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J. Derek Larson - Teaching Resume

Education

1997 - 1998 Stanford University Palo Alto, CA
M.S. Biology

Course program emphasized the Earth Systems combination of biology and geology.
1984 - 1989 University of California Santa Cruz, CA
B.A. Biology

Graduated with honors in the major and general college honors.
Additional course emphasis in science communication and writing.

Professional experience

2001 - present TAO Education, Inc.
Truckee, CA
President

Started up a 501(c)3 corporation dedicated to increasing youth access to the outdoors.
Guiding school groups, youth groups and low-income/disadvantaged youth on a variety of outdoor adventures combined with nature study.
Networking with teachers and schools to develop outdoor education programs.

2000 - present Tahoe Adventure Outfitters
Truckee, CA
Owner/Head Guide

Started up a guide service providing outdoor adventure travel planning to people of all ages.
Guiding sea kayaking, back-packing, rock climbing, and scuba certification classes.

2000 - present Sierra College
Rocklin, CA
Adjunct Faculty

Teaching introductory biology, Sierran Conifer Forest Ecology, Natural History, Ecology, and The California Landscape.

1998 - present Sierra Nevada College
Incline Village, NV
Adjunct Faculty

Teaching introductory geology and a field course in the natural history of the central California coast.
Teaching outdoor photography.

1998 - 1999 Sage Ridge School
Reno, NV
Science Instructor and Outdoor Education Coordinator

Teaching seventh grade life science.
Developing the school's Outdoor Program and guiding families in a large variety of wilderness outings.
Teaching photography and building the school photo-lab.

1990 - 1997 University High School
San Francisco, CA
Science Instructor and Outdoor Education Director

Teaching an upper division science course in California Natural History.
Building the school's Outdoor Education Program and guiding students and faculty on a variety of wilderness outings.
Teaching and developing curriculum in integrated science for 9th and 10th grades.
Teaching a Science Writing elective to juniors and seniors.
Serving as sophomore class dean for two years.
Four years experience on the admissions and advising committees.

1989 - 1990 The Colorado Academy
Denver, CO
Teaching Intern

Teaching biology and chemistry to 9th and 10th graders.
Teaching Marine Biology to 11th and 12th graders.
Responsible for running the upper school computer lab.

1987 - 1989 Institute for Marine Sciences
Santa Cruz, CA
Diving Assistant

Assisting the Diving Safety Officer in teaching Research Diving classes.
Performing SCUBA equipment repair and maintenance.

1985 - 1987 Crown College, UC Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA
Dormitory Resident Assistant

Required being on call to assist in any problems arising from social or academic matters and enforcing college rules when necessary.

Additional professional activities

Serving six summers on the Yosemite Search and Rescue Team.
Certified in Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC).
NAUI Certified SCUBA instructor
Currently pursuing certification with The American Mountain Guides Association.

Interests and activities

Travel photography and writing.
Technical rock climbing (ascents include El Capitan and Half Dome).
Expedition mountain climbing in South America and Pakistan.
FAA licensed private pilot.

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