Reid Russom: A Visionary Leader in Learning, Data Analytics, and Instructional Design
Reid Russom is an exceptional professional whose career spans across multiple disciplines, including data analytics, learning and development, instructional design, and nonprofit leadership. With a strong background in teaching, curriculum development, and data-driven decision-making, Reid’s work at Code the Dream and his journey through various educational roles has made a significant impact in the fields he has touched. This article delves into Reid Russom’s career, his academic background, and the awards and recognitions that have shaped his professional journey.
Reid Russom’s Career Overview
Reid Russom currently serves as a Curriculum Lead, Data Coordinator, and Volunteer Coordinator at Code the Dream, a nonprofit organization that promotes tech innovation and diversity. His work revolves around designing learning experiences, analyzing data to measure impact, and improving processes to support underrepresented communities in tech.
Curriculum Development and Instructional Design
Reid’s expertise in instructional design shines through his work at Code the Dream, where he has played a pivotal role in developing courses for programming languages such as React.js, Node.js, and Python. He understands the importance of creating accessible, engaging, and measurable learning experiences, particularly for adult learners and English-language learners.
His role as a Curriculum Lead involves collaborating with subject-matter experts to rebuild and standardize courses. He integrates theories such as backward design, adult learning theory, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) into the curriculum. This approach ensures that learning is accessible, effective, and tailored to meet diverse learning needs.
Reid’s dedication to improving curriculum is further exemplified by his work with feedback loops. By collecting and analyzing feedback from volunteers and students, he continuously refines training programs, ensuring that they are aligned with the needs of the learners.
Data Analytics and Impact Measurement
Reid’s passion for using data to improve learning experiences is one of his defining traits. As a Data Coordinator, Reid takes the lead in analyzing data related to student progress, program outcomes, and organizational performance. His ability to create performance dashboards and track student progress over time has been instrumental in identifying trends, measuring success, and making data-driven decisions.
Reid’s proficiency in data analysis is also evident in his role in grant reporting. He creates executive-level insights that inform strategic decisions and ensure that the organization meets its quarterly goals. Moreover, Reid has been crucial in standardizing database architecture during the migration from Google Sheets to Airtable, further enhancing the data management system’s accuracy and efficiency.
Volunteer Coordination and Community Engagement
In addition to his work in curriculum development and data analytics, Reid has made significant strides in volunteer coordination. As a Volunteer Coordinator, Reid designed and implemented a volunteer recruitment and retention strategy that led to a remarkable 175% increase in volunteer numbers. His focus on creating scalable, asynchronous volunteer training materials, including the “mentoring mentors” program, has enhanced the organization’s ability to onboard and retain volunteers effectively.
Reid’s community engagement extends beyond his professional role, as he has worked with diverse groups in various capacities, from nonprofit leadership to social justice advocacy. His work during his fellowship at the Johnson Service Corps gave him valuable experience in facilitating training sessions across various sectors, including EdTech, racial justice, immigration services, and career development.
Education: Building a Strong Foundation
Reid Russom’s academic journey is a reflection of his commitment to understanding the intricacies of learning and development. He holds a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Memphis, where he further honed his knowledge of adult learning theory and instructional design. His graduate education laid the foundation for his passion for improving learning experiences, making them more effective, engaging, and data-driven.
Reid’s educational background also includes a Bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature, as well as Political Science, from the University of Memphis. His studies in these fields helped shape his critical thinking and communication skills, which are integral to his current role as an instructional designer and data analyst.
Honors and Awards: Recognizing Excellence
Throughout his academic and professional journey, Reid has been recognized for his outstanding contributions. He was awarded the prestigious Joseph R. Riley Service Award by the University of Memphis for his exceptional service to the Honors College. This award is a testament to Reid’s dedication to community service and his ability to make a positive impact on those around him.
Another notable award in Reid’s academic career is the John C. Riley Undergraduate Essay Award, which he received for his paper titled “Widening the Consciousness: Imagination as Social Change.” This award highlights his deep intellectual curiosity and ability to contribute meaningful ideas to the discourse on social change.
These honors reflect Reid’s commitment to excellence in both his academic and professional endeavors. They reinforce the value of his work in education, nonprofit service, and community engagement.
English Teacher: Fostering Student Success
Before transitioning into the tech and nonprofit sectors, Reid worked as an English teacher at Memphis School of Excellence. In this role, he utilized data-driven teaching strategies to track student progress, identify learning gaps, and design personalized interventions. His ability to integrate data with instructional practices allowed him to enhance the learning experience for his students, particularly those who were English-language learners.
Reid also designed and launched a reading and writing workshop specifically aimed at helping English-language learners succeed. The curriculum he developed was informed by performance data and student feedback, ensuring that the workshop met the unique needs of its participants.
Code the Dream: A Platform for Social Change
At the core of Reid’s work is his role at Code the Dream, where he leverages his expertise in instructional design, data analytics, and community engagement to promote social change. Code the Dream is a nonprofit organization that empowers underrepresented communities in the tech industry by providing training, resources, and mentorship to help individuals from diverse backgrounds pursue careers in technology.
Through his work at Code the Dream, Reid is actively contributing to the mission of creating a more equitable and diverse tech ecosystem. His work in curriculum development, volunteer coordination, and data analysis directly supports the organization’s goals of increasing access to tech education and improving outcomes for students.
Looking Ahead: Reid Russom’s Future
Reid Russom’s career trajectory is a testament to his dedication to creating positive change through learning, data, and community engagement. His ability to blend data analysis with instructional design sets him apart from other professionals in the field, and his passion for continuous improvement drives his success.
As Reid continues to explore opportunities in learning and development, instructional design, and data analytics, he remains focused on creating smarter, more effective programs that measure real-world impact. His unique combination of skills and experiences positions him to make a significant difference in the future of education, nonprofit work, and tech innovation.
Conclusion
Reid Russom is a multi-faceted professional whose contributions to education, learning design, data analytics, and community engagement have made him a leader in his field. His work at Code the Dream, his dedication to instructional design, and his passion for using data to improve learning outcomes are just a few of the ways he continues to shape the future of education and technology. As he moves forward in his career, Reid’s impact will undoubtedly continue to inspire and influence future generations of learners and leaders.
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