Benita O'Quin
Bogalusa,LA
Summary
Dedicated educator with expertise in lesson planning, classroom management, and differentiated instruction. Proven ability to develop inclusive learning environments that foster academic growth for diverse learners, including special education students. Experienced in IEP implementation, behavior support, and effective family communication.
Overview
1
1
Certification
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Byrd Avenue Primary c/o Bogalusa City Schools
Bogalusa, Louisiana
09.2018 - Current
- Planned developmentally appropriate lessons for Byrd Avenue Primary pre-kindergarten classrooms.
- Supported individual student needs through differentiated instruction and small group activities, enhancing personalized learning.
- Supported classroom routines aligned with Bogalusa City Schools expectations.
- Observed student readiness and tracked progress through daily notes and recorded electronically through Smart Teach (formerly TS Gold).
- Maintained safe, organized learning spaces and supervised student transitions.
- Communicated regularly with families about student progress and classroom activities. about student behavior needs and classroom activities.
- Participated in professional development workshops to integrate current teaching strategies and best practices into classroom instruction.
- Collaborated with other teachers on curriculum development and implementation.
Cashier/Keyholder
Dollar General
Bogalusa, Louisiana
05.2015 - 05.2021
- Ensured accurate processing of cash, card, and coupon transactions for customer satisfaction.
- Processed customer purchases on Dollar General register, ensuring accurate transactions and customer satisfaction.
- Resolved price checks and return requests at front counter.
- Greeted shoppers and answered store questions politely.
- Assisted customers in locating products and provided informative answers and advice, improving overall shopping experience.
- Ensured front lanes were clean and organized throughout the shift for efficient customer service.
- Maintained cleanliness of checkout area including countertops, registers, windowsills and floors.
- Completed daily recovery tasks to keep areas clean and neat for maximum productivity.
- Supported opening and closing tasks (preparing and securing deposits, ensuring cleaning/organizing tasks were complete, and securely locking the store down) for Dollar General store.
Special Education Inclusion Teacher
Northshore Charter School
Bogalusa, Louisiana
08.2016 - 05.2018
- Developed and implemented individualized education plans for students with special needs.
- Delivered IEP accommodations within general education classrooms.
- Collaborated with general education teachers on inclusion lesson plans.
- Monitored student progress and adjusted support strategies.
- Assisted in delivering differentiated instruction for diverse learners.
- Communicated with families about student needs and classroom expectations.
- Created a safe and supportive environment for all students within the classroom setting.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress including grades, attendance records, IEPs.
- Maintained special education records and compliance paperwork.
Special Education Paraprofessional
Franklinton High School c/o Washington Parish
Franklinton, Louisiana
09.2007 - 08.2016
- Implemented IEP accommodations during daily academic and behavioral activities.
- Provided one-on-one instruction to students who needed extra help with learning tasks.
- Monitored student behavior and redirected attention using calm, consistent support.
- Reinforced communication, social skills, and classroom routines with individual students.
- Encouraged independent thinking, problem solving, and self-advocacy skills among students.
- Assisted special education teacher with lesson preparation and classroom instruction.
- Implemented behavior management strategies designed by special education staff members.
- Collaborated with teacher to develop personalized and successful learning strategies.
- Supported special education students in a self-contained setting, inclusion, and child specific.
- Supervised students during transitions, lunch, and school-wide activities.
- Organized instructional materials for use in the classroom setting.
Team Member
McDonald's
Franklinton, Louisiana
03.2006 - 09.2007
- Provided friendly customer service in McDonald's dining area, enhancing guest experience.
- Supported team members during busy rushes and shift changes.
- Restocked supplies and ingredients to ensure uninterrupted McDonald's service flow.
- Prepared menu items following McDonald's food safety and quality standards.
- Maintained clean workstations, lobby areas, and kitchen equipment.
- Executed opening and closing duties, maintaining cleanliness of equipment and sales floor.
- Followed McDonald's safety procedures and sanitation guidelines.
Education
Master of Arts - Education
Southeastern Louisiana University
Hammond, LA07-2026
Bachelor of Arts - General Studies
Southeastern Louisiana University
Hammond, LA05-2016
High School Diploma -
Pine High School
Franklinton, LA05-1997
Skills
- Early childhood education
- Lesson planning
- Classroom management
- Differentiated instruction
- IEP implementation
- Student assessment
- Certified in early childhood education
- Child development
Certification
- Level 2 Teaching Certificate
- Lifetime Clear Credentials
Timeline
Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Byrd Avenue Primary c/o Bogalusa City Schools
09.2018 - Current
Special Education Inclusion Teacher
Northshore Charter School
08.2016 - 05.2018
Cashier/Keyholder
Dollar General
05.2015 - 05.2021
Special Education Paraprofessional
Franklinton High School c/o Washington Parish
09.2007 - 08.2016
Team Member
McDonald's
03.2006 - 09.2007
Master of Arts - Education
Southeastern Louisiana University
Bachelor of Arts - General Studies
Southeastern Louisiana University
High School Diploma -
Pine High School