Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Accomplishments
Timeline
Generic

Abbie Benfield

Benton Harbor,MI

Summary

Accomplished educational leader with 15 years in classroom instruction, district consulting, and professional development. Led initiatives such as the Whole Child Collaborative and the Teacher Mentorship Program, enhancing student success. Specialized in secondary literacy, driving program development and collaboration to promote equity in education.

Overview

1
1
Certification
17
17
years of professional experience

Work History

Whole Child and School Improvement Consultant

Berrien RESA
01.2021 - Current
  • Co-lead the Whole Child Collaborative of Berrien County
  • Implement and Plan PD Sessions around Whole Child content for Berrien County educators
  • Co-created and led Teacher Mentorship Program
  • Created and implemented equity series for county to address disparities in education access.
  • Developed cross-agency communication protocol connecting health agencies and schools to support students in mental health crisis response.
  • Lead the Whole Child Student Advisory for Berrien County
  • Lead Principal PLCs around Restorative Practice and Justice.
  • Created system initiatives for staff wellness
  • Built a Student Voice Toolkit in partnership with KRESA ISD
  • Established partnerships with local organizations to enhance community engagement and support for Whole Child initiatives.
  • Led Superintendent Retreats
  • Acquired grant for student leadership opportunity
  • Collaborated with stakeholders to assess educational programs and resources.
  • Supported Districts to utilize countywide data to support academics and wellness MICIP Goals

Middle School English Teacher

Edwardsburg Public Schools
01.2010 - 01.2021
  • Developed and implemented engaging curricula to meet needs of diverse learners, enhancing student participation and understanding
  • Implemented targeted programs that increased student preparedness for state tests, contributing to overall academic success
  • Guided students in writing for varied purposes and audiences, fostering critical thinking and effective communication skills.
  • Developed engaging lesson plans
  • Assisted in the ELA curriculum adoption
  • Collaborated with colleagues on interdisciplinary projects and initiatives.
  • Utilized technology to enhance instructional delivery and student engagement.
  • Analyzed data to make school-wide improvements

Education

Educational Leadership: K-12 Principal -

Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI
05-2017

B.A. - English Secondary Education

Indiana University - Bloomington
Bloomington, IN
05-2010

Skills

  • Whole child system development
  • Equity training
  • Restorative Practice/Justice Trainer
  • Curriculum development
  • Professional development
  • Community partnership building
  • Trauma-informed practices
  • Continuous improvement

Certification

  • Prosci Change Management Certification
  • Leader for Equity and Justice, Eastern Michigan University, 09/01/22
  • Education Trauma Practitioner, Starr Commonwealth, 06/01/21
  • Educational Leadership: K-12 Principal, Western Michigan University, 05/01/17
  • B.A. in English Secondary Education, Indiana University - Bloomington, 05/01/10

Accomplishments

  • Moody on the Market 40 Under 40
  • MEMSPA Bonnie and Paul Liabenow Champion for Children Award
  • Community Member of the Year Awarded by the Children's Advocacy Center of Southwest Michigan
  • Berrien RESA Leadership Award

Timeline

Whole Child and School Improvement Consultant

Berrien RESA
01.2021 - Current

Middle School English Teacher

Edwardsburg Public Schools
01.2010 - 01.2021

Educational Leadership: K-12 Principal -

Western Michigan University

B.A. - English Secondary Education

Indiana University - Bloomington
Abbie Benfield