Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Timeline
Chris Benisch

Chris Benisch

Summary

Dynamic principal with a proven track record in enhancing student performance and engagement through data-driven initiatives and effective coaching. Retiring in May of 2026 and I am excited to continue to support students, families and staff in their educational journey.

Overview

30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Principal

Jefferson County School District
07.2014 - Current
  • Analyzed educational programs and introduced targeted initiatives to enhance student performance and increase engagement levels.
  • Facilitated discussions with faculty to identify and implement curriculum enhancements that meet district requirements and support student learning objectives.
  • Conducted professional development workshops that promoted a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration among educators.
  • Assessed academic data trends to guide instructional improvements and develop tailored intervention programs.
  • Implemented strategic initiatives to enhance student performance and engagement across diverse educational programs.
  • Collaborated with faculty to develop curriculum improvements aligned with district standards and student needs.
  • Managed budgets and resources efficiently to ensure optimal allocation of funds for school programs and initiatives.
  • Cultivated positive relationships between community members, school students, and teachers.
  • Trained teachers on effective teaching techniques, classroom management strategies, and behavior modification.
  • Led school improvement efforts by setting clear expectations for staff performance and providing regular feedback on progress towards goals.
  • Improved student outcomes by analyzing data and adjusting instructional practices accordingly.
  • Increased teacher effectiveness through comprehensive coaching, professional development opportunities, and mentorship programs.
  • Addressed discipline issues promptly while maintaining fairness; sustaining positive relationships among faculty members.
  • Promoted diversity within the school community through inclusive policies, programming, and recruitment efforts.
  • Streamlined school operations by evaluating processes and procedures, identifying inefficiencies, and recommending improvements.
  • Monitored and evaluated educational programs to maintain high-quality performance objectives and standards.
  • Championed technology integration in classrooms to increase efficiency in lesson delivery while also preparing students for the digital age.
  • Facilitated collaboration between departments to develop interdisciplinary curricula for a more holistic educational experience.
  • Evaluated curriculum materials for alignment with state standards, ensuring consistency across grade levels and subject areas.
  • Cultivated partnerships with community organizations to provide additional resources and support for students in need.
  • Spearheaded successful grant applications leading to increased funding for various school initiatives.
  • Defined and enforced student academic achievement standards in line with district goals and objectives.
  • Enhanced safety protocols, creating secure and welcoming school environment for students and staff.
  • Improved student learning outcomes with well-designed professional development programs for teachers.
  • Established partnerships with local organizations to enhance educational opportunities for students.
  • Conducted comprehensive data analysis to identify areas for instructional improvement, leading targeted interventions.
  • Coordinated facility upgrades and maintenance, ensuring safe and modern learning environment.
  • Established mentorship program for new teachers, improving their integration into school community and enhancing teaching quality.
  • Fostered positive and inclusive school culture, leading initiatives for diversity and inclusion.
  • Maintained school focus on learning by enforcing rules related to academics, student discipline and class attendance.
  • Observed teachers, documented activities and implemented improvement plans to optimize classrooms.

Middle School Principal

Westminster Public Schools
07.2010 - 06.2014
  • Led curriculum development initiatives to enhance student engagement and academic performance.
  • Implemented data-driven decision-making processes to improve school operations and student outcomes.
  • Fostered a collaborative environment among faculty, promoting professional development and instructional best practices.
  • Managed budget allocations effectively, ensuring resources support educational goals and priorities.
  • Established strong relationships with parents and community stakeholders to promote school initiatives and support systems.
  • Oversaw daily operations of the school, including scheduling, staffing decisions, facility management, and event coordination.
  • Increased parent involvement through regular communication, open houses, and community events.
  • Implemented data-driven decision-making processes to identify areas of improvement and guide instructional practices.
  • Developed comprehensive safety protocols, enhancing student welfare and emergency preparedness measures.
  • Conducted regular evaluations of staff performance, providing constructive feedback to drive continuous improvement.
  • Assessed student achievement through standardized testing, using results to inform instructional practices and interventions.
  • Enhanced school performance by implementing effective leadership strategies and fostering a positive learning environment.
  • Supported students'' social-emotional well-being through the implementation of counseling programs and services.
  • Established a safe and secure campus environment by implementing effective safety procedures and protocols.
  • Hired highly qualified teachers and staff members who shared the school''s mission and values.
  • Provided professional development opportunities for staff members, promoting continuous growth and learning.
  • Managed school budget efficiently, allocating resources strategically to support student success and staff needs.
  • Performed classroom evaluations to assess teacher strategies and effectiveness.
  • Established instructional practices driven through statistical performance data.
  • Established positive, stimulating learning environment for students and exciting education-focused setting for teachers.
  • Prepared school budget and submitted to school board with recommendations for hiring, capital expenditures, and cost-saving initiatives.
  • Cultivated positive relationships between community members, school students, and teachers.
  • Trained teachers on effective teaching techniques, classroom management strategies, and behavior modification.
  • Observed teachers, documented activities and implemented improvement plans to optimize classrooms.

