David Staggs

David Staggs 2684 Arabian Ct. 2B South Bend, IN 46628-- Objective: Experienced Freelance writer searching for a career in which I can share my thoughts and imagination with audiences across the globe. With a Creative Writing Masters, I have the ability to write creative and informative piece in all types of writing genres. Summary of Qualifications: • Extensive experience in teaching • Ability to provide a good foundation for middle school education • Strong knowledge and understanding of best instructional practices • Ability to engage students actively in the learning process • Ability to establish productive and positive relationships with students and parents Work Experience TEACHING Brandywine Jr. / Sr. High, Brandywine, MI 08/2018-Present Middle School English Teacher/Yearbook Advisor Countryside Academy, Benton Harbor, MI, 08/2011 - 08/2016 Middle School English Teacher Responsible for instructing 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students in English/Language Arts • Create lessons that inspire students from impoverished backgrounds to learn • Encourage students to find purpose within themselves so that they can find purpose in learning • Develop free thinking students with the ability to make positive decisions, resulting in a climate conducive to learning. • Developed lesson plans in accordance with the Common Core curriculum and state curriculum standards. • Delivered engaging lectures and motivating lessons to students across differentiated levels. • Identified students at risk of underachievement and ensured that appropriate interventions were in place. • Maintained an orderly and disciplined classroom environment, keeping students on task and promoting student enthusiasm and mutual respect. • Communicated regularly with parents, students, and administrators to set and reach high standards of achievement and behavior for students and followed through with regular feedback on results. • Took an active part in implementing the school's PRIDE program and reformation of the mission and vision statement by continually supporting colleagues and sharing best practices. • Participated in professional development webinars, seminars, and continuing education classes in areas of technology, standardized testing, Common Core curriculum standards, English subject matter, and teaching resources. ADMINISTRATION Buchanan Middle School, Buchanan, MI. 08/2016 - 08/2018 At Risk Intervention Specialist / Dean of Students • Assists in the development, implementation, and evaluation of intervention programs that address the needs of at-risk students. • Performs a variety of administrative duties to assist the Principal in managing the school; assumes the duties of the Principal in the absence of the Principal and as assigned. • Prepares and maintains a variety of district, county, state, and federal records and reports; directs preparation of records and reports by staff. WRITING Freelance Writer Energetic and determined writer with the skills to turn a sentence into a novel. With little background information, able to create editorials that promote positive interest in companies, people and products. Create short and long pieces of writing that impact readers. Skills Organization and time management, writing, editing, and grammar skills, proofreading, written and spoken communication. Software: Final Draft, Keynote, Pages, Numbers, Microsoft Office, Google Suite Accomplishments • Creating energetic and vibrant writing pieces for company CEOs • Creating advertising campaigns and slogans for small and large companies • Build and establish lasting relationships with individuals in order to create strong networking • Half-way point in completing the first novel and have landed a publisher and agent. EDUCATION Full Sail University, Winter Park: MFA, Creative Writing Western Michigan University: BA English References Mark Kurland 401 W. Chicago Buchanan, MI- Buchanan Middle School Principal Karla Hurlbutt 401 W. Chicago Buchanan, MI- Executive Director of Student Services (Retired) Joe Elsheikhi 711 St. Joseph Ave. Berrien Springs, MI- Berrien RESA Math Instructor / Coach Araya Stillson 115B School St. Hartford, MI- Hartford High School English Sarah Dye 711 St. Joseph Ave. Berrien Springs, MI- Berrien RESA Homeless Liason