Thomas J. Fortune III
East Orange
Summary
Learning professional with experience in developing and implementing effective educational programs. Strong focus on team collaboration and achieving measurable results. Skilled in curriculum development, instructional design, and leveraging technology for enhanced learning. Known for adaptability and reliability in dynamic environments.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Learning Specialist
KIPP Bold Academy
09.2025 - Current
- Supported struggling students with targeted interventions, resulting in improved academic performance.
- Maintained inclusive learning environment to enable students to gain maximum benefit from lessons.
- Encouraged critical thinking skills by incorporating problem-solving exercises into daily lessons, better preparing students for real-life challenges beyond academia.
- Implemented innovative teaching techniques to keep students engaged and motivated throughout the learning process.
ERI Teacher /Culture Manager
KIPP Bold Academy
01.2025 - Current
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress, attendance, and behavior to facilitate ongoing communication with parents about their child''s educational journey.
- Collaborated with other teachers to plan interdisciplinary units that connected subjects and promoted deeper understanding among students.
- Continuously pursued professional development opportunities such as workshops or conferences to stay current in educational trends.
- Designed and implemented differentiated instruction strategy to meet diverse learning needs, enhancing educational outcomes.
- Create short/long term goals for students wit disabilities/ behavioral issues
- Monitor Data and problem solve with teammates to address concerns
Special Education Resource Teacher / ICS ELA & Math
North Star Academy
10.2022 - 01.2025
- Consulted and collaborated with staff around student learning styles, differentiated instruction and curricula modifications.
- Team collaborations to push the vision of the school.
- Collaborative methods as it relates to problem solving.
- Co-developed and implemented individualized behavior intervention plans (BIPs) for students.
- Planned lessons and provided direct instruction for classroom, small-group and individual settings.
- Developed IEP goals and objectives and completed related documentation.
- Collaborated with multi-disciplinary teams to constructively address student, staff and parent concerns.
- Communicated openly with guardians about student successes, concerns and needs.
- Modeled socially acceptable behavior, leveraging knowledge of behavior modification and positive reinforcement.
- Planned and supervised community-based experiences for students to practice skill generalization.
- Collaborated with testing specialists and social workers regarding IEP development and modification.
- Create short/long term goals for students wit disabilities/ behavioral issues
High School College Transition Advisor / Paraprofessional
West Orange School District
11.2017 - 09.2022
- Worked with diverse population as it related to mapping out the college framework.
- Worked alongside the Guidance Counselors and Child Study Team to ensure the right decisions that best fit the student's needs.
- Learned about General Education and transfer requirements, along with being able to critically evaluate student records and transcripts.
- Assisted with long-term plans with student, and also by keeping staff informed of ongoing progress.
- Knowledge of financial aid and the process of applying for it.
- Demonstrated knowledge of academic advising theories and principles General knowledge of enrollment management and retention best practices and the ability to apply them to an adult learning environment.
- Developed personal relationships of mutual influence and respect by connecting with troubled or struggling individuals.
- Aided individuals under care with resolving issues productively by directly addressing behavioral issues.
- Supported students making important educational choices, including selecting courses, scheduling classes, and adjusting to school life.
- Assisted individuals with overcoming problems negatively impacting educational and vocational success.
- Prepared students for future educational paths by encouraging learning exploration and persistence in face of challenges.
- Built positive support network and addressed specific behavioral and academic problems by working closely with families and fellow professionals.
Education
Master of Education - Student Affairs / Higher Ed
Ashford University
Phoenix, AZ12.2022
Bachelor of Arts (B.A) - Education
Arizona Global University
Phoenix, AZ08.2020
Associates Of Arts – A.A. - Elementary Education
University of Phoenix
Phoenix, AZ04.2012
Skills
- Behavior Management
- Crisis Intervention
- Strong Interpersonal Skills
- Life skills development
- Classroom management
- Blended learning strategies
- Multidisciplinary team collaboration
- IEP compliance
- Performance improvement
- Social development and integration
Timeline
Learning Specialist
KIPP Bold Academy
09.2025 - Current
ERI Teacher /Culture Manager
KIPP Bold Academy
01.2025 - Current
Special Education Resource Teacher / ICS ELA & Math
North Star Academy
10.2022 - 01.2025
High School College Transition Advisor / Paraprofessional
West Orange School District
11.2017 - 09.2022
Master of Education - Student Affairs / Higher Ed
Ashford University
Bachelor of Arts (B.A) - Education
Arizona Global University
Associates Of Arts – A.A. - Elementary Education
University of Phoenix