Marc R. Dastous

Education Specialist

An Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree is a postgraduate degree designed for educators with a master’s degree who want to gain advanced proficiency and skill sets in their chosen field and for a specific position, like a principal or superintendent.

While it is not a doctorate, this intermediate degree between a master’s and the Doctorate of Education enables students to qualify for pay increases, leadership positions, and earn specific licenses, certifications, and endorsements.

Furthermore, students in these degree programs often do not pursue their doctoral degrees because they are not interested in research and dissertation requirements, the time commitment required, or the cost involved.

Sept. 2019

Nova Southeastern University • Fort Lauderdale, FL

Degree focus -- Instructional Technology and Distance Education.

Master of Education

July 2004

American Intercontinental University Online • Hoffman Estates, IL

Degree focus -- Instructional Technology and Design

Bachelor of Science

Mar. 1992

Western international University • Phoenix, AZ

Degress focus -- Business

• K-Mart Corporation

  • Operations Manager
  • Regional Layout Supervisor (Western Region)
  • Merchandise Manager

• Albertson's Food and Drug

  • Receiving Manager
  • Drug/Softlines Manager

• Taco Bell Corporation

  • Restaurant Manager (Multi-unit)

• Adult Education
• Learning Management Systems
  • Moodle
  • Canvas
  • WebCT/Blackboard/Anthology
  • Google Classrooom
• Distance Education and Learning
• Economic Development
• Workforce Development
• Instructional Technology
• Experiential Learning
• Geography
• Staff Development
• BootStrap, HTML5, CSS
• Advanced Computer Apps
• Broadcast Video and Editing
• YouTube Channel Development

• USA Hockey:

  • Master Coach (Level 5)
  • Silver Level Goalie Coach
  • Coaching Interactive Resume

• Volunteering:

  
  • Santa Claus for various local charities during the holiday season

• Consultant:

  • National Geographic Society Online – Xpeditions
  • Summer Geography Awareness Week Workshop

• Chairperson:

  • AZ Geographic Alliance Technology Committee

• Director:

  • AZ Geographic Alliance Summer Technology Institute

• Web Site Administrator and Producer:

  • AZ Geographic Alliance

• Seminar Leader:

  • Bureau of Education and Research

• Technology Trainer:

  • Plan for Social Excellence Grant

• Other subjects taught:

  • World Geography
  • GIS (ArcView)
  • CADD (AutoCad)
  • MS Office Applications
  • College Level Technology for Teachers courses (Clayton State College)

Teacher

2022 - Present

Midtown High School • Atlanta, GA

• Teaching HTML5, CSS, JavaScript, Python, and Karel programming languages to students
• Achieved a 90% pass rate among students, in the 2022-2023 school year, who took the W3Schools Web Design Industry Certification Exam
• Future Business Leaders of America Chapter Advisor resulting in a state officer and Top Ten National Finalist in the International Business Competition

Principal

2018 - 2022

Indian Creek Middle School • Covington, GA

• Proficiently managed all aspects of school operations, ensuring the smooth functioning of daily activities.
• Successfully provided leadership to a team of 100+ faculty and staff, guiding them through the challenges posed by the pandemic.
• Effectively spearheaded efforts to turn around a failing school, implementing strategic changes and improvements.
• Established and nurtured an effective Professional Learning Community (PLC) culture to enhance collaboration and professional development among educators and staff.

Principal

2016 - 2018

Putnam County High School • Eatonton, GA

• Managed an instructional budget of nearly $50,000 along with varying Title funds, ensuring responsible allocation of resources.
• Achieved a graduation rate exceeding 92%, demonstrating a strong commitment to student success and retention.
• Successfully facilitated the expansion and growth of a new Unmanned Aerial Systems (Drones) pathway, enhancing educational offerings.
• Developed valuable relationships with the Economic Development Authority to promote economic growth, fostering community engagement and development.

PRINCIPAL/CEO

2013 - 2016

Sims Academy of Innovation and Technology • Winder, GA

• Managed a budget of $2.25 million for furnishing and equipping the Academy and its programs, ensuring responsible financial stewardship.
• Designed and oversaw the implementation of the Academy's instructional technology system, contributing to a modern and effective learning environment.
• Successfully recruited and hired top personnel from around the state of Georgia, bringing in expert talent to support the Academy's mission.
• Developed and nurtured relationships with local leaders, fostering a collaborative spirit of economic development within the community.

Assistant Principal

2012 - 2013

Apalachee High School • Winder, GA

• District RT3 Grant Writing Team - Target $30M to implement system wide 1:1 computing environment
• Implementation of instructional technology (Distance learning, video, audio, etc.) to enrich instruction
• Experience in adult education and training for staff development
• Support role for new principal until Career Academy groundbreaking

Principal

2010 - 2012

Fort Valley Middle School • Fort Valley, GA

• Significantly improved student performance with a percentage increase in "Meets" on the Writing Assessment, raising it from 60% to 75%.
• Successfully led fundraising efforts to replace outdated gymnasium seating, providing a safer and more comfortable environment for students and visitors.
• Strategically allocated and utilized Title I funds to enhance the school-wide implementation and use of technology in classrooms, improving the overall learning experience.
• Implemented new instructional technologies to support and enhance classroom instruction, staying current with modern educational tools and methodologies.

Assistant Principal of Instruction

2007 - 2010

Perry High School • Perry, GA

• 2009 graduation rate of 86.7%, with a particularly impressive 90% graduation rate for the black sub-population, emphasizing dedication to equity and inclusion.
• Successfully expanded Advanced Placement opportunities from 6 to 12 classes within three years, enhancing students' access to rigorous academic coursework.
• Led the extensive implementation of instructional technology to support instruction, ensuring students have access to modern educational tools and resources.
• Extensive experience in adult education and staff development, contributing to the ongoing growth and professional development of the educational team.