Byron Thomas

High School English and History Special Education Teacher at Dr. Richard Izquierdo Health & Science Charter School
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Contact Information
us****@****om
(386) 825-5501
Location
New York City Metropolitan Area
Languages
  • Spanish -

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Jason McDonald

Byron is one of the most creative, student-driven educators I've ever had the pleasure of working with. He deeply cares about enhancing his students' knowledge, but more than that, their lives. He will think nothing of working late into the night for both curricular projects and community-building exercises. He has an intuitive understanding of diversity issues, and can represent student interests regardless of gender, orientation, race, religion, or creed. He passionately believes in viewing multiple views of any issue, while retaining a deep tether to shared values, responsibility, and intellectual curiosity. He is a wonder to behold in the classroom, and I have rarely seen a colleague simultaneously command respect while giving that respect to his students. I strongly recommend Byron for your institution. Sit back and watch him transform your curriculum into something your students, and their parents, will marvel at again and again!

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Experience

    • United States
    • Education Administration Programs
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • High School English and History Special Education Teacher
      • Aug 2023 - Present

      I consider myself a Jack of All Trades in this role putting to good use my significant experience, flexibility, Spanish language skills, and super powers at connecting with students. I teach some sections of 9th grade ELA while managing the IEP needs in 9th grade ELA and Global History 9. I write IEP teacher reports and present those reports at NY DOE CSE meetings. Dr Izquierdo's South Bronx location and strong ties in the Spanish-speaking community allow me to make regular use of my significant Spanish language skills whether preparing relevant student facing materials, providing simultaneous translation during assemblies, or being able to communicate easily with Spanish-speaking families. Show less

    • United States
    • Education Administration Programs
    • 100 - 200 Employee
    • High School IB History Teacher
      • Aug 2022 - Jul 2023

      Taught 10th and 11th Grade History (Regents and International Baccalaureate) in charter school known for progressive, student-centered, and inquiry-based education.Attended IB History training in June 2022 with Florida League of IB Schools in St. Petersburg Beach, FL.

    • Consultant - Summer School - After School Tutor - Harlem Village Academy High School
      • Sep 2021 - Aug 2022

    • United States
    • Non-profit Organizations
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • Spanish Teacher
      • Sep 2021 - Aug 2022

      Taught 7th, 8th, 9th-10th and 11th-12th grade Spanish. Taught 7th, 8th, 9th-10th and 11th-12th grade Spanish.

    • United States
    • Primary and Secondary Education
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • Humanities Teacher
      • Aug 2019 - Aug 2021

      Taught 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade integrated courses in History and English at a progressive Jewish independent school. Successfully taught 5 days a week with students in-class and via ZOOM at the same time during COVID-19. Effectively pivoted to ZOOM-based teaching in March 2020 on 5-days notice. Taught 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade integrated courses in History and English at a progressive Jewish independent school. Successfully taught 5 days a week with students in-class and via ZOOM at the same time during COVID-19. Effectively pivoted to ZOOM-based teaching in March 2020 on 5-days notice.

    • United States
    • 700 & Above Employee
    • Seasonal Jobs in Supervision, Program Management, and Program Implementation
      • Jun 2019 - Aug 2021

      Summer 2021 - Head Counselor and Supervisor - Kids Passport To Adventure - Design and implement the programming for 9-14 year old's (Trailblazers) as Washington Heights-based organization transfers their innovative programming for children of color to an outdoor site in Harriman State Park (NY) for the first time. - Supervise 2 Junior Counselors through check-ins and formal evaluations. - Liaise and troubleshoot with the host site administration - Recruit participants - For more information, please see https://www.kidspassporttoadventure.com/ Summer 2020 - Summer Youth Employment Program Supervisor - Sesame Flyers International - Implemented and facilitated a 5-week New York City government e-learning program transferring career readiness and job searching skills to 15 and 16 year old participants from historically underserved and underrepresented East Flatbush, Brooklyn. - Supervised daily work quality, provided formal and informal feedback, and managed payroll for 12 participants. - Leveraged contacts to recruit several guest speakers of color in Diversity and Equity and Social Media and Sports industries for networking opportunities. - Continue to mentor participants in 2021 job searches. - For more information please see https://www.sesameflyers.org/ and https://www1.nyc.gov/site/dycd/services/jobs-internships/about-syep.page Summer 2019 - Head Counselor and Supervisor - 92Y Camp Yomi - Supervised 10 high school and college-aged Junior Counselors through regular check-ins and formal mid-camp and end-of-camp evaluations. - Collaborated with the other 2 Head Counselors to successfully support the Division Head in the implementation of a robust daily program, Parents Visiting Day, and 3 overnights. - Managed the second largest bus site for 35 campers aged 5-10 and was the onsite liaison between the camp and the host institution. - For more information please see https://www.92y.org/camps/yomi Show less

