Lori Bennett
3126 W. Folsom Rd. Caney,OK
Summary
Professional educator with extensive experience in special education, elementary education, and mathematics. Proven track record in fostering inclusive learning environments and adapting teaching strategies to meet diverse student needs. Strong emphasis on collaboration and achieving measurable results, with skills in curriculum development, individualized education plans, and classroom management. Reliable and adaptable, consistently responsive to changing educational requirements and team dynamics.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Math Teacher/Elementary School Teacher
Silo Independent School District
08.2013 - Current
- Enhanced student comprehension by incorporating hands-on activities and real-world examples into lessons.
- Mentored fellow educators on best practices for teaching math to special education students, resulting in overall improvement of the department's effectiveness.
- Evaluated student progress regularly through formative and summative assessments, adjusting instructional strategies as needed to optimize learning outcomes.
- Coordinated with general education teachers to ensure seamless integration of special education supports within mainstream classroom settings.
- Developed strong rapport with students through empathetic listening skills, patience, and genuine interest in their success both academically and personally.
- Promoted inclusivity within the classroom by adapting materials and presentations for all learners' accessibility requirements.
- Collaborated with other special education teachers to develop individualized learning plans for students with diverse needs.
- Assisted students in building self-confidence and resilience by providing ongoing support, encouragement, and targeted interventions when needed.
- Contributed to a positive school culture by actively participating in staff meetings, professional development opportunities, and extracurricular activities.
- Utilized technology effectively to enhance the learning experience for students while also streamlining administrative tasks such as grading assignments or updating educational plans.
- Increased student engagement by utilizing differentiated instruction techniques tailored to each learner's unique abilities.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
- Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
- Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
- Planned daily activities to keep students engaged and on track with learning goals.
- Implemented behavior modification techniques to improve student social and academic performance.
- Conducted assessments of students to determine individual needs.
- Developed and implemented behavior management plans to improve student behavior.
- Worked closely with parents and guardians to address students' issues on multiple fronts.
- Designed individual education plans to encourage student growth according to different learning abilities and needs.
- Coordinated regular meetings to share and analyze student performance data and success plans with colleagues and parents.
- Maintained accurate records of student performance, attendance, and behavior, ensuring compliance with state reporting requirements.
- Strengthened parent-teacher relationships through consistent communication and collaboration on student goals, fostering a supportive learning environment at home and school.
- Helped students with special needs integrate into general classroom environments by advocating for individual requirements and helping teachers solve problems.
- Improved behavior by modeling positive choices and teaching socially-acceptable options.
- Provided emotional support to students and families.
Elementary School Teacher
Durant Independent School District
08.2004 - 08.2013
- Created lesson plans to correlate with state curriculum standards and devised educational programs to meet educational objectives.
- Evaluated and assessed student progress regularly, providing constructive feedback and adapting teaching methods accordingly.
- Established open communication and positive relationships with students, parents, peers, and administrative staff.
- Established a positive classroom environment through effective classroom management strategies, fostering respect and cooperation among students.
- Contributed to school-wide initiatives aimed at improving overall student achievement, participating in professional development workshops and collaborating with colleagues on best practices.
- Promoted a growth mindset in the classroom by encouraging students to set goals, embrace challenges, and persevere through obstacles.
- Organized extracurricular activities such as field trips and special events, enriching the educational experience for all students involved.
- Mentored new teachers within the school community by sharing knowledge, providing guidance on instructional strategies, and offering ongoing support during their transition into the profession.
- Prepared and administered grade-specific tests and examinations regulated by school district to monitor students' growth and to report progress to parents.
- Cultivated positive classroom atmosphere, implementing behavior management techniques.
- Designed and implemented reward system to recognize academic effort and achievements, promoting motivational learning environment.
- Coordinated with special education team to develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with special needs.
- Developed and executed thematic units, fostering cohesive and immersive learning environment.
- Facilitated parent-teacher conferences to discuss student progress and strategies for improvement.
- Adapted lessons to differentiate instruction and meet students' diverse learning needs and abilities.
- Built positive relationships with parents to involve families in educational process.
- Attended students' concerts, sporting events and performances to offer support and encourage extracurricular activities.
6th Grade Math Teacher
Sherman Independent School District
08.2002 - 08.2004
- Participated in professional development workshops to stay current on education trends, continuously refining teaching methods for maximum effectiveness.
- Prepared students for standardized testing by reviewing key content areas, practicing test-taking strategies, and addressing any anxiety or concerns they may have had.
- Collaborated with colleagues to design interdisciplinary units, enhancing students'' overall educational experience.
- Implemented innovative approaches to lesson delivery by utilizing multimedia resources such as interactive whiteboards and online platforms.
- Built a strong classroom culture focused on respect and cooperation among students by modeling appropriate behavior and enforcing clear expectations consistently throughout the year.
- Led after-school tutoring sessions for struggling students, resulting in increased confidence and improved grades in mathematics.
- Encouraged critical thinking and problem-solving to help students develop mathematical reasoning.
- Prepared and implemented lesson plans covering required course topics.
- Attended teacher conferences and workshops to stay abreast of new developments in math education.
- Communicated with parents and guardians regarding student progress and behavioral issues.
- Devised and implemented classroom management strategies, maintaining safe and pleasant learning environment.
Education
Master of Arts - Library Media Specialist
East Central University
Ada, OK12-2007
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Durant, OK12-2001
High School Diploma -
Silo High School
Silo, OK05-1990
Skills
- Patience and Empathy
- Parent/Teacher collaboration
- Student Engagement/Classroom Management
- Google Classroom/IXL Program
- Lesson Planning
- Individualized Education Plans
- Assessment Strategies/Administration
- Learning disabilities
- Positive Role Model
- Crisis Prevention and Intervention
- Time Management/Organizational Skills
- Adaptability and Flexibility
Certification
Special Education Mild-Moderate Disabilities
Library Media Specialist
Early Childhood
Elementary Education
Mid-Level Science
Awards
Silo Elementary Teacher of the Year (2022-2023)
Silo Elementary Teacher of the Year (2017-2018)
Durant's Robert E. Lee's Teacher of the Year (2011-2012)?
Durant's Robert E. Lee's Teacher of the Year (2006-2007)
Masonic Teacher of Today (4 years)
Wal-Mart Store #0975 Teacher of the Year
Timeline
Special Education Math Teacher/Elementary School Teacher
Silo Independent School District
08.2013 - Current
Elementary School Teacher
Durant Independent School District
08.2004 - 08.2013
6th Grade Math Teacher
Sherman Independent School District
08.2002 - 08.2004
Special Education Mild-Moderate Disabilities
Library Media Specialist
Early Childhood
Elementary Education
Mid-Level Science
Master of Arts - Library Media Specialist
East Central University
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Southeastern Oklahoma State University
High School Diploma -
Silo High School
Similar Profiles
Alejandra Jennifer MartinezAlejandra Jennifer Martinez
Assistant Principal Secretary at Victory Early College High School - Aldine Independent School DistrictAssistant Principal Secretary at Victory Early College High School - Aldine Independent School District
M. Kelly BradfordM. Kelly Bradford
ESL/Language Acquisition Specialist at Campus, Mansfield Independent School District; Kenneth Davis Elementary SchoolESL/Language Acquisition Specialist at Campus, Mansfield Independent School District; Kenneth Davis Elementary School
Profesor BvumburaiProfesor Bvumburai
Master Trainer at Virgin Active Collection Silo DistrictMaster Trainer at Virgin Active Collection Silo District