COLLETTE BENT
Queens Village
Summary
Experienced educator and Special Education leader with over 15 years of success supporting diverse learners through inclusive instruction, curriculum design, and data-driven intervention. Proven expertise in differentiated teaching, assessment, compliance, and collaborative leadership. Passionate about expanding equitable access to education, supporting adult and nontraditional learners, and fostering inclusive academic environments aligned with community college missions.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Independent Contractor | Early Childhood Development / Special Education
Let’s Start With Play
Queens, NY
11.2023 - Current
- Provided family-centered early intervention services to 10–15 infants and toddlers per caseload in natural environments
- Coached 30+ parents and caregivers annually using evidence-based strategies to support communication, play, social-emotional, and adaptive skill development
- Modeled intervention techniques and provided guided practice and feedback, resulting in increased caregiver follow-through across home routines
- Collaborated with families to embed IFSP outcomes into daily activities, contributing to measurable progress on 80–90% of IFSP outcomes over review periods
- Used ongoing data collection to adjust strategies, supporting consistent developmental gains across multiple domains
- Participated in IFSP meetings and progress reviews with multidisciplinary teams, including SLPs, OTs, PTs, and service coordinators
- Maintained 100% compliance with New York State Early Intervention Program (EIP), IDEA Part C, and documentation timelines
Dean of Special Education & Intervention
Brooklyn Excelsior Charter School
Brooklyn, NY
09.2022 - 11.2023
- Directed Special Education, Intervention, and English Learner programs (K–8), supporting inclusive instructional practices aligned with compliance standards.
- Supervised and coached faculty, interventionists, and service providers, strengthening instructional effectiveness and student outcomes.
- Designed and evaluated academic interventions using student performance data to support learners at risk of academic failure.
- Collaborated with families, educators, and community partners to develop individualized academic programs.
- Monitored educational and functional outcomes for students with disabilities to ensure equitable access and academic progress.
- Implemented positive behavior and restorative practices to support student engagement and persistence.
Academic Coach / Special Education Teacher (Grades 6–8)
Brooklyn Scholars Charter School
Brooklyn, NY
08.2018 - 08.2022
- Delivered differentiated instruction to diverse learners using research-based Tier II and Tier III interventions.
- Adapted curriculum and assessments to meet the needs of neurodiverse students and students with disabilities.
- Conducted skills assessments to identify learning gaps and design targeted instructional supports.
- Developed and maintained Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in compliance with state and federal regulations.
- Integrated educational technology and multimedia tools to increase engagement and academic access.
- Partnered with general education faculty to align instruction and promote inclusive learning environments.
Instructional Leader & Faculty Mentor
Brooklyn Scholars Charter School
Brooklyn, NY
07.2014 - 08.2018
- Facilitated professional development workshops focused on instructional best practices, assessment, and classroom management.
- Mentored new and early-career educators, supporting instructional growth and faculty retention.
- Collaborated on curriculum design and instructional planning across grade-level teams.
- Used assessment data to guide instructional decision-making and improve student achievement outcomes.
Lead Teacher (Kindergarten–Grade 1)
Brooklyn Scholars Charter School | Cambria Center for the Gifted Child
08.2004 - 08.2016
- Designed and implemented standards-aligned curriculum in literacy and mathematics.
- Applied differentiated and culturally responsive instructional strategies to support diverse learners.
- Utilized formative and summative assessments to monitor student progress and refine instruction.
- Communicated regularly with families to support academic growth and persistence.
Education
M.S. - School Building Leadership
St. John’s University – School of Education
Queens, NY05-2013
M.S. - Elementary Education
Hunter College – School of Education
New York, NY05-2010
B.S. - Sociology & Media Studies
Hunter College
New York, NY05-2005
Skills
- Inclusive & Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
- Curriculum Development & Assessment
- Special Education Compliance & IEP Implementation
- Adult & Nontraditional Learners
- Instructional Coaching & Faculty Mentorship
- Data Analysis & Academic Interventions
- Student Retention & Academic Support
- Collaborative & Cross-Functional Leadership
Certification
- New York State Teaching Certifications
- Elementary Education (Grades 1–6), Permanent
- Students with Disabilities (Grades 1–6), Permanent
- Students with Disabilities (Birth–2), Permanent
Timeline
Independent Contractor | Early Childhood Development / Special Education
Let’s Start With Play
11.2023 - Current
Dean of Special Education & Intervention
Brooklyn Excelsior Charter School
09.2022 - 11.2023
Academic Coach / Special Education Teacher (Grades 6–8)
Brooklyn Scholars Charter School
08.2018 - 08.2022
Instructional Leader & Faculty Mentor
Brooklyn Scholars Charter School
07.2014 - 08.2018
Lead Teacher (Kindergarten–Grade 1)
Brooklyn Scholars Charter School | Cambria Center for the Gifted Child
08.2004 - 08.2016
M.S. - Elementary Education
Hunter College – School of Education
B.S. - Sociology & Media Studies
Hunter College
M.S. - School Building Leadership
St. John’s University – School of Education
HONORS & AWARDS
Teacher in Excellence Award, National Heritage Academies (2015–2016), Outstanding Lead Teacher, Cambria Center for the Gifted Child (2010, 2011)
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
- Dean Prep Academy, National Heritage Academies – Grand Rapids, MI
- August 2017
- Selected for a competitive leadership development program preparing high-performing educators for administrative and academic leadership roles.