Alex Aitken
Gates,TN
Summary
Possess a track record of enhancing student engagement and academic performance through being able to cast and communicate vision and build relationships that help produce results. The experiences and trainings accumulated have helped to build necessary skills to create proficiency in overseeing curriculum development and implementation, coaching building and district leaders, and providing feedback after learning walkthrough. These skills have further translated in leading and supporting teachers through professional development workshops (across multiple counties) to enhance instructional strategies. As a former principal, an understanding building logistics operate that helps coordinating cross-functional efforts to optimize science education quality and outcomes.
There is a strong passion and goal to provide teachers with the greatest sense of self-efficacy around themselves, their HQIM, and their abilities to deliver HQIM in the most engaging ways for students. When leaders and teachers get better, everyone wins!
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Science K-12
Haywood County Schools
07.2023 - Current
- Oversaw the development, trainings, and coaching of teacher and building leaders for 1st-12th science curriculum across multiple schools
- Created curriculum maps and resources for all grade bands that led to better coherence and sequencing of information
- Implemented phenomena-based learning experiences that increased student engagement and participation in science-related activities across the district
- Led a team of science teachers in improving standardized test scores by 13% in achievement over the course of one academic year
- Created and led professional development immersive experience workshops for teachers across multiple counties to enhance their instructional strategies and content knowledge in science.
Principal
Sunny Hill Intermediate School
07.2021 - 06.2023
- Spearheaded school-wide initiatives to improve student performance by implementing data-driven instructional strategies.
- School went from the lowest performing in district to highest in one year.
- Facilitated professional learning communities, encouraging collaboration and shared best practices among faculty.
- Oversaw budget management and resource allocation to ensure efficient operation of the school, funds raised increased over 8x from previous years.
- Fostered a positive learning environment by promoting open communication among staff, students, and parents.
- Led school improvement efforts by setting clear expectations for staff performance and providing regular feedback on progress towards goals.
- Improved student outcomes by analyzing data and adjusting instructional practices accordingly.
Assistant Principal
Haywood High School
07.2018 - 05.2021
- Implemented disciplinary strategies to improve student behavior and create a positive learning environment
- Collaborated with teachers to develop and implement curriculum aligned with state standards and instructional shifts leading to science having the highest proficiency rating of all subjects and multiple teachers achieving the highest level of effectiveness (Level 5).
- Conducted regular classroom observations to provide feedback and support for instructional improvement
- Organized and facilitated professional development workshops for staff on a variety of topics
- Led weekly science PLC meetings that
Biology Teacher
Munford High School
07.2015 - 05.2018
- Improved student understanding by incorporating hands-on activities and real-world examples into lessons.
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson that catered to diverse learning styles and fostered critical thinking skills in students
- Established strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues to create a collaborative and supportive classroom community
- Evaluated student progress through regular assessments and provided constructive feedback to support growth and achievement in biology concepts
- Achieved highest Level of Effectiveness rating (Level 5) as classroom teacher for Tennessee.
Education
Education Specialist - Education Leadership And Policy Studies
University of Memphis
Memphis, TN08.2018
Master of Science - Biology
University of Memphis
Memphis, TN08.2015
Bachelor of Science - Biology
University of Memphis
Memphis, TN12.2011
Skills
- Leading Professional Development centered around Adult Learning Theory
- Change Management
- Coaching & Giving Feedback
- Science Content Knowledge
- Analyzing Data
- Team Leadership
- Leadership
- Staff training/development
- Curriculum Development
- Strategic Planning
- Verbal and written communication
- Project Management
Hobbies and Interests
- Process of Learning
- Family time with my wife and three boys who are living and loving life
- Playing Piano
- Baseball-Former Div 1 Collegiate Umpire
- Personal Fitness
Timeline
Director of Science K-12
Haywood County Schools
07.2023 - Current
Principal
Sunny Hill Intermediate School
07.2021 - 06.2023
Assistant Principal
Haywood High School
07.2018 - 05.2021
Biology Teacher
Munford High School
07.2015 - 05.2018
Education Specialist - Education Leadership And Policy Studies
University of Memphis
Master of Science - Biology
University of Memphis
Bachelor of Science - Biology
University of Memphis
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