PAUL J. THOMAS

**** **** *** ***** • Rockford, IL 61102 • fk8sph@r.postjobfree.com • 815-***-****

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Master of Arts Teacher with 15 years experience in teaching various levels of Social Science in an urban, inner-city school with a diverse, multi-cultural student population.

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SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS

• Certified to teach Social Sciences, U.S. History, World History, Government and Economics in a middle school and high school setting

• Trained to teach Advanced Placement U.S. History and European History in a high school AP setting

• Type 09 endorsements to teach middle school Social Sciences in the State of Illinois

• Possesses Illinois Approvals: Learning Disabilities

• Trained to work in team-teaching model with special education teachers

• Qualified to teach using smaller learning communities team-teaching model

• Various minor qualifications from numerous workshops/courses

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TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Trained to use Grade Quick© computer grading system

• Trained to use SunGard© grading and teacher planning system

• Trained to use Smart Board System and internet-linked projection utilizing various academic web-based programs

• Microsoft PowerPoint© and Inspiration/TED© for the classroom

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PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Rockford Public Schools 2006-2012

Social Studies Teacher – Planned for a diverse, multi-cultural classroom. Implemented curriculum for a variety of classes, including Advanced Placement, Honors and Regular US History, American Government/Economics and World History (Freshman Foundation). Collaborated with individual Special Education teachers. Lead teacher in lesson planning, implementation of curriculum and assessment of student learning. Worked closely with parents, counselors and administration in effecting successful discipline as needed.

East High School 2001-2006

Helped prototype grant-funded smaller-learning communities program that was later adopted district-wide. Formed team-teaching concept and managed multi-disciplinary team of four other teachers through weekly meetings.

Conducted data gathering and analysis of student academic, social, career and discipline progress and presented results to program leader.

Jefferson High School 1990-2001

Special Education Teacher/Case Manager – Taught in a cross-categorical, self-contained classroom populated with students with various learning disabilities, social-emotional disorders and other physical disabilities. Managed a large student IEP caseload and conducted all IEP-related activities, i.e. parent liaison to scheduling staffing and evaluations.

ADDITIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE

Bergners Distribution Center 1990-1986

Loader – Cross-dock and pick/pack distribution within quality assurance warehouse. Worked third-shift while attending college.

W.F. & John Barnes 1979-1980

Engine lathe operator – Manufactured high-tolerance gears for nuclear sub pump program.

U.S. Army

1974-1978 - Senior Military Policeman – German language TAI Investigator/Liaison. Worked closely with German Polizei. Issued a confidential National security clearance.

1988-1991 – U.S. Army Active Reserves – Senior Military Policeman

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

CollegeBoard Advanced Placement Program (Northwestern University) – U.S. History - 2006

CollegeBoard Advanced Placement Program (University of WI-Madison) – U.S. History - 2005

Master of Arts in Teaching – Rockford College – 2003

Bachelor of Arts - Political Science (emphasis: Public Law) – Northern Illinois University - 1987

Associate of Arts – Rock Valley College – 1983

ACHIEVEMENTS

Nominated as one of Rockford’s Outstanding Teachers for 1999-2000 - Golden Apple

Grant Recipient:

Senator Robert Byrd – Smaller Learning Communities Teacher - 2001

“National Endowment for the Humanities - Picturing America, Teaching American Art History” - 2005

Participant in the Senator Robert Byrd funded “U.S. History Grant for Teachers” – 2001-2009