Eric Bennaka
Grain Valley,MO
Summary
Results-driven education and technology professional with 10+ years of experience designing curriculum, leading teams, and integrating technology to improve learning outcomes. Holds a Master’s and Specialist degree in Education Technology with proven success in instructional design, digital media, program leadership, and team development. Seeking to transition from K-12 education into a private-sector role in learning & development, instructional design, educational technology, training, or project leadership.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Middle School Teacher – Education Technology & Applied Learning
Smithville R-II School District
Smithville, MO
08.2014 - Current
- Designed, wrote, and implemented a full Digital Media curriculum covering photography, graphic design, video production, and audio editing using Adobe Creative Suite.
- Delivered instruction across Digital Media, Computer Science, Project Lead The Way (PLTW), Leadership, and Social Studies.
- Led technology-rich, project-based learning experiences aligned to learning objectives and performance outcomes.
- Integrated e-learning tools, digital assessments, and multimedia resources to increase student engagement and skill acquisition.
- Maintained detailed documentation, records, and performance data in compliance with district and state requirements.
- Adapted instructional strategies to meet diverse learner needs and learning styles.
- Collaborated with administrators, colleagues, parents, and community stakeholders.
- PLTW Certifications Taught: Design & Modeling | Automation & Robotics | App Creators
Head Varsity Boys Basketball Coach
Smithville R-II School District
Smithville, MO
05.2019 - Current
- Led and managed a competitive high school athletics program, overseeing practice planning, game strategy, and player development.
- Recruited, hired, supervised, and mentored coaching staff.
- Managed program budget, fundraising initiatives, scheduling, and logistics.
- Analyzed performance data and opponent tendencies to inform strategy and decision-making.
- Communicated effectively with parents, administrators, athletes, and staff.
- Provided leadership, accountability, and performance coaching to student-athletes.
Assistant Boys Basketball Coach
Smithville R-II School District
Smithville, MO
08.2014 - 04.2019
- Assisted in practice planning, skill development, and game preparation.
- Evaluated athlete performance and contributed to individualized development plans.
- Supported academic monitoring and personal development of student-athletes.
Paraprofessional
Fort Osage High School
Independence, MO
08.2013 - 05.2014
- Provided instructional and behavioral support to students with diverse learning needs.
- Assisted with small-group and one-on-one tutoring.
- Collected and reported observational data to support instructional planning.
Assistant Boys Basketball Coach
Fort Osage High School
Independence, MO
08.2012 - 05.2014
- Supported team practices, game strategy, and athlete development.
- Monitored academic eligibility and reinforced accountability standards.
Education
Specialist Degree - Education Technology
University of Central Missouri
Warrensburg, MO05.2021
Master of Education - Teaching & Technology
William Woods University
Fulton, MO12.2018
Bachelor of Science - Secondary Education (History)
Missouri State University
Springfield, MO12.2012
Skills
- Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Premiere Pro, Audition, Illustrator)
- Learning Management Systems (LMS)
- Google Workspace & Microsoft Office
- Educational & Training Software Platforms
Certification
- Google Certified Educator – Level I & II
- Project Lead The Way (PLTW): Design & Modeling, Automation & Robotics, App Creators
- First Aid / CPR
Timeline
Head Varsity Boys Basketball Coach
Smithville R-II School District
05.2019 - Current
Middle School Teacher – Education Technology & Applied Learning
Smithville R-II School District
08.2014 - Current
Assistant Boys Basketball Coach
Smithville R-II School District
08.2014 - 04.2019
Paraprofessional
Fort Osage High School
08.2013 - 05.2014
Assistant Boys Basketball Coach
Fort Osage High School
08.2012 - 05.2014
Master of Education - Teaching & Technology
William Woods University
Bachelor of Science - Secondary Education (History)
Missouri State University
Specialist Degree - Education Technology
University of Central Missouri
Core Competencies
- Instructional Design & Curriculum Development
- Learning & Development (L&D)
- Educational & Training Technology Integration
- Project & Program Management
- Digital Media Production (Photo, Video, Audio)
- Stakeholder Communication & Relationship Management
- Data-Informed Assessment & Evaluation
- Team Leadership & Coaching
- Public Speaking & Professional Presentations
Career Focus
Open to private-sector roles in: - Learning & Development (L&D) - Instructional Design - Educational Technology - Corporate Training - Program or Project Management