Summary
Overview
Work History
Skills
Timeline
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Laura Benefield

Dothan,AL

Summary

Compassionate Preschool Assistant Teacher with background in early childhood education and early childhood special education. Familiarity with creating engaging lesson plans and activities, maintaining safe and positive classroom environments, and fostering emotional and intellectual growth within young students. Strengths include ability to communicate effectively with parents, teachers, and children of diverse backgrounds. Previous work has resulted in noticeable improvements in students' learning engagement and development.

Overview

2026
2026
years of professional experience

Work History

Preschool Assistant Teacher

Houston Academy
Dothan, AL
08.2024 - Current
  • Organized activities designed to promote physical, mental, and social development, such as games, arts and crafts, music, and storytelling.
  • Maintained a safe environment for children at all times by adhering to established standards of care.
  • Participated in workshops, trainings, and conferences to improve educational skills.
  • Took on the role of the teacher when the classroom teacher was absent.
  • Prepared materials for instruction and activities.
  • Assisted the classroom teacher in implementing the curriculum and daily routines.

Substitute Teacher

Houston Academy
Dothan, AL
09.2023 - 08.2024
  • Assisted the classroom teacher and/or teacher assistant in implementing daily classroom routines and instruction.
  • Promoted a safe and secure atmosphere within the classroom setting.
  • Implemented classroom rules to maintain order and discipline.
  • Collaborated with regular teachers to ensure continuity of instruction.
  • Organized classroom activities, games and tasks to enhance interactive learning experience.

Special Education Teacher

Brookwood Elementary School
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
08.2013 - 05.2016
  • First and Second Grade.
  • Developed, managed, and implemented Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for 34 to 40 students on a caseload.
  • Instruction included: reading, math, individual behavioral, and academic IEP goals.
  • Instructional setting: Three first-grade inclusion classrooms, three second-grade inclusion classrooms, and my own resource classroom.
  • Adapted curriculum materials as needed to meet individualized student needs.
  • Created a safe environment conducive to learning for special education students.
  • Collaborated on a daily basis with all general education teachers, administration, and the school counselor to provide the best instruction and environment for my students with special needs.
  • Advocated for the needs of the students with disabilities.
  • Facilitated small group instruction tailored to individual student needs.
  • Solved student behavioral issues according to building expectations and codes of conduct.
  • Created and implemented behavior plans and supports for students with special needs.
  • Identified the learning needs of students with disabilities, and implemented appropriate interventions.
  • Collaborated closely with related service providers, such as speech therapists.
  • Communicated regularly with parents regarding their child's progress.
  • Led IEP meetings and collaborated with the IEP team on what was best for the individual students.

Special Education Para-Educator

Brookwood Elementary School
Tuscaloosa, AL
08.2012 - 04.2013
  • First and fifth grade.
  • Provided instruction in a small-group setting.
  • Instruction included: reading, math, and individual IEP goals (behavioral and academic goals).
  • Instructional setting: First-grade inclusion classroom, three fifth-grade inclusion classrooms, and the special education resource classroom for tier III instruction.
  • Planned weekly reading lessons for needs-based small group instruction for first grade.
  • Substitute for Leaders Exploring All Possibilities Program (LEAP).
  • Extended Day Program.
  • Morning and afternoon greetings, and car duty.

Intern

Woodland Elementary School
Tuscaloosa, AL
  • Pre-Kindergarten
  • Provided instruction to 17 students
  • Instruction included: math, reading, science, and social studies.
  • Assessed students' progress in areas needed before entering kindergarten.
  • Completed a teacher work sample in the area of English Language Arts.
  • Participated in grade-level meetings.
  • Incorporated class-wide and individual behavior management plans.

Intern

Northport Elementary School
Northport, AL
  • Special education, 2nd grade.
  • Provided classroom instruction to 20 students on the caseload
  • Instructional setting: Three full-inclusion 2nd grade classrooms and a special education classroom for Tier III intervention instruction.
  • Participated in grade-level meetings, as well as county special education meetings.
  • Recorded data on a student for a functional behavior assessment.
  • Participated in morning car duty and greeting.

Skills

  • Bachelor of Science in Education, May 2013
  • The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
  • Major: Early Childhood Special Education Dual Program: General Education (Pre-Kindergarten through 3rd Grade), and Special Education (Birth through 8 years of age)

Timeline

Preschool Assistant Teacher

Houston Academy
08.2024 - Current

Substitute Teacher

Houston Academy
09.2023 - 08.2024

Special Education Teacher

Brookwood Elementary School
08.2013 - 05.2016

Special Education Para-Educator

Brookwood Elementary School
08.2012 - 04.2013

Intern

Woodland Elementary School

Intern

Northport Elementary School

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Laura Benefield