Larena Hahn Benedick
Port Lavaca
Summary
Experienced teaching professional with 25 years in education, specializing in classroom management, curriculum implementation, and instructional coaching. Skilled in building strong relationships and fostering teamwork, with the ability to adapt swiftly to new environments. Committed to continuous growth and eager to leverage expertise in innovative ways.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Early Literacy and Reading Specialist
Calhoun County ISD
07.2023 - Current
- Building positive and productive relationships with teachers to drive improvements in early childhood classrooms
- Organizing early childhood testing schedules and facilitating additional testing assistance
- Providing professional development workshops and PLC mini-PD sessions to equip educators with best practices in instruction
- Mentoring new teachers in literacy instruction methodologies, sharing expertise and best practices for successful outcomes
- Collaborating with fellow district administration to provide professional development, training, instructional and testing support, and observation-feedback to teachers
Specialist
Region 3 ESC
07.2021 - 06.2023
- Facilitated weekly PLCs with districts to enhance lesson internalization and delivery of HQIM
- Collaborated with specialists to design and deliver impactful professional development sessions
- Built coaching relationships with teachers to work on lesson planning and classroom management
- Partnered with ESC specialists to ensure effective HQIM implementation and alignment in schools
- Adhered to company policies and procedures to ensure compliance and quality in work delivery
Elementary Teacher
Calhoun County ISD
12.2001 - 06.2021
- Kindergarten and First Grade self-contained classroom instruction in RLA, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Science, as well as serving students in the ESL and GT programs
- Prepared lesson materials and assessments, evaluated student performance to identify learning gaps, and set achievable academic goals.
- Increased overall student achievement by utilizing differentiated instructional methods tailored to individual learning styles.
- Promoted positive classroom environment by establishing clear expectations and fostering effective communication among students, parents, and staff.
- Evaluated student progress regularly through formative assessments, adjusted teaching strategies for improved outcomes.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop cross-curricular lesson plans, deepening students' understanding of multiple subjects.
- Developed strong relationships with students and their families through consistent communication and involvement in school events.
- Developed innovative technology approaches to enhance student engagement and participation.
- Facilitated training sessions on Thinking Maps and Write From the Beginning at Seadrift School and CCISD.
- Participated in Texas Reading Academies pilot program
Education
Bachelor of Science - Interdisciplinary Studies
University of Houston
Victoria12-2001
Skills
- Technology integration
- Small group instruction and intervention planning
- Personalized Educator Guidance
- Professional Development Facilitation
- Utilization of Technology
- Data Analysis
- Experienced in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace
- Collaboration
- Coaching partnerships
- Adaptability
- Educator support
- Early literacy expertise
- Relationship building
Certification
- Elementary Education
- Early Childhood
- English as a Second Language
- Gifted and Talented Program
References
Irene Schultz
Strategic Integration Liason - Region 3 ESC
ischultz@esc3.net
(361) 676-6538
Tonia Rozner
Rozner Education Consulting; Former Region 3 Early Childhood Specialist
(361) 550-9778
Dwana Finster
Former Administrator- Calhoun County ISD
(361) 935-2228
Timeline
Early Literacy and Reading Specialist
Calhoun County ISD
07.2023 - Current
Specialist
Region 3 ESC
07.2021 - 06.2023
Elementary Teacher
Calhoun County ISD
12.2001 - 06.2021
Bachelor of Science - Interdisciplinary Studies
University of Houston