Candice Cantin
Benchmark Preschool and Elementary
Phoenix,AZ
1
Certification
29
Years of experience
Child-centered educator with experience teaching core subjects, supporting reading growth, and adapting lessons for diverse learners. Builds clear classroom routines, communicates with parents and staff, and uses student data, observations, and work samples to guide instruction and support progress.
Work History
Third Grade Teacher
1 Year 3 Months- Taught reading, writing, math, science, and social studies in inclusive classroom settings.
- Developed and implemented lesson plans to cover core subjects such as math, science, language arts, and social studies.
- Prepared third-grade lessons aligned with benchmark preschool and elementary curriculum goals.
- Managed classroom routines, transitions, and student behavior to create a structured learning environment.
- Assessed student understanding through quizzes, observations, and work samples.
- Adapted lessons for different learning needs and skill levels.
- Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
- Implemented IEPs for special needs students ensuring they received appropriate accommodations in the classroom setting.
- Collaborated with teachers and staff on instruction, events, and student support.
- Improved student engagement by implementing student-centered classroom management techniques to foster academic curiosity.
- Offered hands-on learning opportunities to develop student self-esteem and life skills.
- Engaged parents in student education by building strong, supportive relationships.
- Attended in-service training and professional development courses to stay on top of policy and education changes.
- Enhanced instruction by analyzing test data to identify targeted intervention and enrichment strategies.
Tutor/teacher
4 Years 4 Months- Instructed students in pre-reading, phonics, writing, and math skills, fostering foundational literacy and numeracy
- Led pre-K & kindergarten readiness program, preparing students for successful transition to elementary education
- Delivered personalized educational support to middle school students, enhancing individual learning experiences
Reading Specialist/tutor
4 Years 3 Months- Facilitated The Barton Learning Program for dyslexic children, enhancing their literacy development
- Supported K-6th graders with dyslexia to improve reading skills
- Administered Dibels testing for reading instruction to assess and monitor student progress
Lead Teacher Older
1 Year 9 Months- Developed age-appropriate monthly lesson plans and curriculum to stimulate children's curiosity and promote skill acquisition.
- Organized, planned, and participated in engaging activities that facilitated learning and development for children.
- Collaborated with teaching team in monthly meetings to design and implement age-appropriate lessons.
- Observed and taught the testing process for age-appropriate skills, including fine and gross motor skills, speech, and socialization.
- Engaged with 2-3 year old children during playtime and learning activities.
- Built strong relationships with parents, and open to all forms of communication
Lead Teacher Physical Education
2 Years 3 Months- Led preschool classes incorporating age-appropriate physical games to enhance children's motor skills and promote active play
- Collaborated with lead teacher to manage classroom of older two-year-olds, fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment
- Assisted lead teacher in facilitating circle times, art projects, and group activities, encouraging social interaction and creativity among students.
- Facilitated learning activities for children ages 2 to 5
Head Teacher for Kindergarten
9 Months- Developed engaging activities, including daily themed art projects and science and social studies activities, to enhance learning experiences
- Created structured weekly lesson plans to align with curriculum goals and support student development
- Led classroom instruction aligned with Kiva Elementary School curriculum standards
- Planned lesson activities supporting reading, writing, math, and science development
- Supervised student behavior using calm, consistent classroom expectations
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
- Relevant Coursework: Minor in linguistics & Endorsement in Child Development
Skills
Reading instruction
Writing Skills
Curriculum Development
Lesson Planning
Classroom Management
Assessment skills
Individualized Instruction
Literacy Education
Early childhood development
Sensitivity to Children's Needs
Interactive Activity Development
Diverse Learning Strategies
Tutoring
Language Development
Student assessment
Creative Problem Solving
Planning and Organizational Skills
Adaptability
Classroom Experience
Teaching
Behavior Management
Student motivation
Learning techniques
Team Building Activities
Parent communication
Verbal communication
Effective communication
Problem-solving skills
Patience and empathy
Child development
Beginning Reading Skills
Literacy skills
Writing skills
Assessment skills
Child development
Student assessment
Learning plans
Literacy skills
Writing skills
Accomplishments
- Targeted Development - Met with parents and guardians to discuss children's progress and to determine priorities and resource needs.
- Dynamic Teaching Techniques - Instructed students in academic subjects using variety of techniques such as phonetics, multisensory learning and repetition to reinforce learning.
- Facilitated Barton Reading and Spelling through Level 10.
- Curriculum Development - Tailored educational curriculum to students with range of learning styles, disabilities, strengths and weaknesses.
- ESL Literacy - Increased ESL students' reading levels by integrating online word games and altering lesson plans for students needing extra guidance.
Certification
- CPR Certification, Present
- First Aid Certification, Present
- Trained in Dibels, Present
- Arizona Fingerprint Clearance, 01/24, 01/30
- Fundations Reading Program for Kindergarten, 12/23
- Handwriting Without Tears, 01/24
- Learning Without Tears; Unlocking Reading Success for Neurodivergent Students 3/25
Personal Information
Work Permit: Authorized to work in the US for any employer
Timeline
Third Grade Teacher
Benchmark Preschool and Elementary
07.2025 - CurrentRead More
Tutor/teacher
Focus Tutors
01.2021 - 05.2025Read More
Reading Specialist/tutor
Rising Stars Tutoring
09.2016 - 12.2020Read More
Lead Teacher Older
Casy Preschool
08.2014 - 05.2016Read More
Lead Teacher Physical Education
Chanen Preschool
02.2012 - 05.2014Read More
Head Teacher for Kindergarten
Kiva Elementary School
08.1997 - 05.1998Read More
Northeastern Illinois University
Bachelor of Arts from Elementary Education
Read More