    • United States
    • Religious Institutions
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • ZOOM Facilitator for Youth Services
      • Sep 2020 - Apr 2021

      Manage ZOOM technology for synagogue's youth services for high holidays and periodic Shabbat services. Manage ZOOM technology for synagogue's youth services for high holidays and periodic Shabbat services.

    • United States
    • Education Administration Programs
    • 400 - 500 Employee
    • 9th Grade Global History Teacher at Democracy Prep Charter High School
      • Aug 2018 - Jul 2019

      Taught 9th Grade Global History focused on the Democracy Prep mission of "Work Hard, Go to College, Change the World". Planned and taught collaboratively with a co-teacher to meet IEP requirements. Supported grade-wide initiatives, such as creating and presenting Nerd of the Week videos and Work Worthy of Pride speeches, a presentation on LGBTQ+ awareness, and report card reflection and study skills. Participated actively and enthusiastically in professional growth opportunities including live-coaching, weekly observations, weekly Friday afternoon professional development workshops, and three-day DP YOU Conference in San Antonio, TX in October, 2018. Show less

    • United States
    • Primary and Secondary Education
    • 100 - 200 Employee
    • History Teacher (1 Year Interim)
      • Jun 2017 - Aug 2018

      Taught 7th and 8th Grade US History and supplemented curriculum with programs like Constitution Works and a strong current events focus building off of the Parkland High School Students activism. Co-advised Student Council focusing on Puerto Rico Subcommittee's fundraising, advocacy and education efforts in the wake of the hurricanes. Co-led monthly meetings of an Identity Exploration Club that focused on exploring various identities and then creating relevant board games.

    • Middle School Spanish Teacher (Leave Replacement)
      • Apr 2017 - Jun 2017

      Taught 6th, 7th and 8th Grade Spanish courses focusing on language development and cultural appreciation of Spanish-speaking world. Collaborated with teaching partner to design cumulative and innovative grade-wide final projects. Contributed to 2017-18 Spanish-level placement decisions.

    • United States
    • Education Administration Programs
    • 100 - 200 Employee
    • World History and Research Teacher
      • Jun 2016 - Aug 2018

      Taught accelerated world history and research courses on Saturdays during the school year and for eight weeks in the summer preparing 7th and 8th Grade leaders of color for boarding school success. Mentored a teaching assistant. Taught accelerated world history and research courses on Saturdays during the school year and for eight weeks in the summer preparing 7th and 8th Grade leaders of color for boarding school success. Mentored a teaching assistant.

    • United States
    • Primary and Secondary Education
    • 100 - 200 Employee
    • History Teacher, Student Activities Leader and Diversity and Equity Practioner
      • Aug 2005 - Aug 2016

      Focused 7th and 8th Grade US History curriculum, on developing students' skills in analytical reading, writing and thinking, current events analysis and civic responsibility Optimized efficient use of resources through department collaboration: Art (longterm biography project), Learning Skills (weekly co-planning and student support), and Advancement (9/11 Alumni Project) Model Congress and Student Council Advisor (2005-2016): Co-organized annual day-long congressional simulation for 460 students from 21 schools and improved the Student Council’s programming by implementing officer-only meetings and a structured election White Educators for Racial Equity Co-Facilitator (2009-2016): Co-led faculty/staff group exploring whiteness and how to be more inclusive yielding 2010 conference presentation Learning Management System Committee Member (2014-2016): Assessed applicability of Google Classroom and CANVAS for Packer’s new learning management platform Faculty/Staff Mindfulness Co-Facilitator (2015-2016): Initiated a mindfulness group and co-organized monthly meetings to deepen personal practice and professional application 7th Grade Head Teacher (2006-2014): Supported the students’ academic and social-emotional needs through robust programming based on faculty and student input Upper School Peer And Leadership Support Co-Administrator (2009-2014): Co-led program building skills of selected 10th-12th Graders through team-building and reflection Middle School Diversity Coordinator (2012-2014): Designed and implemented on and off-site student programming and faculty workshops, while prioritizing faculty recruitment Puerto Rican Spanish Trip Organizer (2010-2012): Initiated annual 8th Grade Spanish trip to Puerto Rico with an itinerary so innovative that it yielded a job offer from the tour company Admissions Associate (2008-2010): Promoted by the Head of School to interview prospective students and families, recruit at fairs, and participate in decisions Show less

