Stephen J. Coker
6610 78th Avenue NE, Olympia, WA  98516
(360) 915-6563 (Home) | (360) 412-4800 (Work)
Email: sygcoker@mac.com
Classroom Web site: http://www.nthurston.k12.wa.us/scoker
Academic Portfolio: http://homepage.mac.com/coker.s/Portfolio/

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS

• Fifteen years of successful instructional experience in public and private education
• Solid philosophical grounding, training, and experience in the critical use of information in academic settings
• Strong background working with diverse populations and in bilingual education; fluent in Spanish
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and collaborative skills
• Extensive experience integrating information literacy skills, instructional technology, and multimedia for student and professional use
• Proven leadership and administrative skills in diverse environments

EDUCATION

University of Washington Information School, Seattle, WA
            M.A., Library and Information Science, June, 2006
Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA
            B.A.Ed., History and Social Studies, June, 1992
The Evergreen State College, Olympia, WA
            B.A., Liberal Arts, September, 1989

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION

Continuing Teaching Certificate, State of Washington  
Endorsements: Library Media; Social Studies; History; English; Spanish
Professional Librarian’s Life Certificate, State of Washington

TEACHING AND EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE

North Thurston High School, Lacey, WA, 2006-present
English Teacher

• Courses taught include English 3-4 (Sophomore) and American Literature
• Providing staff professional development support in technology
• Assisting with development of school library Web site (Spring 2007)
• Serving on district-level Technology Advisory Committee (Spring 2007)

Wenatchee High School, Wenatchee, WA, 2000-2006
Literacy Instructional Coach

• Worked collaboratively with individual teachers as well as large groups to improve instructional practices and understanding of reading, information literacy and related state standards across the curriculum
• Provided building leadership on alignment and articulation of literacy goals and standards
• Appointed to building leadership task force dedicated to developing a strategic building plan for continuous improvement in all areas of instruction
• Designed and coordinated staff training in large and small group settings
• Coordinated communication and collaboration between building faculty, administration, and district leadership in the interest of building professional learning communities
• Designed, developed, and maintained library Web site dedicated to fostering and facilitating information literacy and reading skills among students and disseminating essential knowledge to staff
• Served as information technology liaison for district librarians, developing a Web-based resource designed to facilitate professional collaboration and community outreach

Social Studies, English and Bilingual (Spanish) Teacher

• Taught U.S. History, Bilingual Contemporary World Problems, Bilingual U.S. History, American Studies, Sophomore English, and Mythology
• Team-taught an interdisciplinary and U.S. History and Literature program
• Developed and maintained a comprehensive class Web site designed to facilitate the application of information literacy skills and enhance communication with students and community
• Trained in and successfully applied bilingual (Spanish) and sheltered teaching techniques, including differentiated instruction to students with diverse English skills and experience
• Integrated technology tools in the curriculum on a regular and meaningful basis in all classes taught
• Taught expository and creative writing across the curriculum
• Served as leader and advocate for migrant/bilingual students in academic and social spheres

Technology Resource Teacher

• Provided individualized and group training for staff and administration in the appropriate integration of technology in the classroom and as a professional tool
• Developed school library Web site and assisted in the maintenance of the entire school Web site, with special emphasis on technology help resources and training
• Conceived of and assisted in the implementation of unique “Workshop on Demand” model for staff training and professional development
• Introduced and trained staff in the use grade book software now used by over 90% of district 6-12 teachers to improve communication with community
• Professional Leadership
• Elected by peers to building Shared Decision Making Team
• Initiated research and committee work on Smaller Learning Communities
• Provided training in the Lexile Framework for Reading and the appropriate use of assessment for improved learning and instruction
• Assisted in the development of a revised building plan for continuous improvement

O’Dea High School, Seattle, WA, 1999 - 2000
Spanish Teacher

• Classes taught included Spanish I, II, and IV
• Inaugurated “College in the High School” class, providing advanced Spanish students the opportunity to earn college credit
• Led effort to redesign school Web site

