Thomas Ralston
Elementary Educator
Melrose,MT
Summary
Passionate Multicultural Teacher for 23 years in both rural and urban settings. Proven history of creating engaged classroom environments supporting diverse educational styles. Versatile student-oriented approach consistently supporting Multicultural Education and Social Justice. Lifelong learner and educator.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
25
25
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Elementary Teacher
Hawaii Academy Of Arts And Sciences
Pahoa, Hawaii
07.2022 - Current
- Evaluated individual student abilities and created action plans based on current level and desired growth goals to support preparedness for transition to next grade level.
- Prepared materials for lessons, assignments and assessments and evaluated, corrected and graded student performance to identify gaps in skills or knowledge and set realistic goals.
- Communicated student progress, academic difficulties or behavioral concerns to parents, guardians and administration using tact and professionalism to improve student academic performance.
English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher
Ka'u High School And Pahala Elementary
Pahala, Hawaii
07.2021 - 06.2022
- Increased ESL students' reading levels by integrating culturally appropriate reading units based on student backgrounds.
- Developed activities and integrated technology to diversify instruction for a school with poor attendance.
- Coordinated communication between students and school administration to create culturally-sensitive learning environment.
- Introduced and implemented Response to Intervention (RTI) program to the District.
- Administered WIDA testng to 131 students K-12
Elementary K-5 Music Teacher
Teton Coutry School District #1
Jackson, Wyoming
08.2016 - 07.2021
- Instructed students across all elementary levels K-5
- Developed and implemented entire musical curriculum
- Organized and conducted K-5 music shows for over 600 students and 1,000 parents across 3 school sites
- Acquired 17 graduate level music classes from Berklee School of Music while teaching and coaching full time and working on Ed.D.
Elementary Classroom Teacher
Teton County School District
Jackson, WY
09.1999 - 06.2021
- Served on Committee building Dual Immersion Program serving over 600 students from inception to implementation
- Planned curriculum vertically from K-12 across multiple subjects to focus on Vocabulary and Language Development for students learning English and Spanish simultaneously.
- Taught multiple grade levels including 3rd, 5th, and 6th grades
- Maintained knowledge of school curricula, standards and policies to correctly prepare students for higher grade levels.
- Inducted to Wyoming Coaching Hall of Fame Class of 2021 after 21 years coaching Women's Varsity Soccer. Elected Wyoming Coach of the Year 7 times.
Adjunct Professor of Education
University Of Wyoming
Laramie, Wyoming
07.2010 - 01.2011
- Participated in course and program assessment and made improvements in Diversity and Politics course design
- Placed students in various student teaching experiences
- Established and maintained scholarly research program that provided research opportunities for students.
- Organized trips to Denver to expose students to Inner City Schools
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
University of Montana
Missoula 08.1995 - 12.1998
Master of Arts - Teaching English To Speakers of A Second Lnguage
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ 01.2006 - 10.2008
Endorsement - Teaching English As A Second Language (ESL)
University of Wyoming
Laramie, WY 01.2004 - 01.2007
Ed.D. - Curriculum And Instruction
University of Wyoming
Laramie, WY 01.2010 - Current
Music Studies - Music Education
Berklee College of Music
Boston, MA 01.2017 - 01.2020
Skills
Multicultural Educational Experience
undefinedTimeline
Elementary Teacher
Hawaii Academy Of Arts And Sciences
07.2022 - Current
English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher
Ka'u High School And Pahala Elementary
07.2021 - 06.2022
Music Studies - Music Education
Berklee College of Music
01.2017 - 01.2020
Elementary K-5 Music Teacher
Teton Coutry School District #1
08.2016 - 07.2021
Adjunct Professor of Education
University Of Wyoming
07.2010 - 01.2011
Ed.D. - Curriculum And Instruction
University of Wyoming
01.2010 - Current
Master of Arts - Teaching English To Speakers of A Second Lnguage
Grand Canyon University
01.2006 - 10.2008
Endorsement - Teaching English As A Second Language (ESL)
University of Wyoming
01.2004 - 01.2007
Elementary Classroom Teacher
Teton County School District
09.1999 - 06.2021
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
University of Montana
08.1995 - 12.1998
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