Kelsi Benford

Special Education Teacher, Trainer & Team Leader

Melissa ISD, Plano ISD, DoDEA, H.E.R.O.E.S

08.2007 - 10.2024

Educator, Team Leader, Crisis Prevention Intervention Trainer for the district, In-Home Parent Trainer
Conducted weekly team meetings to review progress, needs, schedule changes or other information from campus and district leadership. Documented meeting minutes.
Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
Coordinated meetings with district personnel as needed.
Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
Worked closely with the school staff to ensure state testing accommodations were accurately documented and implemented.
Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support for students with special needs.
Provided targeted instructional support to struggling learners, identifying specific areas for improvement and designing effective intervention plans.
Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
Served as a mentor to new teachers, sharing best practices in special education instruction and classroom management techniques.
Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
Maintained confidentiality of students' records
Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
Coordinated regular meetings to share and analyze student performance data and success plans with colleagues and parents.
Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance.
Collaborated with therapists (Occupational, Speech, Physical, Music etc.) to determine goals and implement strategies recommended for student growth.