Hoquiam High School, Hoquiam, WA, 1997 - 1999
Social Studies and English Teacher

• Classes taught included U.S. History, Pacific Northwest History, and Sophomore English 10
• Led the revision and implementation of an improved school service learning program
• Selected by the Virtual Trade Mission of the President’s Export Council as one of three educators representing the U.S. at the 1998 APEC conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• Served on district Curriculum Materials Adoption Committee
• Advised the Hoquiam chapter of the National Honor Society

Colegio San Miguel, Buenos Aires, Argentina, 1995 - 1997
Primary and Secondary Teacher

• Classes taught included secondary World History, Composition, and Contemporary World Issues courses, as well as grades 5-7 General Science and Composition courses
• Performed administrative duties as Assistant to the Headmistress of Primary English instruction, including curriculum development and teacher evaluation
• Introduced the use of the Internet and email as instructional tools to staff, students, and parents
• Trained staff and students in the use of instructional technology and multimedia resources
• Conceived of and developed a bilingual school library and multimedia reference center
• Directed student drama productions
• Studied Spanish independently, achieving fluency after a two-year period

Seattle Preparatory School, Seattle, WA, 1993 - 1994
English Teacher

• Team-taught the English Composition and Literature component of an integrated sophomore-level humanities program
• Taught senior-level English Composition and Literature courses

Substitute Teacher, Seattle, WA, 1992 - 1993

• Taught all disciplines at Seattle Preparatory School, Blanchet High School, and St. Joseph’s School

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

• Beta Phi Mu (International Library and Information Studies Honor Society)
• American Library Association
• Washington Library Media Association

RECENT INFORMATION LITERACY PROJECTS AND INITIATIVES

Mr. Coker's Classroom, a continuously updated classroom Web site including selected links, class calendars, student blogs, literature discussion boards, research tutorials and more

Wenatchee School District Libraries, a Web-based clearinghouse designed to facilitate vertical and horizontal collaboration among district librarians and faculty

Wenatchee High School Library, a comprehensive secondary school library services Web site

Staff Workshop: Introduction to Online Database use in the Social Studies Curriculum, Wenatchee, WA, April 2006

Staff Workshop: United Streaming Video Technology in the Library, Wenatchee, WA, 23 March 2006 (presenter/facilitator)

Staff Workshop: Library Web Site Development, Wenatchee, WA, 8 March 2006 (presenter/facilitator)

Meeting Standard: Passing the WASL and moving on with the rest of your life,  a Web-based tutorial designed to assist students, staff, and parents in understanding the context and rationale behind the Washington Assessment for Student Learning,  February 2006

Staff Workshop: Using Apple’s iMovie Software in the Classroom, Wenatchee, WA, 26 January 2006 (presenter/facilitator)

Staff Presentation: Using Lexile Data to Improve Instruction and Understanding, Wenatchee, WA, 23 January 2006 (co-presenter/facilitator)

Staff Training: 21 Keys for High Performance Teaching and Learning, workshop presented by Lou Tice, The Pacific Institute, Seattle, WA; 8, 9, and 14 December 2005 (participant)

Staff Workshop: Advanced Classroom Web Site Development, Wenatchee, WA, 15 November 2005 (co-presenter/facilitator)

Staff Workshop: Beginning Classroom Web Site Development, Wenatchee, WA, 10 November 2005 (co-presenter/facilitator)

Staff Training: APEX Online Learning Technologies and Practices, Wenatchee, WA, 18 & 19 October 2005 (participant)

Staff Presentation: Literacy Skills Across the Curriculum, Wenatchee, WA, 19 September 2005 (presenter)

Staff Workshop: United Streaming Video Technology in the Classroom, Wenatchee, WA, 1 September 2005 (presenter/facilitator)

Staff Workshop: Introduction to Wenatchee School District Information Technologies—New Staff Orientation, Wenatchee, WA, 24 August 2005 (presenter/facilitator)

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Experienced in Web site development and management
• 15 years experience using computers and associated software in educational and other professional settings in both MS Windows and Mac OS X environments
• Proficient in a variety of software  and server applications, including (but not limited to) Microsoft Office suite, Macromedia Dreamweaver and Fireworks, Adobe Photoshop, FileMaker Pro, video production software (Apple Final Cut and QuickTime), OS X Workgroup Manager and server administration
• 8+ years experience in network and system troubleshooting and maintenance

REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST