My Professional Life Began as an Educator
Every professional experience I've had since being an educator has been driven by the skills learned in teaching in both secondary and post secondary environments. I learned as much about human interaction as I did about conveying complex concepts in easy to understand terms.
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Secondary Education
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University & Peer Ed
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Online
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Student Feedback
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Professional
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Accomplishments
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Online Instructor, Hong Kong Xiaoci Technology Co., Limited; Online/Hong Kong, China. 2021 to Current.
Contract hire as a teacher of multiple social science disciplines for English Second Language Chinese students ranging from ages 9 to 13.
--- Teaching employment gap due to entry into the business world for 12 years where I continue to provide contract business writing and consulting work across multiple industries.
Online Instructor, Axia College, Remote/Phoenix AZ. 2008-2016.
Taught online U.S. History coursework across 3 course curricula.
--- Teaching employment gap due to my full time work a not-for-profit community development CEO for 8 years.
Teacher, Dominguez High School, Compton Unified Schools. 1998-2003.
11th Grade U.S. History; 12th Grade Economics; 12th Grade Government
Teacher, Dominguez High School, Compton Unified Schools. 1998-2003.
11th Grade U.S. History; 12th Grade Economics; 12th Grade Government
Teacher, Broadmoor Junior High, Pekin Public Schools District #108. Pekin, Illinois. 1994-1998.
8th grade Social Studies
Contract hire as a teacher of multiple social science disciplines for English Second Language Chinese students ranging from ages 9 to 13.
- Developed curriculum for 5 separate courses including geography, history, social studies and advanced writing.
- Taught 3 early morning courses across 15 different class (one each per week) in a small classroom setting (1-4 students each).
- Entrusted to develop advanced learning skills in geography, history, government, and economics for over 100 students (as of 2023) in a small classroom setting.
--- Teaching employment gap due to entry into the business world for 12 years where I continue to provide contract business writing and consulting work across multiple industries.
Online Instructor, Axia College, Remote/Phoenix AZ. 2008-2016.
Taught online U.S. History coursework across 3 course curricula.
- Increased writing proficiency in 200 plus students across core history curricula.
- Received exceptional student feedback from 50 plus students for coaching efforts beyond job requirements.
--- Teaching employment gap due to my full time work a not-for-profit community development CEO for 8 years.
Teacher, Dominguez High School, Compton Unified Schools. 1998-2003.
11th Grade U.S. History; 12th Grade Economics; 12th Grade Government
- After five years teaching in Illinois, I moved to California to teach high school government and economics for the Compton Unified School District. There I served on the Building Leadership Team and was chosen as the District’s only teacher to perform the duties of Uniform Complaint Procedure Compliance Officer. I also served as the College Advisor during the assigned advisor' maternity leave.
Teacher, Dominguez High School, Compton Unified Schools. 1998-2003.
11th Grade U.S. History; 12th Grade Economics; 12th Grade Government
- After five years teaching in Illinois, I moved to California to teach high school government and economics for the Compton Unified School District. There I served on the Building Leadership Team and was chosen as the District’s only teacher to perform the duties of Uniform Complaint Procedure Compliance Officer. I also served as the College Advisor during the assigned advisor' maternity leave.
Teacher, Broadmoor Junior High, Pekin Public Schools District #108. Pekin, Illinois. 1994-1998.
8th grade Social Studies
- I began my career teaching eighth grade social studies in Illinois where I was recognized as an accomplished teacher through the use of constructivist and Socratic methodologies. The district entrusted me to mentor new teachers, to serve as a supervisor to student teachers, and to teach professional development classes for veteran teachers.
- I was allowed to create a specialized curriculum for my 8th grade social studies students based on an award winning research paper I wrote in 1995 entitled “Teaching History Backwards.” This curriculum demanded a deeper level of understanding of how history develops in a cascading fashion.
Axia College, University of Phoenix; 2008 to 2016
Facilitated coursework in an online environment for:
Montana State University, College of Technology; 2008.
Provided short contract lecturing work for:
Peer Educator
Facilitated coursework in an online environment for:
- History 135: The American Experience from 1945
- History 125: U.S. History from 1865-1945
- History 115: U.S. History to 1865
Montana State University, College of Technology; 2008.
