Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Timeline
Generic
Maria C. Benkirane Ed.D

Maria C. Benkirane Ed.D

Boca Raton,Florida

Summary

Forward-thinking senior leader and analytical problem-solver that excels in team building, culture improving and performance-increasing initiatives. Training professional with extensive leadership experience in staff development, process and productivity improvements, performance management and curriculum design.

Overview

24
24
years of professional experience
3
3
Languages

Work History

Innovation Advisory Board Member

Studyo.co
2021.12 - Current
  • Collaborates and communicates with all board members via zoom to provide guidance and expertise that will strengthen Studyo’s mission.
  • Discuss real world challenges that students and families face as digital citizens in the 21st century.

Junior High Principal

American Heritage School
Delray Beach, FL
06.2014 - Current
  • Introduced modifications to the JH curriculum. Implementation of social emotion program, mindful minutes. Instituted the use of the NWEA map assessment to track student progress. High average scores of 65% or greater in reading, language and math.
  • Manages accreditation process for the entire Palm Beach Campus, completing annual reports and self-study for sanctioning bodies and hosting regular campus audit visits. Association of Independent Schools of Florida (AISF), Middle States Association (MSA-CESS), and Accreditation International (Ai), Cognia
  • 2022-23 Outstanding PLTW(Project Lead the Way) Administrator award. Selected as one of 11 administrators nationwide.
  • Researched and incorporated new educational trends and instructional strategies to optimize education effectiveness.
  • Trained teachers on effective teaching techniques, classroom management strategies, and behavior modification.
  • Introduced modifications to the Junior High curriculum and introduced new, effective instructional techniques.
  • Strategic planner with less than 3% student attrition rate. Continually increasing enrollment year to year and currently waitlisted in all grades. Over 50% increase in enrollment since becoming principal.

STEM Teacher/Secondary Science Teacher

American Heritage School
Delray Beach, FL
08.2009 - 06.2014
  • Planned, prepared, and taught lesson plans, giving students individual support.
  • Demonstrated positive and effective classroom management skills.
  • Encouraged student interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and participation in middle and high school national science competitions.
  • Delivered interactive lessons to help students comprehend complex concepts.
  • Designed and wrote innovative science curricula to engage students and promote critical thinking.
  • Utilized diverse instructional approaches to accommodate different learning styles.

Private Tutor

Self-employeed
Boca Raton, Florida
06.2003 - 07.2009
  • Enabled underachieving students to reach target attainment levels by providing individualized coaching and activities.
  • Leveraged technology and visual aids to engage students and enhance learning.
  • Tutored diverse groups of students to strengthen subject comprehension, boost confidence and build important learning skills.

Secondary Science Teacher

American Heritage School
Plantation, FL
10.1999 - 06.2003
  • Maintained assignment grades and worked closely with students needing additional mentoring.
  • Coordinated and collaborated with other faculty members during lesson plan development.
  • Communicated with students and parents regarding academic progress, assignments, and behavior.
  • Understood critical development years for adolescent minds and structured lessons to meet cognitive abilities.

Education

Doctorate in Education

Lynn University
Boca Raton, FL

Master of Art in Teaching

Barry University
Miami, FL

B.A. Biology

Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, FL

Skills

  • Strategic Planning & Implementation
  • Leadership & Management
  • Curriculum & Instruction
  • Program Design & Implementation
  • Evaluation & Assessment
  • Policy Development & Implementation
  • Staff Training & Development
  • Relationship Management

Accomplishments

Staff Development:

  • Launched well-received program of professional development courses for all faculty an department leaders.
  • Mentored and coached employees resulting in a 25% increase in driver retention.
  • Set high-level goals for both students and teachers to encourage both parties to strive for personal best and succeeded in implementing long-term strategy with positive results.

Technology:

  • Spearheaded the implementation of a new LMS and SIS system to ensure that the learning and development programs meet the needs of our student and staff.
  • Drove the AHS iPad technology initiative, advocating for their integration to engage students in class instruction and diversify approaches

Operations Management:

  • Successfully lead the operational efficiency of the Junior High and worked closely with all departments, including executive leadership and other team leads.


Timeline

Innovation Advisory Board Member

Studyo.co
2021.12 - Current

Junior High Principal

American Heritage School
06.2014 - Current

STEM Teacher/Secondary Science Teacher

American Heritage School
08.2009 - 06.2014

Private Tutor

Self-employeed
06.2003 - 07.2009

Secondary Science Teacher

American Heritage School
10.1999 - 06.2003

Doctorate in Education

Lynn University

Master of Art in Teaching

Barry University

B.A. Biology

Florida Atlantic University
Maria C. Benkirane Ed.D