Margaret Bender
Kansas City,KS
Summary
Instructional leader with 15+ years of experience in elementary education, including classroom teaching and instructional coaching. Skilled in leading data-driven instruction, building systems that improve student outcomes, and coaching teachers to strengthen practice. Proven ability to develop collaborative teams, support school improvement efforts, and foster strong relationships with staff, students, and families. Committed to equity and high-quality instruction in diverse, urban school settings.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Building Instructional Coach
Kansas City Kansas Public School District
Kansas City, KS
08.2017 - Current
- Led coaching cycles with 20+ teachers annually, resulting in consistent student growth, including an average 0.5 percentage point increase per cycle, while strengthening instructional practices across classrooms
- Facilitated weekly PLCs focused on analyzing student data and developing targeted action plans to improve achievement
- Partnered with administration to implement schoolwide instructional systems, increasing consistency and alignment across grade levels
- Designed and delivered district and building level professional development sessions annually aligned to district priorities and staff needs
- Mentored new teachers, supporting retention and improving instructional effectiveness
- Managed schoolwide FASTBridge and KAP testing for 240+ students and led data analysis cycles to inform intervention planning
- Supported development of MTSS structures to improve identification and support of at-risk students
- Coordinated peer observations to foster a culture of collaboration and continuous professional growth among staff.
4th Grade Teacher
Kansas City Kansas Public School District
Kansas City, KS
08.2013 - 07.2017
- Collaborated with building leadership to implement school improvement initiatives that contributed to increased student achievement
- Used multiple data sources to design and monitor targeted interventions, resulting in improved growth for struggling learners
- Developed standards-aligned instructional systems that increased student ownership and engagement
- Improved student performance on state assessments through differentiated, data-driven instruction
5th Grade Teacher
The Columbus School
Medellin, Colombia, South America
08.2008 - 08.2013
- Led a team of teachers in collaborative planning, improving alignment of curriculum and instruction across the grade level
- Facilitated professional learning focused on literacy instruction, strengthening teaching practices and student outcomes
- Contributed to schoolwide decision-making through leadership teams and committees
3rd-5th Grade Teacher
Kansas City Kansas Public School District
Kansas City, KS
08.2005 - 08.2008
- Established and led Student Council to increase student leadership and engagement
- Strengthened family engagement through leadership in PTA initiatives
- Supported student achievement through targeted, standards-aligned instruction
Education
Master of Science - Multidisciplinary Studies
SUNY Buffalo State
Buffalo, NYEducational Specialist - Educational Leadership K-12
Northwest Missouri State University
Maryville, MO05-2026
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Drake University
Des Moines, IASkills
- Instructional Leadership
- Data Analysis & Assessment Systems (FASTBridge, KAP)
- PLC Facilitation & Team Leadership
- Staff Coaching & Mentoring
- School Improvement Planning
- MTSS & Intervention Systems
Certification
- State of Kansas Teacher Certificate - July 2005-present
- ESOL Endorsement State of Kansas
- LETRS Certified Facilitator/Trainer
- Trained in Adaptive Schools, Cognitive Coaching, AVID, and PLC practices
Languages
Spanish
Professional Working
Timeline
Building Instructional Coach
Kansas City Kansas Public School District
08.2017 - Current
4th Grade Teacher
Kansas City Kansas Public School District
08.2013 - 07.2017
5th Grade Teacher
The Columbus School
08.2008 - 08.2013
3rd-5th Grade Teacher
Kansas City Kansas Public School District
08.2005 - 08.2008
Master of Science - Multidisciplinary Studies
SUNY Buffalo State
Educational Specialist - Educational Leadership K-12
Northwest Missouri State University
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Drake University