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Professional Experience

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Creator, Developer, Facilitator and Trainer of the C.O.R.E. Program for Teachers, 2016-Present

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Teacher observations and evaluations as professional development activities have long been anxiety riddled, ‘check-the-boxes’, watch-your-back processes that leave faculty questioning the integrity of the methods used to assess the value of their worth as an instructor. The C.O.R.E. Program for Teachers was developed as an alternative to the traditional practices in an effort to address the professional learning needs of the teachers. 

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The Collaborative Observational Reflective Experience (C.O.R.E.) Program for Teachers provides a template that has been developed to offer a non-judgmental, professional, valuable, and positive professional development experience in a one-to-one setting.  It is collaborative because the interaction, dialogue, and involvement is designed to create an egalitarian relationship where both individuals directly involved in the experience benefit equally.  The skill sets and knowledge that each participant brings to the table is recognized and valued.  This experience has an observational component in that one colleague will visit another’s classroom to watch a lesson being taught while taking (primarily) objective notes.  The follow up chat allows for sharing of ideas and reflecting on teaching practices by both the observer and the teacher observed.  Colleague mentoring transforms into a dual learning situation where authentic self-assessment is facilitated.

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This program has been implemented at three institutions:  Cerritos College (Norwalk, CA), Frensham Heights (Frensham, UK), and City of London Freemen’s School (Ashtead, UK).  While the focus has been on providing the C.O.R.E. Program for Teachers, a secondary and equally important development of the program has been to provide training towards a team that can continue the program beyond David Betancourt’s residency.

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Quote regarding David Betancourt’s residency, from Andrew Fisher, Head Master at Frensham Heights:

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"David's professionalism, openness, love of teaching and absolute commitment to help teachers to improve - rather than feel judged - was superb.  He made a real difference to my school.  David's visit with us changed the culture of openness to classroom observations, encouraged many staff to think deeply about their daily work and empowered staff to take significant risks in trying new techniques, or to question their practices...He was professional, hugely committed, fun to work with and above all else he brought an unquenchable energy to my school.  As soon as he left we wanted him back!"

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Coordinator of the Center for Teaching Excellence (CTX), Cerritos College, 2012-Present

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At Cerritos College, California, Professor Betancourt's primary responsibility as the Center for Teaching Excellence (CTX) Coordinator is to oversee and promote a comprehensive faculty center that provides scholarship, administration, teaching and learning, professional development, and technology resources and support through the organization of the multiple faculty resources (200 full-time faculty and 600 part-time faculty). Since 2012, he has developed an extensively vibrant program of professional learning opportunities for the entire college faculty. As a result, the CTX has become a resource for professional learning centers on university and community college campuses throughout the state.  His activities in the CTX have gained notoriety with requests to present on professional learning topics at California Community Colleges Success Network events, the Professional and Organizational Development Network Conference (international), the California Community College Council for Staff and Organizational Development Conference, the Basic Skills Initiative Leadership Institute, the Lilly Conference, and numerous colleges.  Under his leadership, the CTX was awarded the Outstanding Program Award from the California Community College Council for Staff Development (2017).

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Oversite of the following CTX components

• Development and implementation of professional development workshops

• Development and implementation of the New Faculty Orientation Program

• Development and implementation of adjunct faculty orientation and training

• Development and implementation of the Teaching Assistant program

• Development and implementation of the Faculty Mentor Program

• Development and implementation of Student Success Conference

• Development and implementation of CTX Summer Institute

• Development and implementation of ED TECH DAY

• Administration of Faculty Inquiry Groups

• Development and implementation of professional development initiated through awarded grants

• Flex Coordinator

• Development and coordination of course preparation assignments

• Primary liaison between faculty, administration, professional development organizations, and the CTX.

• Manage all professional development offerings that are initiated from individuals, groups, or organizations

• Collaborate with Human Resources Vice President to align and increase professional learning opportunities for all employees

• Messaging and branding of CTX

• Manage calendar of events

• Submit unit plan

• Oversee CTX staff

• Develop and oversee annual budget

• Chair the CTX Advisory Board Committee

• Present professional development initiatives to coordinating committee, faculty senate, management, and other groups as appropriate

• Additional projects as appropriate

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Professional Learning Activities: Keynotes, Workshops, Residencies

     

• City of London Freemen’s School, United Kingdom, Presenter and Facilitator to senior management team, Topic: Providing Productive, Efficient, and Positive Meetings with the Senior Management Team, 2018

• City of London Freemen’s School, United Kingdom, 1-week residency as Educational Consultant, Facilitator, Presenter, and Keynote Speaker, 2018

• City of London Freemen’s School, United Kingdom, 3-week residency as Educational Consultant, Facilitator, and Presenter, 2018

• California Community College Council on Staff Development, Presenter, Topic: Strengthening Your Professional Learning Climate Through New Faculty Training Programs, 2018

• California Community College Council on Staff Development, Presenter, Topic: Effective Collaborations Towards Increased Professional Learning Opportunities, 2018

• California Community College Council on Staff Development, Presenter, Topic: Presenting an Effective Canvas Training Session, 2018