Elementary Principal

Westminster Public Schools
03.2007 - 06.2010
  • Led school-wide initiatives to enhance student engagement and academic achievement.
  • Developed and implemented strategic plans to improve educational programs and resources.
  • Fostered a collaborative environment among staff, parents, and community stakeholders.
  • Mentored teachers in instructional practices to drive professional growth and student success.
  • Evaluated curriculum effectiveness and made data-driven decisions for continuous improvement.
  • Organized professional development workshops tailored to address specific teacher needs.
  • Strengthened teacher collaboration through the establishment of professional learning communities focused on student achievement.
  • Enhanced school performance by implementing data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement strategies.
  • Collaborated with district leaders to align school goals with broader strategic objectives focused on improving overall system performance levels across key indicators.
  • Improved instructional practices through ongoing coaching, mentoring, and targeted professional development opportunities for teachers.
  • Evaluated teacher performance using multiple measures including observation data, student growth outcomes, and stakeholder feedback for informed decision-making on staffing matters.
  • Cultivated a positive school culture by promoting staff recognition programs and fostering open communication among all stakeholders.
  • Promoted community partnerships to enhance educational experiences for students through guest speakers, field trips, and collaborative events.
  • Facilitated parent engagement by organizing workshops, meetings, and regular communication to address concerns and support student success.
  • Championed diversity initiatives aimed at creating a more inclusive school environment for students from various cultural backgrounds.
  • Spearheaded the implementation of innovative curricular initiatives aligned with best practices in teaching and learning methodologies.
  • Cultivated positive relationships between community members, school students, and teachers.
  • Observed teachers, documented activities and implemented improvement plans to optimize classrooms.

Middle School Assistant Principal

Westminster Public Schools
07.2003 - 03.2007
  • Developed and implemented school-wide behavior management strategies to enhance student engagement.
  • Collaborated with teachers to design curriculum improvements aligned with educational standards.
  • Led professional development workshops to promote effective instructional practices among staff.
  • Analyzed student performance data to identify areas for academic intervention and support.
  • Established strong relationships with parents and community stakeholders to support student success initiatives.
  • Oversaw daily operations, ensuring a safe and conducive learning environment for all students.
  • Oversaw successful implementation of special education programs, ensuring compliance with federal regulations and individualized student needs.
  • Coordinated professional development opportunities for staff, fostering a growth mindset and continuous improvement.
  • Evaluated teacher performance through formal observations and constructive feedback sessions, promoting instructional excellence.
  • Analyzed assessment data to identify patterns or trends that could inform instructional adjustments or interventions.
  • Implemented data-driven decision-making processes to identify areas for academic improvement and tailor instructional support.
  • Supported the principal regarding staffing decisions by participating in interviews.
  • Addressed parent concerns promptly, leading to increased satisfaction and trust in school leadership.
  • Monitored attendance trends closely, implementing targeted interventions to reduce chronic absenteeism rates among students.
  • Fostered strong relationships with community partners, enhancing educational opportunities available to students.
  • Partnered with principal to administer school program in alignment with vision and goals, providing positive, high-expectation academic environment.
  • Monitored student behavior and enforced discipline policies.
  • Supervised and evaluated teaching and support staff through instructional leadership and professional development.
  • Supported special education department by developing programs and protocols for at-risk youth and students with special needs.
  • Supported hiring, training, and disciplinary action in compliance with legal guidelines and requirements.
  • Monitored student progress and implemented intervention strategies to support student success.
  • Performed classroom evaluations to assess teacher strategies and effectiveness.

