DEBRA BENSON
Computer Science Professional
PLAINFIELD,UNITED STATES
Summary
Innovative computer science professional with a strong background in analyzing, developing, coding, testing, debugging, and leading/mentoring/managing others, eager to re-start software career and contribute to team and company success through hard work and attention to detail using excellent problem-solving, organizational, and interpersonal skills. Motivated to return to Information Technology to learn, grow and excel in the industry.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Computer Science Teacher
Troy School District 30C
Plainfield, Illinois
08.2015 - Current
- Designed, developed, and delivered engaging coding curriculum through diverse methods of classroom instruction, computer lab activities, online learning systems, and effective lesson plans that met individual needs, interests, and abilities of all learners while raising their self-confidence and technology skills
- Cultivated students’ coding, debugging, problem-solving, critical thinking, collaboration, digital literacy, and keyboarding skills using app and web development, AI machine learning, interactive stories, animations, and games employing web-based curricula and project-based assignments
- Taught HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, and Blockly coding languages according to ability level
- Trained and enhanced students' skills in presentation, word processing, and spreadsheet software using MS Office Suite and Google Workspace
- Differentiated assignments for supported education, at-risk, and gifted learners
- Evaluated student progress to determine effectiveness and impact of teaching methods, materials and projects
- Promoted and managed classroom environment conducive to diversity, inclusion, learning, and appropriate to student maturity and ability levels
- Hosted online coding classes and meetings for remote learners, co-teachers, and parents
- Formed and maintained supportive, respectful rapport with students, parents, faculty, and administration
- Attended professional development, school improvement, department, staff, and district technology committee meetings to increase knowledge base and learn and share new information
Computer Teacher
West Chicago School District 33
West Chicago, Illinois
09.2013 - 06.2015
- Trained and developed students' skills in word-processing, spreadsheet and database programs using MS Office Suite
- Tested and evaluated student progress to determine effectiveness and impact of teaching methods, materials and projects.
- Planned and implemented curriculum to teach up-to-date technology to 500+ students
- Attended professional development technology courses to increase knowledge base and learn new information.
Application Developer
INSTEC, INC
Naperville, Illinois
08.2008 - 12.2012
- Analyzed, coded, tested, debugged, implemented, and maintained object-oriented programs using Microsoft.Net, Windows Object Editor, DOS, Reportwriter, Jet Form, and Form Flow
- Collaborated with business analysts to obtain and document detailed user requirements for system development, modification, and project estimates
- Participated in code and design reviews with senior developers to determine adherence to Client requirements and department standards
- Worked closely with other team members while troubleshooting and debugging
- Updated technical documentation, product specifications and technical training materials
- Promptly produced time reporting and other administrative tasks required by project lead
Computer Science Teacher
Indian Prairie 204 & Troy School District 30C
Plainfield, IL
08.2003 - 06.2008
- Delivered appropriate computer curriculum through classroom instruction and computer lab activities at secondary level
- Compiled reading lists and other relevant assignments to bolster student understanding of class concepts
- Tested and evaluated student progress to determine effectiveness and impact of teaching methods, materials and project
- Enhanced student’s keyboarding, word-processing, spreadsheet and database knowledge using MS Office Suite, with aid of clear, engaging lesson plans
- Implemented instructional accommodations as required to maintain compliance with ADA requirements.
- Created supportive, respectful rapport with students, parents, faculty, and administration
Senior Programmer Analyst
SPIEGEL, INC
Downers Grove, Illinois
01.1992 - 01.2003
- Utilized COBOL, JCL, CICS, DB2, IDMS, VSAM, File-Aid, Abend-Aid, Change Management, and other mainframe utilities in IBM OS/390 environment
- Refined ability to analyze, code, test, debug, maintain, and implement new development, user-requested enhancements, and production assignments error-free using SDLC
- Sharpened leadership skills by successfully applying resolutions while leading, mentoring and motivating team of various skilled programmers
- Produced high level of application support during regular and non-business hours
- Taught variety of in-house programming classes to newly hired employees
- Established and maintained excellent rapport with end-user community using excellent written and oral communication skills
- Learned business procedures and daily operations of company
- Applied and shared that knowledge using excellent interpersonal skills
Education
Bachelor of Science - Computer Information Systems
DeVry Univerity
Lombard, IllinoisMaster of Arts - Teaching
Aurora University
Aurora, ILSkills
Common front-end technologies such as: HTML5, CSS, and JavaScript
undefinedQuote
The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.
Walt Disney
Timeline
Computer Science Teacher
Troy School District 30C
08.2015 - Current
Computer Teacher
West Chicago School District 33
09.2013 - 06.2015
Application Developer
INSTEC, INC
08.2008 - 12.2012
Computer Science Teacher
Indian Prairie 204 & Troy School District 30C
08.2003 - 06.2008
Senior Programmer Analyst
SPIEGEL, INC
01.1992 - 01.2003
Bachelor of Science - Computer Information Systems
DeVry Univerity
Master of Arts - Teaching
Aurora University
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