improvement. Skilled in fostering inclusive learning environments, building strong relationships, and managing high-pressure situations. Experienced in curriculum development, professional development, and creating safe, engaging educational spaces. Committed to enhancing student achievement, school culture, and personal growth through collaboration and strong leadership.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Health Teacher/Strength and Conditioning Coach
Valley Southwoods Freshman High School
09.2020 - Current
- Curriculum Leadership – Designed, implemented, and continuously improved a comprehensive high school health curriculum aligned with state standards, ensuring rigorous and engaging instruction.
- Administrative Experience – Assumed leadership responsibilities in the absence of school administrators, managing school operations, student discipline, and staff support.
- Athletic Program Development – Established and led a strength and conditioning program to enhance student-athlete development, wellness, and performance.
- Facility & Resource Management – Spearheaded the redesign of the Southwoods weight room, overseeing facility improvements and equipment selection to support a high-quality training environment.
- Department Leadership – Served as department head for Health and Strength programs, providing strategic direction, mentorship, and curriculum oversight.
- Staff & Student Development – Actively participated in the Professional Learning Community (PLC) process to design and implement rigorous, student-centered instructional practices.
- Technology Integration – Proficient in Canvas, Google Drive, and Google Calendar for instructional delivery, communication, and school-wide planning.
- Positive School Culture & Student Behavior – Utilized Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) to foster a positive, inclusive school environment and improve student outcomes.
Head Football Coach
Valley Southwoods
09.2015 - Current
- Program Development & Management : Designed and implemented comprehensive training programs tailored to freshman athletes, fostering skill development and team cohesion.
- Leadership & Mentorship : Provided guidance and support to student-athletes, promoting personal growth, academic achievement, and ethical behavior.
- Communication & Collaboration : Liaised effectively with parents, faculty, and administration to align athletic and academic objectives, ensuring a holistic approach to student development.
- Event Coordination : Organized and managed game schedules, transportation, and equipment logistics, demonstrating strong organizational and planning abilities.
- Policy Implementation : Enforced school policies and athletic regulations, maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all participants.
- Conflict Resolution : Addressed and mediated conflicts among team members, parents, and staff, fostering a positive and inclusive team culture.
South Union Elementary School
South Union Elementary School K-5
09.2018 - 05.2020
- Professional Development & Teacher Collaboration – Designed and facilitated monthly meetings for South Side PE teachers, focusing on implementing standards-based grading and best instructional practices.
- Instructional Leadership – Led intervention plans with teachers to support student success across all grade levels within the physical education curriculum.
- Program Development – Developed and implemented a PE program centered on standards-referenced grading, aligning instruction with student learning outcomes.
- Positive Behavior Support – Served on the Tier 2 PBIS committee, implementing strategies to enhance student behavior and school culture.
- Academic Support & Student Success – Co-led an after-school tutorial program, providing additional academic and behavioral support for students.
- Crisis Prevention & Special Education Support – Certified CPI instructor, providing de-escalation strategies and behavioral support in SPED classrooms.
- School Leadership & Administration – Member of the school leadership team, actively contributing to decision-making processes, school improvement initiatives, and student success strategies.
- Event Planning & Community Engagement – Organized and led the annual school-wide Field Day, fostering student engagement and community involvement.
- Administrative Collaboration – Worked closely with the principal to support PTO initiatives and school-community partnerships.
- School Administration Experience – Served as “Principal for the Day” as part of a master's program, gaining hands-on experience in school operations, staff management, and student discipline.
- Classroom & Behavior Management – Experienced in managing large class sizes (20-30 students) while ensuring a structured and engaging learning environment.
PE Teacher
Smouse Opportunity School K-5
09.2015 - 05.2018
- Adaptive & Inclusive Curriculum – Designed and implemented a differentiated curriculum to meet the diverse learning needs of all students, including those with behavioral disorders and intellectual disabilities.
- Grant Writing & Program Funding – Successfully secured multiple grants, including funds for interactive blacktop games and a $1,000 grant from Action for Healthy Kids for blacktop stencils, enhancing student engagement and physical activity.
- Aquatics & Special Needs Instruction – Served as a swimming instructor for all students, ensuring accessibility and safety in aquatic education.
- Special Olympics Leadership – Acted as the Special Olympics Coach and Coordinator , organizing events, coaching athletes, and fostering an inclusive sports environment.
- Crisis Prevention & Staff Training – Certified CPI Instructor , responsible for training and certifying all staff in crisis prevention and intervention strategies.
- Instructional & Assessment Leadership – Led the implementation of standards-referenced grading , training staff to ensure consistency and clarity in student assessment.
- Wellness & School Engagement – Served as Wellness Champion Director , promoting health initiatives and student well-being through school-wide programming.
- Committee Leadership & School Improvement – Actively contributed to key committees, including Student-Based Council, Field Day, Wellness Committee, Tier 1 Leadership, and Scheduling , playing a vital role in school decision-making and event planning.
PE/Health Education Teacher
Waterloo Columbus High School 9-12 Grades
09.2014 - 05.2015
- Health Education Program Planning – Developed and structured a health education program, integrating hands-on learning experiences to promote student engagement and well-being.
- Student Supervision & Safety – Provided lunch supervision , ensuring a safe and structured environment while fostering positive student interactions.