Provided short contract lecturing work for:
- Business and Technical Writing.
Peer Educator
- As a recognized master educator, I was entrusted to serve as a student teaching supervisor and to professional development workshops to enhance teaching capabilities of peers. These experiences furthered my understanding of serving as an effective member of teaching teams as pioneered by Brown University’s Coalition of Essential Schools.
the Key to Online Teaching
During my tenure as an online collegiate instructor, I have developed a critical understanding of the importance of certain instructional methodologies unique to the online environment. I am proud to have been at the forefront of the development of online instructional techniques through attaining a Master’s Degree in Educational Technology with a focus on online learning in 2000.
In order to create a dynamic and supportive learning environment the first and most important key is maintaining a high level of student-to-faculty contact by taking a proactive role in facilitating, communicating with students, and providing timely and effective feedback for written assignments. This is important in establishing a culture of learning that usually develops of its own accord in a face-to-face classroom.
Further, a professional tone, error-free grammar, and clear communication of expectations are critical in such an environment as students take cues from instructors through modeling behaviors. Coaching and modeling are vital in establishing a culture of learning in the online environment.
During my tenure as an online collegiate instructor, I have developed a critical understanding of the importance of certain instructional methodologies unique to the online environment. I am proud to have been at the forefront of the development of online instructional techniques through attaining a Master’s Degree in Educational Technology with a focus on online learning in 2000.
In order to create a dynamic and supportive learning environment the first and most important key is maintaining a high level of student-to-faculty contact by taking a proactive role in facilitating, communicating with students, and providing timely and effective feedback for written assignments. This is important in establishing a culture of learning that usually develops of its own accord in a face-to-face classroom.
Further, a professional tone, error-free grammar, and clear communication of expectations are critical in such an environment as students take cues from instructors through modeling behaviors. Coaching and modeling are vital in establishing a culture of learning in the online environment.
Student Feedback from my online teaching experience:
Mr. Sharpe,
You have taught me so much in the areas of writing and paraphrasing that will endure throughout my academic career and life in general. This course was tough, and at times I thought would I fail - which was not an option for me. Your constructive criticisms and feedback were essential in passing this course. To say thank you does not come close to my appreciation and gratitude for the inspiration you have given me.
Carol S.
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Thanks for a great nine weeks. To be honest, it was a challenge but I loved it! Thank you for being so tough on grammar and so on. Most teachers just look the other way. You have helped me become a better writer in so many ways. Thanks!!! & keep being tough-I think others will also thank you for it later! CYA!
Santara C.
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Thanks Mr. Sharpe,
I can honestly say out of all the courses I've taken so far, this has been one that has grabbed my attention and kept it for the whole nine weeks. Surprising since I've never really liked history. Thank you.
Alyssa K.
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Thank you so much for everything you have done. The way you teach and the things you expected from me will truly follow me not only through the rest of my course, but in life in general.
Devon P.
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Thank you for a wonderful class Sir, I want to thank you for everything and understanding my situations in combat.
William C.
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….If I do not get another chance to tell you this, you are the best of the best. I have learned so much from you. You have restored my faith in male teachers. (No Bull). I am keeping all your supplements. God Bless.
Enid G.
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Eric,
I just wanted to take this opportunity and say "Thank You". This class was a huge challenge for me but you forced me to take reading more seriously and to read material that is both interesting and not so interesting. You have taught me not to limit myself. I have never had an interest in History or World Affairs. This class has changed my prospective. Although I did not perform that great in your class, I have set the bar higher for me to do well in future classes… your class has influenced my interest in World Affairs and Politics.
Frankie P.
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I just wanted to tell you that I have really enjoyed this class. It is by far my favorite so far. We'll assume that is because you did such a great job as the
instructor and not my love of history. Your passion for the material and your desire that we all understand it really shows.
Natalie P.
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Mr. Sharpe:
Thank you for your time and patience with us during this class. This has definitely been a challenging course for me - the most challenging thus far. I have learned a great deal in an area that I knew very little about prior to this class. I appreciate your feedback and your constructive criticism. You have provided us with your expertise and supplements to help us succeed...