  • CARLE Institute
    • New York, NY
    • White Anti-Racist Group Leader
      • Jun 2015 - Jul 2015

      Served as one of four Family Group Leaders who facilitated discussion and reflection activities during an institute for white independent school teachers who wanted to deepen their understanding of whiteness and their own white identity as well as gain tools to recognize and fight against institutional racism in the construction of anti-racist schools and a more inclusive and equitable society. Served as one of four Family Group Leaders who facilitated discussion and reflection activities during an institute for white independent school teachers who wanted to deepen their understanding of whiteness and their own white identity as well as gain tools to recognize and fight against institutional racism in the construction of anti-racist schools and a more inclusive and equitable society.

    • United States
    • Non-profit Organizations
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • Head Counselor
      • 2011 - 2013

      Directed all-camp activities and transition times as Master of Ceremonies during a week-long camp uniting 100 biological siblings aged 8-20 separated by Massachusetts foster care system. Served on year-round planning, conducted diversity training and managed activity budget. Promoted to Head Counselor after previously volunteering. Directed all-camp activities and transition times as Master of Ceremonies during a week-long camp uniting 100 biological siblings aged 8-20 separated by Massachusetts foster care system. Served on year-round planning, conducted diversity training and managed activity budget. Promoted to Head Counselor after previously volunteering.

    • Puerto Rico
    • Education Administration Programs
    • 100 - 200 Employee
    • Social Studies Teacher
      • Aug 2000 - Jul 2005

      Taught 6th-8th Grade Geography, 9th Grade World History and 10th-12th Grade Law and Society Elective, Revised the Law and Society curriculum to include regular mock trials and a student-created speaker series. Infused curriculum with experiential activities such as political campaigning, Christmas caroling to hospitals, drama workshops for neighborhood youth, beach clean-ups, and a Hotel Rwanda movie premiere that raised $5,000. Taught 6th-8th Grade Geography, 9th Grade World History and 10th-12th Grade Law and Society Elective, Revised the Law and Society curriculum to include regular mock trials and a student-created speaker series. Infused curriculum with experiential activities such as political campaigning, Christmas caroling to hospitals, drama workshops for neighborhood youth, beach clean-ups, and a Hotel Rwanda movie premiere that raised $5,000.

  • Guamaní School
    • Guayama, PR
    • Middle and High School Social Studies Teacher
      • Aug 1998 - Jun 2000

      Taught 8th Grade Geography, 10th-12th Grade Civics and 11th Grade United States History. Designed and taught new 12th Puerto Rican History course incorporating a Spanish-language textbook. Created an award-winning final project utilizing economics principles from a Federal Reserve pilot project in which students investigated the history of a nearby sugarcane factory or related historic site, researched the current economic and/or community needs of the surrounding towns and then proposed an economically viable and/or community-minded re-purposing of the historic site. Show less

    • United States
    • Civic and Social Organizations
    • 100 - 200 Employee
    • Teacher and Program Associate
      • Dec 1996 - Jun 1998

      Designed lessons and led conversations and learning activities providing visiting middle and high school students visiting Washington, DC with a deeper understanding of civics and government and the tools to engage with their policy makers in the nation's capital as well as back home Driven by the experience of seeing groups of sometimes apolitical and apathetic teenagers leave a week later focused and excited about participating actively in democracy, I have since prioritized experiential education inside and outside of the classroom whenever possible Show less

Education

  • Centro de Estudios Avanzados de Puerto Rico y El Caribe
    Master of Arts (M.A.), History of Puerto Rico and the Caribbean
    2001 - 2024
  • The George Washington University
    Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), International Relations and Affairs

Community

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