- Diverse Activity Integration – Introduced students to a variety of physical activities, promoting inclusivity and lifelong fitness habits.
- Experiential Learning – Delivered hands-on instruction in health education classes, reinforcing key concepts through interactive and student-centered teaching methods.
Iowa High School Official
IAHSAA
08.2009 - Current
- Decision-Making Under Pressure – Make quick, fair, and informed decisions in high-intensity situations, ensuring game integrity and sportsmanship.
- Conflict Resolution & Communication – Mediate disputes between players, coaches, and fans while enforcing rules with professionalism and authority.
- Rule Enforcement & Compliance – Maintain deep knowledge of sports regulations and ensure all games adhere to governing body standards.
- Leadership & Authority – Demonstrate confidence and control in managing games, setting a standard for fairness and respect.
- Game & Event Management – Coordinate with coaches, athletic directors, and game staff to ensure smooth operations before, during, and after competitions.
- Adaptability & Quick Thinking – Adjust to unpredictable game situations while maintaining composure and upholding game integrity.
- Attention to Detail – Recognize and assess plays with accuracy, ensuring proper rule application and fairness.
- Sportsmanship & Ethical Integrity – Promote fair play, respect, and professionalism in all athletic settings.
Head JV Coach/Assistant Varsity
Waterloo Columbus High School Basketball
09.2014 - 05.2015
- Lead and develop the junior varsity basketball program, focusing on player growth, team strategy, and skill development.
- Plan and implement structured practices, emphasizing fundamentals, teamwork, and game strategy.
- Instruct student-athletes on basketball techniques, conditioning, and sportsmanship to enhance performance and character.
- Analyze game footage, develop scouting reports, and adjust game plans to optimize team success.
- Foster a competitive and positive team culture that aligns with the varsity program's philosophy.
- Manage game-day operations, including lineup decisions, in-game adjustments, and player rotations.
- Collaborate with the varsity coaching staff to ensure program consistency and player development.
- Mentor and prepare student-athletes for varsity-level competition by focusing on skill progression and game IQ.
- Communicate with parents, faculty, and administration to support student-athletes academically and athletically.
- Oversee team logistics, including scheduling, transportation, and equipment management.
Assistant Coach/Special Teams Coordinator
Waterloo Columbus High School Football
09.2014 - 12.2014
- Designed a special teams plan on a weekly basis
- Provided input to head coach on strategies and game plans
Division 1 Collegiate Athlete – Long Snapper
UNI Varsity Football Team
09.2010 - 05.2014
- Starting long snapper 2013 season
- Consistency Under Pressure : Maintained composure and delivered reliable snaps in high-stakes game situations, contributing to team success during critical moments.
- Adaptability and Quick Decision-Making : Adjusted techniques and strategies in response to in-game dynamics and opponent formations, demonstrating flexibility and strategic thinking.
- Leadership and Mentorship : Provided guidance and support to teammates, contributing to a culture of discipline, resilience, and continuous improvement.
- Volunteer opportunities: Special olympics, Waterloo food pantry, multiple youth football camps, community events.
- Time management skills: Exceptional time management skills by balancing the rigorous demands of academics and athletics.
- Effectively collaborate with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Education
Master of Arts - Educational Leadership And Management
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA05-2022
Bachelor of Arts - Physical Education Teaching And Coaching
University of Northern Iowa
05-2014
Skills
- Student Discipline & Behavior Management – Experience in handling disciplinary matters with fairness and consistency
- Data-Driven Decision Making – Ability to analyze student performance and behavioral data to inform policies and interventions
- Special Education & Student Services – Understanding of IEPs, 504 plans, and supporting diverse student needs
- Program Development & Oversight – Experience in managing school athletics & event set up
- Compliance & Eligibility – Knowledge of state athletic regulations, student eligibility requirements, and sports safety guidelines
- Facilities & Event Management – Coordinating practice/game schedules, facility maintenance, and event logistics
- Student-Athlete Development – Encouraging academic success, character development, and sportsmanship in student-athletes
- Team Collaboration – Working effectively with teachers, staff, coaches, parents, and community stakeholders
- Conflict Resolution – Managing disputes among students, athletes, coaches, and parents in a professional and constructive manner
- Decision-Making Under Pressure – Handling high-stress situations such as disciplinary actions, game-day issues, or school crises
Timeline
Health Teacher/Strength and Conditioning Coach
Valley Southwoods Freshman High School
09.2020 - Current
South Union Elementary School
South Union Elementary School K-5
09.2018 - 05.2020
Head Football Coach
Valley Southwoods
09.2015 - Current
PE Teacher
Smouse Opportunity School K-5
09.2015 - 05.2018
PE/Health Education Teacher
Waterloo Columbus High School 9-12 Grades
09.2014 - 05.2015
Head JV Coach/Assistant Varsity
Waterloo Columbus High School Basketball
09.2014 - 05.2015
Assistant Coach/Special Teams Coordinator
Waterloo Columbus High School Football
09.2014 - 12.2014
Division 1 Collegiate Athlete – Long Snapper
UNI Varsity Football Team
09.2010 - 05.2014
Iowa High School Official
IAHSAA
08.2009 - Current
Master of Arts - Educational Leadership And Management
University of Northern Iowa
Bachelor of Arts - Physical Education Teaching And Coaching
University of Northern Iowa
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