Special Education Teacher, Severe Needs Affective

Boulder Valley School District-Monarch High School
01.1999 - 06.2003
  • Collaborated with diverse teams to create tailored education plans, focusing on student-specific needs.
  • Designed and implemented instructional strategies grounded in evidence to enhance student participation and academic performance.
  • Tracked academic progress and tailored educational approaches to effectively address individual student needs.
  • Facilitated open communication and engagement among students, parents, and staff to support a welcoming educational atmosphere.
  • Created tailored IEPs focused on addressing unique student needs, fostering both academic achievement and personal growth.
  • Applied educational expertise to create and oversee IEPs, ensuring alignment with defined learning objectives and tailored support for students.
  • Enhanced student engagement and success by utilizing differentiated teaching methods and offering customized support to accommodate diverse learning styles.
  • Cultivated strong relationships with parents and guardians to enhance student progress through open communication.
  • Engaged in continuous professional development to enhance evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
  • Developed and executed behavior management strategies, focusing on routine consistency, expectation clarity, and positive reinforcement to enhance student conduct.
  • Conducted regular evaluations of student progress utilizing multiple assessment techniques to identify skill development and support needs.
  • Designed and implemented effective intervention plans to enhance learning outcomes for struggling students.
  • Coordinated efforts with diverse teams to enhance support services for students with special needs.
  • Collaborated with general education teachers to design and implement accommodations for effective inclusion of students with special needs.
  • Designed and implemented effective instructional strategies to enhance learning experiences for neurodiverse students.
  • Established and nurtured connections with students to enhance classroom engagement.
  • Facilitated learning across multiple subjects to enhance educational outcomes for students with intellectual and emotional disabilities.
  • Implemented Positive Behavior Support (PBS) to promote positive student interactions and improve overall behavior management.
  • Facilitated mentorship for new educators to enhance skills in special education and effective classroom management.
  • Motivated students to take ownership of learning through the provision of diverse choices.
  • Assessed student needs and implemented customized education plans to enhance learning outcomes for diverse learners.
  • Designed and implemented classroom practices to foster inclusivity and respect for diverse backgrounds among students.
  • Fostered parent and guardian engagement in educational initiatives to strengthen home-school collaboration.
  • Implemented teaching strategies focused on self-advocacy and independence, enhancing decision-making abilities among students with disabilities.
  • Leveraged student assessment data to customize instructional strategies for enhanced learning effectiveness.
  • Tailored teaching methods and materials to accommodate diverse student needs.
  • Established a conducive learning atmosphere to minimize classroom disruptions through strategic behavior management.
  • Analyzed assessment results to tailor instructional approaches that address individual student needs.
  • Developed and implemented behavior modification techniques aimed at elevating student engagement and performance in both social and academic settings.
  • Engaged with educational teams to create innovative instructional strategies tailored to diverse learning needs.
  • Tracked and analyzed student performance to enhance instructional strategy effectiveness.
  • Facilitated improved behavior through the demonstration of positive choices and education on socially-acceptable options.

Special Education Teacher, Severe Needs Affective

Cleo Wallace Center Psychiatric Hospital/Tennyson Center
11.1995 - 12.1998
  • Developed individualized education plans for diverse student needs.
  • Implemented evidence-based instructional strategies to enhance learning outcomes.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to support student progress and well-being.
  • Trained and mentored new staff on special education best practices and compliance.
  • Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
  • Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
  • Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
  • Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
  • Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
  • Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
  • Crisis Prevention Intervention: Maintained inpatient students' and staff safety using the CPI protocol.
  • Providing a nurturing and therapeutic learning environment for students in crisis.

Education

Principal Licensure Type D - School Leadership

University of Colorado At Denver, Denver, CO

Master of Arts - Special Education Severe Needs Affective

University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO

Skills

  • Performance evaluation management
  • Team leadership
  • Clear communication skills
  • Coaching and guidance

Accomplishments

  • Showcased on Channel 4 News for enormous growth in literacy and math during our post COVID-19 return.
  • 9 consecutive years as a "Performance" rated Title I school through the Colorado Department of Education.
  • Enormous student growth after receiving 2 closing school communities over a 3 year time period.

Certification

  • CDE Read Act training (45 hour course)- April 2022
  • Orton Gillingham Trained (40 hour course)

Timeline

Principal - Jefferson County School District
07.2014 - Current
Middle School Principal - Westminster Public Schools
07.2010 - 06.2014
Elementary Principal - Westminster Public Schools
03.2007 - 06.2010
Middle School Assistant Principal - Westminster Public Schools
07.2003 - 03.2007
Special Education Teacher, Severe Needs Affective - Boulder Valley School District-Monarch High School
01.1999 - 06.2003
Special Education Teacher, Severe Needs Affective - Cleo Wallace Center Psychiatric Hospital/Tennyson Center
11.1995 - 12.1998
University of Colorado At Denver - Principal Licensure Type D, School Leadership
University of Northern Colorado - Master of Arts, Special Education Severe Needs Affective
Chris Benisch