Nadine K.
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Eric,
I thought I would let you know that I have never seen anything like this from any of my other teachers. I really have enjoyed the way you get involved with the "class". You have made a hard subject (for me) very fun and interesting. You are a great teacher and I was blessed to have you!
Janice K.
Mr. Sharpe,
You have taught me so much in the areas of writing and paraphrasing that will endure throughout my academic career and life in general. This course was tough, and at times I thought would I fail - which was not an option for me. Your constructive criticisms and feedback were essential in passing this course. To say thank you does not come close to my appreciation and gratitude for the inspiration you have given me.
Carol S.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks for a great nine weeks. To be honest, it was a challenge but I loved it! Thank you for being so tough on grammar and so on. Most teachers just look the other way. You have helped me become a better writer in so many ways. Thanks!!! & keep being tough-I think others will also thank you for it later! CYA!
Santara C.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks Mr. Sharpe,
I can honestly say out of all the courses I've taken so far, this has been one that has grabbed my attention and kept it for the whole nine weeks. Surprising since I've never really liked history. Thank you.
Alyssa K.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thank you so much for everything you have done. The way you teach and the things you expected from me will truly follow me not only through the rest of my course, but in life in general.
Devon P.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thank you for a wonderful class Sir, I want to thank you for everything and understanding my situations in combat.
William C.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
….If I do not get another chance to tell you this, you are the best of the best. I have learned so much from you. You have restored my faith in male teachers. (No Bull). I am keeping all your supplements. God Bless.
Enid G.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eric,
I just wanted to take this opportunity and say "Thank You". This class was a huge challenge for me but you forced me to take reading more seriously and to read material that is both interesting and not so interesting. You have taught me not to limit myself. I have never had an interest in History or World Affairs. This class has changed my prospective. Although I did not perform that great in your class, I have set the bar higher for me to do well in future classes… your class has influenced my interest in World Affairs and Politics.
Frankie P.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I just wanted to tell you that I have really enjoyed this class. It is by far my favorite so far. We'll assume that is because you did such a great job as the
instructor and not my love of history. Your passion for the material and your desire that we all understand it really shows.
Natalie P.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mr. Sharpe:
Thank you for your time and patience with us during this class. This has definitely been a challenging course for me - the most challenging thus far. I have learned a great deal in an area that I knew very little about prior to this class. I appreciate your feedback and your constructive criticism. You have provided us with your expertise and supplements to help us succeed...
Nadine K.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eric,
I thought I would let you know that I have never seen anything like this from any of my other teachers. I really have enjoyed the way you get involved with the "class". You have made a hard subject (for me) very fun and interesting. You are a great teacher and I was blessed to have you!
Janice K.
Economic/ Education Advisor to the President’s Office. Northern Cheyenne Nation, Lame Deer, Montana; 2005-2008.
I provided curriculum assessments and actionable performance guidance to the President and the Office of Education for the Northern Cheyenne Nation.
I provided curriculum assessments and actionable performance guidance to the President and the Office of Education for the Northern Cheyenne Nation.
Accomplishments
- "Teaching History Backwards" - Award winning Curriculum Design
- Elected to Illinois State Leadership team for the Coalition of Essential Schools
- Compliance Officer. Uniform Complaint Procedure Compliance Officer, Dominguez High School, Compton, CA. 1999-2002.
- Member. Building Instructional Leadership Team. Dominguez High School, Compton, CA. 2000-2002.
- Trainer. Professional Development. Taught Mac and DOS formats for computer aided research and electronic portfolio design for traditional and authentic assessment. 1995-1998.
- Student Teacher Supervisor. Broadmoor Junior High, Pekin Public Schools District #108.
- Member. Building Instructional Leadership Team. Pekin Public Schools. 1996-1998.
- Elected Representative of the Illinois Coalition of Essential Schools. Coalition of Illinois Reform Efforts. University of Illinois. 1996-1998.
- Presenter. Macintosh Staff Development Video. Request by our superintendent to participate in a lead role for a Mac Staff Development video used nationwide. 1995.
- IBM Pilot Teacher. Selected with 25 other teachers to apply IBM beta test technology on a daily basis to classroom activities and management. 1994.