James Wilks
Zebulon,GA
Summary
Dynamic Elementary Music Teacher from Polk County School Board, adept in classroom management and verbal communication. Excelled in fostering musical understanding and inclusivity, significantly enhancing student participation. Skilled in the Orff Schulwerk Method and proficient in various instruments, successfully mentored peers and improved student engagement through innovative teaching strategies.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Elementary Music Teacher
Polk County School Board
08.1986 - 08.2020
- Familiarized students with basic concepts of music such as notes, tempo, symphony, beats, compositions, and chords.
- Organized musical equipment thoughtfully to develop classroom routines, managing materials efficiently with minimal lost activity time.
- Established a positive learning environment through consistent classroom management techniques and clear expectations for behavior and achievement.
- Pursued continuous professional growth by attending conferences, workshops, and seminars related to music education trends and research findings.
- Taught students to identify different instruments from instrument's sound and shape.
- Implemented differentiated instruction strategies to accommodate diverse learning styles and needs within the classroom.
- Organized successful fundraising events to support the purchase of new instruments and equipment for the music program.
- Promoted inclusivity within the music program by designing accessible lessons and accommodating special needs students whenever possible.
- Increased student participation in school performances by creating diverse musical opportunities for students of all skill levels.
- Contributed to school-wide improvement initiatives by participating in professional development workshops and sharing best practices with colleagues.
- Led instrumental students in playing simple ensemble songs.
- Developed daily lesson plans to generate interest in vocals, movements and use of classroom instruments.
- Mentored struggling students with individualized approach to enhance learning
- Taught curriculum enhanced lesson plans to educate [Number] students about fundamentals and history of music.
- Evaluated student progress through ongoing assessments, adapting instructional methods as needed to address individual strengths and weaknesses.
- Collaborated with fellow teachers to develop interdisciplinary lesson plans, reinforcing key concepts across subjects.
- Enhanced student engagement by incorporating music games and hands-on activities into daily lessons.
- Mentored new teachers, providing guidance on effective teaching strategies and classroom management techniques.
- Assessed student progress by administering tests and evaluating results.
- Helped students develop self-esteem and life skills by fostering healthy conflict-resolution, critical thinking, and communication.
- Showed students how to play xylophones, recorders, drums and ukuleles.
Education
Bachelor of Music Education - Music Education
Florida Southern College
Lakeland, FL04.1985
Skills
- Classroom Management
- Verbal and written communication
- Proficient in saxophone and ukulele
- Relationship Building
- Orff Schulwerk Method
- Reliability
- Parental Communication
Accomplishments
I was the orff clinician for our county showcase 1998
I was selected by my peers to be Kingsford Elementary Teacher of the Year 2011.
Certification
I am certified in Music Education in Florida until 2028.
I have level one orff certification.
play saxophone and ukulele
I teach private lessons on both. I have played saxophone in many different groups over the years including community bands, church orchestra, and jazz bands.
Timeline
Elementary Music Teacher
Polk County School Board
08.1986 - 08.2020
Bachelor of Music Education - Music Education
Florida Southern College
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