Preston Springer
Southlake Christian Academy 2017-Current
Administrator/Dean of Students/Webmaster
Worked with Principal to support teachers in regard to classroom/individual discipline/procedure/strategy
Implemented a new/revised version of a school discipline policy with great success, created to build a relational/redemptive policy at the same time supporting the teachers.
Implemented school wide policies that promote good behavior and positive choices by students.
Reorganized student council to a model of student leadership and service.
Followed up with teacher and students after any discipline issue was submitted to administration.
Observe, mentor and work alongside teachers who are part of my PLC, as well as teachers who may be having issues with a classroom management situations.
Oversee all functions of school website and school social media outlets and promotions
Western Carolina University April 2016-August 2017
College of Education and Allied Professions Teacher Education Recruiter/Advisor/Instructor
Oversee regional recruitment/retention activities locally and regionally including the Teachers of Tomorrow conferences on the campus of WCU
Researched admissions data to find trends/create strategies to better promote education programs
Serve as a resource for local community colleges and early college students interested in teacher education
Serve as a resource for the WCU Teacher Cadet Partnership Schools
Work with guidance counselors in WNC high schools to distribute information CEAP Programs
Build following and activity among social media outlets as well as create new recruitment materials for print and over see video spotlighting local teachers
Campus consultations on how to recruit teachers to programs as well as how to better encourage the Ed students we have with program coordinator
-2017 Student Advocate Nomination
-Sutep Grant Selection Committee
-WCU PEC(Professional Educators Committee)
-Teach Now Advisory Committee Member- website/social media development
-CREW Planning Committee Member-Region 8 educator professional development event
-Campus Signage Committee
-CAEP Planning Committee
-WCU Systems: Banner, GradesFirst, Qualtrics, IRB, Blackboard, Campaign Monitor (Email Campaigns), OU, MyWCU
-Catamount School Planning Committee-University/State supported Lab Middle School opening August 2017
Western Carolina University Summer 2016-2018
Instructor
Art-363 Art For Children
USI-130 Freshman University Experience
Guest Speaker
EDCI-Teacher Schools and Society “IEP’s also your job”
USI-130 University Experience “Civic Duty VS Civic Responsibility”
ART-131 Introductory Drawing (Fall 2016)
ART-363 Art for Children “Watercolor in the Elm Ed Classroom”
EDCI-191 Teachers Schools and Society “IEP’s..also your job”
EDCI-201 Teacher Leadership in a Diverse Society (Spring 2017)
SPED-339 Designing Classrooms as responsive learning communities (Fall 2016)” IEP’s and the faculty you work with”
Whee Teach Club Guest Speaker-”How we see”-How our personal bias changes the way we see the world, and our students
Whee Teach Club Guest Speaker-Welcome to the Program
Licensed NC Professional Educator-18 years experience: K-12 NC Public Schools, Private K-12, Charter K-12
17 years of classroom experience as a professional educator Classes taught: AP Art, Art I, II, III, IV, Ceramics I,II, Independent Study, 6-8 grade Art, K-5 and Theater I
NC Teacher Mentor
Oversaw the following: Art Club for 7 years, planned field trips, fundraising events; created the first Mountain Bike Club/Team in the region for 3 years, planned field trips, marketing, recruitment and acquired sponsorships/donations
Helped organized a fundraiser raising 25k in 2 months to purchase a new home for a widow, alongside 8 sophomore students (article written by one of my students)
School Technology Committee, School Improvement Team, Emergency Response Team, Active participant in continuing education opportunities
Completed State Mentor Training in 2007 and have mentored first year teachers since then
CDL Licensed since 2000
Young Life October 06-January 2009
Area Director Catawba County
Oversaw a ministry in Eastern Catawba County, served two different area high schools;
Delegated duties to the Area Administrator, Committee Chair/members, volunteer leaders, and student volunteers;
Responsible for recruiting, training and retaining adults and college students to participate as volunteers
Created and implemented a weekly program for high school students that built interest, excitement, and ownership of the organization
Planned a yearly budget and partnered with a committee of community volunteer members to raise an $89k annual budget
Created local events with the help of volunteers to help raise financial and community support of the program; events included: Golf Marathon (08 Golf event raised 20k,)
Recruited and maintained community support by meeting with business, church, and community leaders in the area
Recruited and retained involvement from students of every cultural and societal group within the schools
Created Web and print designs for logos, t-shirts, and newsletter publications
Built following and activity among social media outlets from scratch
Springvine Design 2010-Present
Webmaster and Prop Construction
Consulting
Dixie Woodworking 1998-2016
Carpenters Assistant/Installer
Installation and building of commercial and residential cabinets in the Greater Charlotte area.
Installation of all types of custom made cabinets, not limited to building and installation.
Restoration, modification as well as tile work.
Site prep, installation and finishing work done by Dixie Woodworking
Unrelated cabinet work also done: Custom store display builds, custom hardwood furniture.
Farm Manager/Owner 2017-Present
Manage a flower farm in east Lincoln County supplying designer flowers to florists and individuals
2 greenhouses for growth and propagation
Operate all tractors and equipment as well as repairs on any equipment
Manage irrigation systems
Belmont Bicycles/Blood Sweat and Gears Bike Shop 2007-2009
Manager/Sales/Marketing/Mechanic
Education
Western Carolina University 2016-2019 MAEd
Elected as the 2017-2018 Graduate Student Government Association Vice President
Western Carolina University June 1996-May 2000 BSEd Art Education
Gordon-Cronwell January 2008 6 hours of Graduate Studies
Other:
Appointed to the Town of Sylva Public Art Planning Board 2017
Teaching Philosophy and Approach:
Before the transfer of content knowledge and sharing of experience there is a relationship. As an educator, my philosophy of teaching leads with relationships first. If I do not have a relationship with my students I am not benefiting them as well as I could. Knowing the people I am teaching helps me to understand how to better serve them and make sure I will be relevant to their needs year to year.
This initial relationship helps me to then understand how to be relevant. This relevance is a must for me to be an effective educator. I must understand all socioeconomic factors my students are coming from and plan to enter after graduation for them to be as effective as they can be. This is critical for my success as an effective teacher as I am here to serve them as best I can.
As an educator, I see my position that of a servant. I am here to serve the people I teach. Not myself. That is and has always been the role of an educator to me. Instructionally and creatively I love failure, as much as success as there is much wisdom to be learned from both. I want the service from my career thus far and as currently serve to provide them wisdom and encouragement towards their success not my own. I am simply a guide on the journey, making sure that we stay on course, stay positive and learn from all the variables we may encounter.
Students must have the opportunity while learning to be creative and experiment. I do not want anyone to forget those feelings we discovered as children of curiosity, excitement and drive to try things and to see what happens. I promise to use my knowledge and experiences through relationships with my students to awaken their joy of creativity and learning with whatever educational direction they may be going. I do this with hopes of one day hearing how this knowledge was used in their own experiences, that will then be my success.