Damaris Benton
Stafford,VA
Summary
An organized and charismatic professional with proven teaching, leadership, and administrative skills. Possesses a strong work ethic and desire to learn new competencies. Ability to be a team player and resolve problems and conflicts professionally. Skilled at communicating complex information in a simple and entertaining manner. Looking to contribute my knowledge, skills and specialized training in a school division that offers a genuine opportunity for career progression as an Assistant Principal.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Principal
Spotsylvania County Public Schools
07.2021 - Current
- Implement student achievement improvement efforts as required by state and national regulations and as directed by the district. This will include but not be limited to school improvement plans, standardized testing, remediation, collection and reporting of data as required, and the development of special schedules and testing procedures as necessary.
- Direct and control student behavior and discipline, counseling students regarding acceptable school conduct and recommending appropriate action to be taken when necessary.
- Direct the activities of the staff and students and ensure a safe, orderly, and smooth functioning environment conducive to learning
- Collaborate with the Principal to supervise and evaluate teachers, supervisors and nonprofessional staff as assigned.
- Assist, determine, develop and implement plans for staff development for the building that facilitates professional growth and enhance the quality and efficiency of teaching
Administrative Intern
Spotsylvania County Public Schools
02.2020 - 06.2021
- Ability to communicate well and to apply leadership skills within a shared decision-making model.
- Knowledge and prior application or experience in improving academic achievement.
- Sound educational philosophy and instructional competence.
- Responsibility for the safety, conduct, and general welfare of students
- Responsibility for the safe operation of the physical school site and the general welfare of all students, staff, parents and patrons on or about the school site.
High School English and Language Arts Teacher
Spotsylvania County Public Schools
08.2019 - 02.2020
- Teach content and skills in English language, literature, and composition, as well as in reading, to secondary students, utilizing the course of study adopted by the Board of Education, and other appropriate learning activities as guidelines in teaching individual course content.
- Develop lesson plans and instructional materials and provide individualized and small group instruction in order to adapt the curriculum to the needs of each pupil.
- Align student assessment with instructional goals, appropriate to the needs of the student.
- Communicate with parents through a variety of means, including conferences, to discuss pupil progress and interpret the school program.
- Establish and maintain standards of student behavior needed to achieve a functional learning atmosphere in and out of the classroom by providing a safe and secure environment.
Middle School English and Language Arts Teacher
Caroline County Public Schools
07.2017 - 07.2019
- Ability to assess individual needs and performance
- Created practical and enjoyable lesson plans for all levels of students, engaging thirty plus students in each class utilizing interactive teaching concepts
- Maintained positive, professional relationships with social workers, counselors, library media specialists, and administration
- Tailored instruction to suit learning styles of students, including physical, behavioral, mental, and ESL challenged students
- Implemented effective classroom management strategies appropriate to the learning situation
Administrative Intern
Spotsylvania County Public Schools
05.2016 - 06.2017
- Shadowed site supervisor during internship to connect theoretical and practical leadership and management skills in authentic educational environments
- Performed classroom observations to assess teacher performance and conducted pre- and post- conferences based on observations
- Collaborated with the Literacy Committee to create and Implement cross curriculum literacy practices
- Actively participated in planning, experiencing, and reflecting on major responsibilities in school administration and supervision
- Spearheaded a grant proposal for the band program and collaborated with the district’s grant writing professional to create the package for submission
- Monitored student attendance compliance and administered disciplinary action for attendance infractions
- Participated in Safety and Discipline Committee meetings while they were discussing revision of the Code of Conduct giving me a better understanding of the process and regulations
- Graduate School Internship 40 Hours at the Office of Communication and Community Engagement – Spotsylvania County Public Schools
- Spearheaded ribbon cutting ceremony for The Center for Family & Preschool Services - Arranged for local media presence; created press release, coordinated logistics for delegates arrival and liaised with business partners to solicit donations for reception
High School English and Language Arts Teacher
Stafford County Public Schools
08.2009 - 07.2014
- Teach content and skills in English language, literature, and composition, as well as in reading, to secondary students, utilizing the course of study adopted by the Board of Education, and other appropriate learning activities as guidelines in teaching individual course content.
- Develop lesson plans and instructional materials and provide individualized and small group instruction in order to adapt the curriculum to the needs of each pupil.
- Align student assessment with instructional goals, appropriate to the needs of the student.
- Communicate with parents through a variety of means, including conferences, to discuss pupil progress and interpret the school program.
- Establish and maintain standards of student behavior needed to achieve a functional learning atmosphere in and out of the classroom by providing a safe and secure environment.
Substitute Teacher
Defense Elementary & Secondary Schools
01.2009 - 06.2009
- Provide instruction, and assign classwork and homework.
- Report incidents regarding student behavior in and out of the classroom.
- Keep a record of student progress and communicate information and issues to the regular teacher.
- Upheld classroom routines to support student environments and maintain consistent schedules.
- Kept accurate and current attendance records and assignment sheets to maintain file compliance.
Substitute Teacher
Girard College
06.2005 - 06.2008
- Provide instruction, and assign classwork and homework.
- Report incidents regarding student behavior in and out of the classroom.
- Keep a record of student progress and communicate information and issues to the regular teacher.
- Upheld classroom routines to support student environments and maintain consistent schedules.
- Kept accurate and current attendance records and assignment sheets to maintain file compliance.
Education
Ph.D. - Education Policy
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA08.2026
Master of Education - Educational Leadership
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA08.2017
Bachelor of Science - Secondary Education/English
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA05.2005
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts And General Studies
Community College of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PA05.2002
Skills
- Spanish Bilingual
- Student Advocacy
- Conflict Resolution
- Team Building
- Strategic Planner
- Verbal and Written Communication
- Safe, Positive Learning Environment
- Building Management
- Curriculum Development
- Civic-Minded
Certification
Postgraduate Professional License - Exp. 06/2029
Teacher Consultant - Northern Virginia Writing Project
Affiliations
National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP)
Virginia Education Association (VEA)
Northern Virginia Writing Project (NVWP)
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. Member
Girl Scouts of America Volunteer
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Assistant Principal
Spotsylvania County Public Schools
07.2021 - Current
Administrative Intern
Spotsylvania County Public Schools
02.2020 - 06.2021
High School English and Language Arts Teacher
Spotsylvania County Public Schools
08.2019 - 02.2020
Middle School English and Language Arts Teacher
Caroline County Public Schools
07.2017 - 07.2019
Administrative Intern
Spotsylvania County Public Schools
05.2016 - 06.2017
High School English and Language Arts Teacher
Stafford County Public Schools
08.2009 - 07.2014
Substitute Teacher
Defense Elementary & Secondary Schools
01.2009 - 06.2009
Substitute Teacher
Girard College
06.2005 - 06.2008
Ph.D. - Education Policy
George Mason University
Master of Education - Educational Leadership
George Mason University
Bachelor of Science - Secondary Education/English
Temple University
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts And General Studies
Community College of Philadelphia