• CC President’s Speaker Series, Presenter, Topic: Setting and Achieving Personal and Professional Goals, 2018

• CTX Summer Institute:  A 3-day institute offering complete immersion into professional development, Presenter and Facilitator, Topic: Developing a Team for the C.O.R.E. Program for Teachers

• CC New Faculty Orientation Program, lead Presenter and Facilitator, 2018

• Professional Development Workshop, CTX Cerritos College, Presenter, Topic:  Canvas Basics for Teachers, 2018

• Norco High “Step Up” to College Event, Presenter, Topic: How to Help Your Students Understand the Difference Between High School and College, 2018

• Northern Arizona University, presenter and facilitator, Topic: Leadership, 2018

• Music Association of California Community Colleges Conference, Presenter, Topic: Helping First Generation Students Navigate College Through Your Program, 2018

• Music Association of California Community Colleges Conference, Presenter, Topic: How to Have a Successful Visit to High Schools in Your Area, 2018

• California Association of Music Educators Conference, Presenter, Topic: Balancing Personal Life and Career, 2018

• California Association of Music Educators Conference, Presenter, Topic: Giving Your Students Opportunities to Succeed After High School, 2018

• California Association of Music Educators Conference, Presenter, Topic: The Three Pillars of Ensemble Directing, 2018

• Southern California Band and Orchestra Association Conference, Presenter, Topic: The Three Pillars of Ensemble Directing, 2018

• Southern California Band and Orchestra Association, Beyond the Podium; A Conference for Teachers in Their First Five Years, Presenter, Topic: Conducting Bootcamp, 2018

• Student Success Conference, Presenter, Topic: Creating Access and Equity for Students with Open Educational Resources, 2017

• Cerritos College, Keynote Speaker at Convocation, Topic: Service and Life-Long Learning, 2017

• San Bernardino College Faculty Professional Learning Worshop, Keynote and Facilitator, Topic: Open Educational Resources, 2017

• Frensham Heights, United Kingdom, 1-week residency as educational consultant, facilitator, presenter, and keynote speaker, 2017

• The Lilly Conference, Presenter, Topic: Preparing Students for Success in Life Outside Your Classroom, 2017

• Orange Coast College Tenure Track Faculty Academy, Keynote and Facilitator, Topic: Developing a Vibrant Professional Learning Climate, 2017

• The Leadership Academy at Cerritos College, Presenter, Topic: Communication Strategies for Leaders, 2017

• California Association of Music Educators Conference, Presenter, Topic: : JASS, a Jab at Style and Swing, 2016

• Southern California Band and Orchestra Association Conference, Presenter,  Topic: Choose Your Words Wisely, How to Integrate Musical Concepts Into Rehearsals, 2017

• Music Association of California Community Colleges Conference, Presenter,  Topic: Social Outreach for Ensembles, an Alternative to Concertizing, 2016

• Frensham Heights, United Kingdom, 3-week residency as educational consultant, facilitator, presenter, and keynote speaker, 2016

• Rio Hondo College Professional Learning Workshop, Presenter, Topic:  How to Develop a campus "The Habits of Mind" Initiative", 2016

• California Community College Council on Staff Development, Presenter, Topic: Facilitating Best Practices in Your Professional Learning Presenters, 2016

• Cerritos College CTX Workshop, Presenter, Topic: Engaging In Student Life On Campus, 2016

• California Community College Council on Staff Development, Presenter, Topic: Strengthening Professional Learning on Campus Through New Faculty Orientation Programs , 2016

• The Leadership Academy at Cerritos College, Presenter, Topic: Teamwork Strategies for Leaders, 2016

• Kansas State University All State Band Clinic, Presenter, Topic: Dealing With Wide Talent Spectrums, 2016

• California Association of Music Educators Conference, Presenter, Topic: : The 3 Ts of Band, Tone Tune & Time,  2015

• California Association of Music Educators Conference, Presenter, Topic: : Social Outreach Performances, Making A Difference, 2015

• Professional and Organizational Development Network Conference, Presenter, Topic: Leveraging Fresh Meat Through the New Faculty Training Program, 2015

• California Community College Success Network, Presenter, Topic: Strengthening Professional Learning on Campus Through New Faculty Orientation Programs , 2015

• The Leadership Academy at Cerritos College, Presenter, Topic: Teamwork Strategies for Leaders, 2015

• California Community College Success Network, Presenter, Topic: Professional Leaning and Campus Culture, Effecting Climate Change, 2015

• 3CSN Basic Skills Initiative Learning Institute, Presenter, Topic: Professional Learning Center Best Practices, 2015

• Cerritos College Leadership Conference, Keynote Speaker, Topic: Attributes of a Leader, 2014

• The Leadership Academy at Cerritos College, Presenter, Topic: Teamwork Strategies for Leaders, 2014

• Professional and Organizational Development Network Conference, Presenter, Topic: Messaging your Professional Learning Center Increased Attendance and Traffic, 2014

