Open To Work
Geraldine Beatrice Bennett
Educator
Hedgesville,WV
Summary
Empathetic caregiver and educator with a proven track record in emotional support and compassionate communication. Experienced in advocating for diverse needs, enhancing patient and student engagement, and promoting inclusivity in various environments.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Primary Caregiver, Dementias
Gerald O. Thompson, Jr.
Hedgesville, WV
04.2020 - 08.2025
- Provided compassionate care to individual with diverse needs, ensuring comfort and safety.
- Assisted in daily living activities, promoting independence and quality of life for client.
- Advocated for patient needs within the healthcare system, ensuring access to necessary resources such as therapy services or specialist referrals.
- Enhanced quality of life for patient by engaging in stimulating activities and social interactions.
- Monitored health indicators, reporting changes to medical professionals promptly for timely intervention.
- Offered emotional support during challenging times, helping patient navigate feelings of stress or anxiety related to their conditions.
Exceptional Education Teacher
Hamilton County Department of Education
Chattanooga, TN
01.2020 - 07.2022
- Developed individualized education plans to support diverse learning needs.
- Implemented evidence-based instructional strategies to enhance student engagement and comprehension.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate services and resources for students with disabilities.
- Implemented creative instructional approaches such as project-based learning and hands-on activities to engage students with various learning styles.
- Served as an advocate for exceptional education students within the school community, raising awareness about their unique needs and abilities.
- Enhanced student comprehension by using differentiated instruction techniques and tailoring lesson plans to individual needs.
- Fostered a positive classroom environment by promoting respect, inclusivity, and active participation from all students.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities, staying current with best practices in special education teaching methods and strategies.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to enhance student support and resources.
Volunteer and Shift Manager Substitute
Chattanooga Room In The Inn
Chattanooga, TN
01.2016 - 07.2022
- Developed engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards in life skills for women experiencing homelessness.
- Front desk greeting and answering phone during volunteer shift.
- As Shift Manager: oversaw client chores, provided emotional support and encouragement to mothers and their children, prepared rooms for incoming clients, as well as providing safety and security for clients while in house.
- Attended professional development for more effective support.
- Stayed in house as a client for two weeks in July 2019 for master's thesis research on what women with homelessness need most to become housing stable.
Exceptional Education Paraprofessional
Hamilton County Department of Education
Hixson, TN
03.2018 - 01.2020
- Supported middle school Developmental Communication Classroom (DCC) activities by assisting teachers in lesson preparation and student engagement.
- Implemented individualized education plans (IEPs) to enhance student learning experiences.
- Collaborated with educators to monitor student progress and adjust instructional strategies accordingly.
- Maintained a positive learning environment that encouraged student participation and growth.
- Provided one-on-one support for students attending general education classes.
- Supported students during extracurricular activities, fostering positive relationships and a sense of belonging within the school community.
Substitute Teacher, K-12
Hamilton County Department of Education
Chattanooga, TN
08.2017 - 02.2018
- Developed and implemented lesson plans for diverse K-12 classrooms.
- Fostered positive learning environments, adapting to various student needs and behaviors.
- Collaborated with regular teachers to ensure continuity in educational goals and classroom management.
- Utilized classroom technology and resources to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
Exceptional Education Paraprofessional
Hamilton County Department of Education
Hixson, TN
02.2016 - 07.2017
- Supported high school Developmental Communication Classroom activities by assisting teacher in lesson preparation and student engagement.
- Collaborated with fellow paraprofessionals and teachers to create engaging activities that reinforced key concepts.
- Established clear expectations for behavior and academic performance, holding students accountable while providing necessary support for success.
- Developed strong rapport with students by cultivating trust through empathetic listening, clear communication, and consistent follow-through on commitments.
Director, Teacher K-12, Mentor
Daystar Education Center-Self Employed
Multiple: WI, MA, NH, CA
09.1991 - 05.2015
- Evaluated home education program outcomes regularly, driving continuous improvement in curriculum design and delivery.
- Conducted regular assessments of students performances, adapting strategies to improve learning outcomes.
- Created lesson plans, adapting for individual needs of giftedness and learning disabilities that improved student confidence and performance.
- Maintained testing records, transcripts, and annual communication with local school department liaisons in states we resided.
- Attended yearly 3-day conferences with MASS HOPE for professional development in all subjects, grades, and areas of student learning.
- All five students obtained post-secondary coursework/training, three obtained bachelor degrees.
Education
Master of Arts - International Community Development
Northwest University
Kirkland, WA05-2026
Bachelor of Arts - Broadcasting
University of Maine
Orono, MESkills
- Compassionate care
- First aid and safety
- Emotional support
- Problem-solving
- Verbal and written communication skills
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Compassionate communication
- Teamwork
- Cultural sensitivity
- First aid and CPR
Certification
- Trauma Informed Care Training - June 2018
- Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Training-September 2021
- CPR, VA Medical Center, Martinsburg, WV - May 2025
Timeline
Primary Caregiver, Dementias
Gerald O. Thompson, Jr.
04.2020 - 08.2025
Exceptional Education Teacher
Hamilton County Department of Education
01.2020 - 07.2022
Exceptional Education Paraprofessional
Hamilton County Department of Education
03.2018 - 01.2020
Substitute Teacher, K-12
Hamilton County Department of Education
08.2017 - 02.2018
Exceptional Education Paraprofessional
Hamilton County Department of Education
02.2016 - 07.2017
Volunteer and Shift Manager Substitute
Chattanooga Room In The Inn
01.2016 - 07.2022
Director, Teacher K-12, Mentor
Daystar Education Center-Self Employed
09.1991 - 05.2015
Master of Arts - International Community Development
Northwest University
Bachelor of Arts - Broadcasting
University of Maine