Stephen Banks
Philadelphia,Pennsylvania
Summary
Dynamic leader with a proven track record in guiding teams to success, managing complex projects, and achieving strategic objectives. Expertise includes crafting efficient processes that maintain high standards while aligning team efforts with organizational goals. Recognized for a collaborative approach that fosters teamwork and a commitment to excellence, consistently delivering results that exceed expectations. Passionate about empowering teams to reach their full potential and contribute to organizational success.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Middle School Humanities Teacher
Russell Byers CS
08.2025 - Current
- Kept classroom environments consistent and focused on learning by establishing and enforcing clear objectives.
- Completed in-service and additional training to maintain professional growth.
- Communicated objectives for all lessons, units and projects to students and parents.
- Prepared daily lesson plans for activities.
- Prepared instruction materials, constructed bulletin boards, and set up work areas.
- Prepared and implemented lesson plans covering required course topics.
- Taught subject matter based on information compiled from textbooks, online sites, and other educational materials.
- Used tests, quizzes, and other assignments to gauge students' learning and determine understanding of course materials.
- Assessed submitted class assignments, determined grades, and reviewed work with struggling students to boost success chance.
Secondary English Teacher
Imhotep Charter High School
08.2024 - 08.2025
- Planned dynamic lessons to increase student comprehension of books and literary concepts.
- Utilized multimedia strategies and technology to convey information in fresh and interesting ways.
- Prepared comprehensive English curriculum for multiple classes.
- Kept classroom organized, clean and safe for students and visitors.
- Attended department meetings to develop and update course curricula.
- Designed and facilitated group projects to foster teamwork and problem-solving skills.
Secondary English Teacher
Preparatory Charter High School
11.2023 - 08.2024
- Prepared and implemented lesson plans covering required course topics.
- Prepared comprehensive English curriculum for multiple classes.
- Developed innovative lesson plans to engage students in English language learning.
- Kept classroom organized, clean and safe for students and visitors.
Secondary English Teacher
Peachtree Ridge High School
01.2021 - 09.2023
- Prepared and implemented lesson plans covering required course topics.
- Administered assessments and standardized tests to evaluate student progress.
- Supported student skill development in alignment with personal and academic goals.
- Completed in-service and additional training to maintain professional growth.
- Attended department meetings to develop and update course curricula.
- Worked with other teachers to support struggling students and provide thorough help to rectify comprehension issues.
- Explored and implemented innovative use of technology in language education.
- Utilized multimedia strategies and technology to convey information in fresh and interesting ways.
Insurance Broker
Banks-Magee Insurance Agency
02.2016 - 12.2019
- Calculated quotes and educated potential clients on insurance options.
- Recommended type and amount of coverage based on analysis of customers' circumstances using persuasive sales techniques.
- Utilized advanced sales skills to overcome objections, persuade clients to purchase policies and close deals.
- Strategized with clients to create customized insurance policy packages while informing clients of investment opportunities to protect assets.
- Tracked progress of all outstanding insurance claims.
Insurance Sales Manager
United Insurance Company
08.2011 - 02.2016
- Structured internal role-playing exercises to improve agents' sales effectiveness, overcome client objections and enhance client renewal rates.
- Optimized agency sales and marketing campaign outcomes by coordinating efforts with corporate and local offices.
- Reviewed clients' policies every year and recommended product additions or revisions to reflect changing needs.
- Guided agents through life, health, property and casualty insurance licensing and renewal processes.
Senior Marketing Manager
Gannett Fleming
09.2004 - 07.2008
- Utilized knowledge of online strategies such as search engine marketing, product listings and affiliate marketing to maximize campaign results.
- Leveraged data insights from surveys, previous campaigns and market research to develop targeted marketing initiatives.
- Researched industry and marketplace trends to develop marketing solutions and enhance business operations.
- Assessed marketing copy, art comps and final designs and compared with established specifications.
- Participated in promotional activities and trade shows, working with advertisers and production managers, to market products and services.
- Maintained documentation, detailing assignments, in-progress work and completed project milestones.
Marketing Editor
URS Greiner
09.1998 - 03.2000
- Determined readiness of written pieces, made changes and approved final versions for publication.
- Collaborated with writers and graphic designers to develop content schedules and plan workflows.
- Selected and edited photos for use in diverse projects.
- Managed team of writers and junior editors to deliver accurate and engaging content.
- Monitored breaking news for information on incidents, events and topics of interest to quickly assign coverage to staff.
- Devised attention-grabbing headlines and summaries to increase clicks and engagement.
- Collaborated with graphics department to develop and implement visual elements.
Promotional Specialist
The Philadelphia Tribune
08.1996 - 05.1998
- Learned about competitors' products and consumers' interests to answer questions and provide more complete information.
- Visited trade shows, stores and community organizations to demonstrate products or services and answer questions from potential customers.
- Provided product samples, coupons and informational brochures to persuade people to buy products.
- Motivated team members to meet and exceed sales targets.
- Directed copy preparation, proof evaluation and layout enhancement for advertising materials.
- Developed lists of prospective clients from sources such as newspaper items, company records and local merchants.
Education
Bachelor of Science - English
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA12.2020
Master of Science - Urban Education/Public Policy
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA05-2027
Skills
- Tailored instruction
- African-American literature scholar
- Grammar principles
- Writing coursework
- Literature analysis
- Multicultural education
- Essay grading
- Test preparation
- Individualized education plans
- Adaptive learning
- Oral communication
- Literary analysis
- Online teaching
- Reading comprehension
Certification
State Certified 7-12 English Teacher : Pennsylvania, Georgia
Timeline
Middle School Humanities Teacher
Russell Byers CS
08.2025 - Current
Secondary English Teacher
Imhotep Charter High School
08.2024 - 08.2025
Secondary English Teacher
Preparatory Charter High School
11.2023 - 08.2024
Secondary English Teacher
Peachtree Ridge High School
01.2021 - 09.2023
Insurance Broker
Banks-Magee Insurance Agency
02.2016 - 12.2019
Insurance Sales Manager
United Insurance Company
08.2011 - 02.2016
Senior Marketing Manager
Gannett Fleming
09.2004 - 07.2008
Marketing Editor
URS Greiner
09.1998 - 03.2000
Promotional Specialist
The Philadelphia Tribune
08.1996 - 05.1998
Bachelor of Science - English
Temple University
Master of Science - Urban Education/Public Policy
Temple University
Education
Philadelphia, PA