Thomas Kirven
San Antonio
Summary
Dynamic educator experienced in preparing preservice teachers through field-based experiences and undergraduate coursework. Skilled in classroom observations, coaching, and training host teachers to mentor candidates. Committed to research-informed instruction and supporting teacher candidates’ professional growth and success.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Clinical Assistant Professor, Curriculum and Instruction
Texas A&M University–San Antonio
06.2025 - 12.2025
- As a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Office of Clinical Experiences, I teach undergraduate courses for the Office of Clinical Experiences, I prepare preservice teachers for effective classroom practice by modeling research-informed instructional strategies, technology integration, and culturally responsive teaching. In addition, I supervise conduct classroom observations, provide coaching and targeted feedback, and train host teachers to effectively mentor teacher candidates.
ELAR Secondary District Instructional Coach
Harlandale ISD
08.2017 - 06.2025
- As the ELAR District Instructional Coach, I aligned educational objectives between the district and campuses. My primary responsibilities included conducting new teacher training, observing classrooms, and facilitating professional development. I regularly supported instruction through co-teaching, modeling, observing lessons, analyzing data, and offering teachers consistent feedback to achieve instructional goals.
Adjunct, Curriculum and Instruction
Texas A&M San Antonio
08.2021 - 05.2025
- As an Adjunct Instructor in the Curriculum and Instruction Department, I guide aspiring teachers in cultivating dynamic teaching styles, integrating engaging instructional methods, cultivating positive classroom environments, and building pedagogical frameworks centered on respect and inclusivity. I often teach a required online technology course for preservice teachers.
Adjunct, English Department
San Antonio College
08.2021 - 05.2025
- In this role, I design curriculum for composition and literature classes that foster imaginative thinking, encourage personal expression, and promote meaningful connections to real-life contexts. I mentor aspiring professionals, prioritizing research, effective communication, presentation skills, and a confident approach to writing.
Secondary ELAR & ESOL Teacher
McCollum High School
08.2014 - 05.2017
- As a high school teacher, I crafted a curriculum that nurtured creative thinking and promoted individual expression among my students. I guided young readers and writers, helping them explore their interests and discover their unique voices. I regularly integrated student choice, self-discovery, and employed a scaffolded approach to writing instruction.
Secondary ELAR Teacher
School of Science and Technology
08.2012 - 05.2014
- In this position, my primary aim was to ignite a love for reading among struggling readers. I achieved this by guiding them to discover the joy of reading, analyzing texts, and developing their unique voice as readers, writers, and speakers. Despite the many challenges, I motivated my students to explore their interests and identify themselves in literature.
Education
Master of Arts - Education and English Literature
Texas State University
San Marcos, TX12.2018
Bachelor of Arts - English and Professional Writing
University of Texas At San Antonio
San Antonio, TX05.2002
Skills
- Curriculum design for diverse learners in K–12 and higher education
- Research-informed, culturally responsive instructional strategies
- Coaching and mentoring teachers and preservice teacher candidates
- Classroom observation and targeted feedback
- Professional development design and facilitation
- Online, blended, and in-person teaching expertise
- Student engagement and positive classroom culture
- Collaboration with colleagues, host teachers, and district leadership
Certification
- Generalist (4-8)
- English Language Arts (4-12)
- ESL Supplemental (4-12)
- Field Supervisor Observation Training for Teacher Candidates
Timeline
Clinical Assistant Professor, Curriculum and Instruction
Texas A&M University–San Antonio
06.2025 - 12.2025
Adjunct, Curriculum and Instruction
Texas A&M San Antonio
08.2021 - 05.2025
Adjunct, English Department
San Antonio College
08.2021 - 05.2025
ELAR Secondary District Instructional Coach
Harlandale ISD
08.2017 - 06.2025
Secondary ELAR & ESOL Teacher
McCollum High School
08.2014 - 05.2017
Secondary ELAR Teacher
School of Science and Technology
08.2012 - 05.2014
Master of Arts - Education and English Literature
Texas State University
Bachelor of Arts - English and Professional Writing
University of Texas At San Antonio