Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Interests
Timeline
Generic

Todd Cochran

Teacher
Knoxville,TN

Summary

Accomplished elementary school and middle school teacher with diverse teaching experience in middle school, upper and lower elementary as well as special education and enrichment/related arts. Trained in SEL practices in a Wallace Foundation Grant school. Successful in classroom management, student evaluations and test preparation. Proven history of improving student learning outcomes by adapting lesson plans to student needs. Dedicated to promoting academic performance and fostering social skills and character development.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience
7
7
Certifications

Work History

7th and 8th Grade Science Teacher

Knox County Schools - Gibbs Middle School
10.2023 - Current
  • Implemented data-driven instruction techniques to continually assess student performance and adjust teaching strategies accordingly.
  • Developed students'' critical thinking skills through inquiry-based learning strategies.
  • Improved classroom management by establishing clear expectations and consequences for behavior.
  • Delivered interactive lessons to help students comprehend complex concepts.
  • Used exams and standardized assessment tools to measure student progress.
  • Provided individualized feedback to support student learning and development.
  • Encouraged student participation in laboratory experiments to enhance scientific knowledge.
  • Supported student comprehension of scientific principles through individualized instruction.
  • Created interactive activities to engage student interest and curiosity in scientific concepts.
  • Encouraged student interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and participation in middle and high school national science competitions.
  • Devised and implemented classroom management strategies, maintaining safe and pleasant learning environment.

Instructional Mentor

Tulsa Public Schools
08.2022 - 10.2023
  • Developed and implemented professional development based on instructional strategies and practices as well as subject based professional development.
  • Responsible for a caseload/roster of novice teachers housed at multiple sites within the school district.
  • Observed novice teachers and provided feedback.
  • Met weekly with caseload/roster teachers to provide support with logistical questions as well as support for issues affecting teacher retention.
  • Collaborated with teachers, counselors and administrators to foster access to resources and support.
  • Offered constructive feedback on mentee progress, enabling them to refine their skills and enhance their potential.
  • Facilitated workshops on professional growth and career planning, significantly increasing participant engagement and motivation.
  • Monitored mentee progress through regular assessments, ensuring alignment with their personal and professional objectives.

5th Grade ELA Teacher

Tulsa Public Schools
08.2021 - 08.2022
  • Implemented CKLA Curriculum in regular education classroom that consisted of 2 sections per day.
  • Evaluated academic skills of each student through verbal assessments, graded assignments and standardized tests.
  • Worked with administrators on behavioral issues to support needs of students.
  • Taught age-appropriate spelling techniques, grammar rules and language skills.
  • Utilized multimedia strategies and technology to convey information in fresh and interesting ways.
  • Completed in-service and additional training to maintain professional growth.
  • Taught lessons encompassing skill-building activities in speaking, writing, reading and listening.
  • Implemented classroom management improvements to enhance class morale and engagement.

Exceptional Student Teacher (Special Education)

Tulsa Public Schools
08.2016 - 08.2021
  • Provided individualized intervention strategies in reading and math to assist K-5th grade students with mild/moderate learning disabilities.
  • Collaborated with teaching staff to implement coordinated educational strategies and student support networks.
  • Delivered personalized educational, behavioral and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
  • Had one-on-one sessions with struggling students to increase classroom GPAs and individual student success.
  • Cultivated positive relationships with administration, teaching staff and students.
  • Met with parents to resolve conflicting educational priorities and issues.

2nd Grade Self-Contained Teacher

Tulsa Public Schools
08.2015 - 08.2016
  • Planned lessons according to district standards to cover requirements and prepare for standardized tests.
  • Collaborated with administrators on classroom policies, management strategies and discipline.
  • Assessed student progress by administering tests and evaluating results.
  • Built positive relationships with parents to involve families in educational process.
  • Taught students subject-specific material, learning strategies and social skills.

6th Grade ELA/Social Studies Teacher

Tulsa Public Schools
08.2011 - 08.2015
  • Administered assessments and standardized tests to evaluate student progress.
  • Evaluated academic skills of each student through verbal assessments, graded assignments and standardized tests.
  • Built learning and citizenship skills to help with personal growth in addition to increasing academic knowledge.
  • Led interesting and diverse group activities to engage students in course material.
  • Promoted effective verbal and written communication through listening, speaking, reading and writing practice.
  • Worked with administrators on behavioral issues to support needs of students.
  • Taught age-appropriate spelling techniques, grammar rules and language skills.
  • Integrated Smartboard and other instructional technologies into classroom.
  • Prepared and implemented lesson plans covering required course topics.

Music Teacher

Tulsa Public Schools
07.2006 - 08.2011
  • Two years (2006-2008) split part-time between Jane Addams Elementary and Robertson Elementary.
  • Familiarized students with basic concepts of music such as notes, tempo, symphony, beats, compositions and chords.
  • Taught music appreciation, history and fundamentals to vocalists and musicians of varying skill levels.
  • Developed strong working relationships with teachers, parents and students to propel school and departmental vision and goals.
  • Maintained student records and evaluated each pupil's musical growth, performance and musical understanding.
  • Taught students to identify different instruments from instrument's sound and shape.
  • Planned and executed targeted lesson plans to instruct on music theory, music history and performance etiquette.

Education

Master of Education - Teaching

Northeastern State University
Tahlequah, OK
12-2015

Bachelor of Arts - Music - Vocal Performance

Arkansas Tech University
Russellville, AR
05-1995

Associate of Arts - Vocal Music

University of Arkansas-Fort Smith
Fort Smith, AR
05-1993

No Degree - Industrial Engineering

University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR
12-1990

Skills

  • IEP Familiarity
  • Verbal and Written Communication
  • Problem-Solving Skills
  • Behavioral Improvements
  • Classroom Management
  • Differentiated Instruction
  • Special Education
  • SEL Practices
  • Google Educational Software
  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • EDPlan
  • PowerSchool
  • Aspen
  • Canvas
  • NWEA MAP TESTING

Certification

OSDE (Oklahoma) Teaching Certification - Elementary Education (1-8), Middle Level Science, Mild/Moderate Disabilities, Vocal/General Music 1/1/2023 - 6/30/2028

Interests

Performed semi-professionally with the Tulsa Opera in 25 productions from 2007-2015 and again in 2022-2023 as a member of the Tulsa Opera Chorus Continued performing in the same capacity with the Knoxville Opera from 2024-2026 in 5 productions as a member of the opera chorus

Worked part-time as a ticket taker for the Knoxville Smokies, minor league baseball team for 3 seasons

An avid baseball fan and collector of baseball memorabilia, consisting of game used vintage items as well as baseball cards and autographs

Timeline

7th and 8th Grade Science Teacher

Knox County Schools - Gibbs Middle School
10.2023 - Current

Instructional Mentor

Tulsa Public Schools
08.2022 - 10.2023

5th Grade ELA Teacher

Tulsa Public Schools
08.2021 - 08.2022

Exceptional Student Teacher (Special Education)

Tulsa Public Schools
08.2016 - 08.2021

2nd Grade Self-Contained Teacher

Tulsa Public Schools
08.2015 - 08.2016

6th Grade ELA/Social Studies Teacher

Tulsa Public Schools
08.2011 - 08.2015

Music Teacher

Tulsa Public Schools
07.2006 - 08.2011

Bachelor of Arts - Music - Vocal Performance

Arkansas Tech University

Associate of Arts - Vocal Music

University of Arkansas-Fort Smith

No Degree - Industrial Engineering

University of Arkansas

Master of Education - Teaching

Northeastern State University

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