• Cerritos College State of Education Address, Presenter, Topic: The Center for Teaching Excellence and Professional Learning, 2012

• MACCC Annual Conference, Presenter, Topic: Advocacy Through Civic and Social Outreach, 2012

• Cerritos College Falcon Leadership Academy, Guest Speaker, Topic: Team Building, 2012

• Cerritos College CTE Integrative Workshops, Presenter, 2012

• Cerritos College Leadership Conference, Guest Speaker, Topic: Creating Positive Forward Moment, 2011

• Cerritos College SLO Assessment, Presenter, Topic:  Embedding SLO’s Into Authentic Assessment Framework, 2010

• USC Music Education Forum, Presenter, Topic:  Student and Director Perception of Non-Musical Outcomes of Suburban School Band Programs, 2010

• Cerritos College Leadership Conference, Guest Speaker, Topic: Using Time Management to Create Positive Forward Moment, 2010

• MACCC Annual Conference, Presenter, Topic:  SLO Assessment, 2009

• CMEA Annual Conference, research poster session, Presenter, Topic:  Student and Director Perception of Non-Musical Outcomes of Suburban School Band Programs, 2009

• Phi Theta Kappa Induction Ceremony, Keynote Speaker, Address Title:  Achieving an “Ordinary” Life in Today’s World, 2009

• Cerritos College Leadership Conference, Guest Speaker, Topic:  Building Leadership Skills Through Effective Communication, 2009

• Cerritos College Faculty Inquiry Group Training Forum, Presenter, Topic: Facilitating a Faculty Inquiry Group, 2009

• Cerritos College iFALCON Best Practices Workshop, Presenter, Topic: Faculty Accessibility to iFALCON Campaign with Pre-Existing Assignments, 2009

• Whittier High School Annual Awards Banquet, Guest Speaker, Topic:  Succeeding in a Music Career in College and Beyond, 2008

• Cerritos College Leadership Conference, Guest Speaker, Topic:  Building Leadership Skills Through Effective Communication, 2007

• Cerritos College Excellence in Teaching Conference, Presenter, Topic: Embedding Teach Trak Practices in Music Fundamentals Coursework, 2005

• Cerritos College Leadership Conference, Guest Speaker, Topic:  Practical Skills to Lead and Facilitate Large Groups and Organizations, 2005

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Service at Cerritos College

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• Accreditation Committee, Sub-committee Author, 2018

• Faculty Professional Development Committee Chair 2017-present

• Employee Development Committee, 2017-present

• Falcon Leadership Academy, Participant, 2013

• Flex Coordinator, 2012-present

• Center for Teaching Excellence Advisory Committee Chair, 2012-2017

• Staff Development Task Force, Committee Member, 2012-2106

• Accreditation Committee, Sub-committee Author, 2011-2012

• Academic Excellence Committee, Chair, 2011-present

• Habits of Mind Campaign, Faculty Inquiry Group, Facilitator, 2009

• Faculty Senate, Fine Arts Representative, 2008

• Teacher TRAK standards assessment, committee member, 2007

• Academic Excellence Recognition Program, Committee Member, 2005-present

• VAPA “Arts for All” Initiative Committee, Paramount District, College Representative, 2006-2009

• Scholars Honors Program, Committee Member, 2002-2006

• Accreditation Committee Member, Cerritos College Mission Statement, 2005

• Community Facilities Advisory Committee, Fine Arts Representative, 2005

• General Bond Proposal, Committee Member, 2004

• Teacher TRAK Summit, Presenter, 2004

• Campus Transformation Committee, Fine Arts Faculty Representative, 2005-present

• Tenured Choral Position Search, Committee Chair, 2003

• Teacher TRAC Program, Fine Arts Representative, 2000- present

• Coordinator for ArtsBridge program, 2002

• Program Review/Physics and Astronomy Department, Committee Member, 2001

• Music Club, Advisor, 2000-2013

• 50th Anniversary Planning Committee, Member, 2006

• Initiate collaborations with area corporations and businesses to garner funding for student scholarships; Yamaha, Northgate Markets, Norwalk Rotary, 2003-present

• Initiate and maintain collaboration with Impulse Drum and Bugle Corps, 2000-2005

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Professional Organization Affiliations

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• 2016-present - California Community College Council on Staff Development (4CSD), Board Chairman 2018-present

• 20012-present - Professional and Organizational Development Network in Higher Education (POD)

• 20012-present - Stand Up 4 Music Coalition

• 2009-present - The College Music Society

• 2009-present - Pi Kappa Lambda Honor Society

• 2009-present - The College Music Society

• 2006-2008 - International Association of Jazz Educators

• 2006-2012 - Journal of Research in Music Education

• 1998-Present - California Music Educators Association

• 1998-Present - Music Association of California Community Colleges (MACCC);  Executive Board Member  2010-present, President-Elect  (2011-2013), President (2014-2015, Immediate Past President (2016-2017)

• 1998-Presen - Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association

• 1998-Present - Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society

• 1996-Present - College Band Directors National Association

• 1996-Present - International Trumpet Guild

• 1991-Present - Music Educators National Conference

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