Armond James
Melrose Park
Summary
Dynamic educator with a proven track record of elevating student performance, including a 20% rise in English Keystone scores. As Dean of School Culture & Climate, spearheaded initiatives that strengthened school culture and engagement, ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment for all students.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
ELA Teacher / Dean of School Culture & Climate
South Philadelphia High School
Philadelphia
08.2020 - Current
- Served as Dean of School Culture & Climate for grades 9-12 while teaching English Language Arts.
- Led schoolwide initiatives to strengthen school culture, climate, attendance, student engagement, and behavioral expectations.
- Collaborated with administrators, teachers, counselors, students, and families to foster a safe, positive learning environment.
- Provided instructional leadership by supporting teachers and promoting effective classroom practices.
- Served as Senior Class Sponsor, coordinating senior activities, events, and graduation initiatives.
- Achieved top English Keystone proficiency scores across Network 13 and Network 4.
Social Studies/ ELA Teacher
Kenderton Elementary School
Philadelphia
03.2016 - 08.2020
- Increased English Keystone proficiency scores by 20% in 2023.
- Implemented standards for classroom behavior in accordance with district policies.
- Evaluated student progress and provided individualized feedback.
- Organized and moderated the school's Debate Team.
- Established effective communication with students and parents.
- Grade assignments and papers.
- Ensure classroom behavior and manage attendance.
Career Instructor
CWEP Community Women, s Educational Program
Philadelphia
01.2013 - 07.2015
- Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs, abilities, and interests.
- Observe and evaluate students' work to determine progress and make suggestions for improvement.
- Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.
- Instruct students individually and in groups, using various teaching methods such as lectures, discussions, and demonstrations.
- Conduct classes, workshops, and demonstrations to teach principles, techniques, or methods in subjects such as Basic English language skills, life skills, and workforce entry skills.
Computer Lab Instructor, History Teacher
Creative Learning Academy
Philadelphia
10.2013 - 06.2014
- Deliver training to adult students on how to use computer applications (Windows, Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, using the Internet).
- Provided a variety of planned learning experiences using a variety of media and methods in order to motivate students.
- Maintained professional competencies in the subject area and currency in instructional methodologies through professional associations and professional development.
- Collaborated with the social studies teacher to integrate freshmen English and U.S. History.
6th grade English/Reading Teacher
Discovery Charter School
Philadelphia
01.2010 - 06.2011
- Developed English lesson plans in line with the national curriculum: Planned English lessons to meet curriculum standards.
- Modified assignments and activities to meet the learning needs of individual students - Identified and sorted into small, similarly skilled groups.
- Prepared English classroom and coursework materials, homework assignments, and handouts.
- Prepared course work, planned class sessions: Selected/integrated appropriate instructional materials for classroom instruction - Organized/delivered classroom lectures to students.
- Arranged extra-curricular activities and set targets for pupils.
Conference Lecturer
Discovery Charter School
Philadelphia
01.2010 - 01.2010
- Presented lecture and facilitated discussion on upcoming book 'From Iran to Philly: Breaking down cultural stereotypes and promoting humanity' at Harvard University.
- Delivered motivational lecture on social responsibility, core educational values, and cultural differences at Eighth International Conference on New Directions in the Humanities, addressing urban education and violence.
- Speaker, United Methodist Building, Washington, D.C., Project for Nuclear Awareness Congressional Outreach Day.
- Attendees included; Congressmen; Jeff Flake and Jim Gerlach and Senator Mark E. Udall.
Education
Master of Arts (M.A.) - Secondary ed English
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, Ut07-2024
Master of Arts - Higher Education
Ashford University
Clinton, IA08-2012
Bachelor of Arts - History
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA01-2008
Skills
- Curriculum Development
- Instructional Strategies
- Student Assessments
- Student assessment
- Progress Monitoring
- Classroom Management
- Student Engagement
- Positive Reinforcement
- Teacher Mentoring
- Culturally Responsive Teaching
- Group Leadership
- Faculty collaboration
- Conflict Resolution
- Relationship Building
- School culture
Accomplishments
- 2024 Lindback Distinguished Teacher Award Winner
- Education 2.0 Leadership Recognition Honoree
Affiliations
- Helping the Homeless Annual Holiday Volunteer Luncheon and food giveaway
Timeline
ELA Teacher / Dean of School Culture & Climate
South Philadelphia High School
08.2020 - Current
Social Studies/ ELA Teacher
Kenderton Elementary School
03.2016 - 08.2020
Computer Lab Instructor, History Teacher
Creative Learning Academy
10.2013 - 06.2014
Career Instructor
CWEP Community Women, s Educational Program
01.2013 - 07.2015
6th grade English/Reading Teacher
Discovery Charter School
01.2010 - 06.2011
Conference Lecturer
Discovery Charter School
01.2010 - 01.2010
Master of Arts (M.A.) - Secondary ed English
Western Governors University
Master of Arts - Higher Education
Ashford University
Bachelor of Arts - History
Temple University