Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Community Leadership And Board Service
Affiliations
Accomplishments
Websites
References
Work Availability
Timeline
Generic
Philisa Bennett

Philisa Bennett

Clemson,SC

Summary

Dynamic educator with a proven track record, excelling in program design and stakeholder engagement. As an expert in data-driven decision-making and fostering collaborative environments, I spearheaded professional development initiatives and built community partnerships, thereby enhancing student success and promoting lifelong learning. Passionate about empowering diverse learners through innovative curriculum strategies. Skilled English teacher with a background in both secondary and post-secondary education. Experienced in curriculum development, student engagement strategies, and classroom management techniques. A strong skill set includes effective communication, leadership, and innovative teaching methods. Demonstrated positive impact on student learning outcomes through creative lesson planning and individualized instruction.

Overview

21
21
years of professional experience
5
5

Certifications

Work History

Lead Instructor

Anderson School District 4
08.2015 - Current
  • Coordinated and led intake meetings to enroll students in programs effectively.
  • Supervised the FLEX program staff, managing student scheduling, transitions, behavior, and academic progress.
  • Fostered a culture of lifelong learning, ensuring students felt safe to take risks and be authentic.
  • Served as Instructional, Technology, Graduation, and Curriculum Coaches.
  • Coordinated assessments and ensured compliance with testing protocols.
  • Spearheaded professional development workshops, incorporating a self-developed social-emotional learning curriculum for whole-student growth and resources on leveraging artificial intelligence within educational environments.
  • Build and sustain partnerships with businesses, colleges, and community organizations.
  • Wrote grants and managed community liaisons to increase program funding and visibility.
  • Collected, tracked, and analyzed data for continuous program improvement.
  • Coordinated with other instructors to create a cohesive learning environment.
  • Organized field trips for students to gain real-world experience related to course content.
  • Conducted training sessions for new instructors and provided feedback on their performance.

Adult Education Instructor & Curriculum Specialist

SC Department Of Education
Columbia, SC
01.2017 - 01.2023
  • Led accelerated GED and career readiness programs.
  • Established a regional curriculum and conducted statewide training for adult educators.
  • Established training program objectives and created related curricula and learning materials.
  • Combined academic and vocational training to facilitate comprehensive student skill development, while incorporating diverse technologies to help students feel engaged in the material.
  • Built relationships with students of all cultural, social, and economic backgrounds.
  • Created instructional resources, coordinated with Technical Assistance Networks, and conducted virtual support.
  • Collaborated in monthly meetings managed by the OAE Curriculum Lead to analyze academic and curriculum development issues.
  • Shared areas of need and feedback received from Technical Assistance Network Coordinators, directors, and instructors.
  • Designed targeted professional development proposals for academic and content areas for the Fall Institute, Spring Institute, regional meetings, and various webinar offerings.
  • Engaged in respective TAN meetings to gather insights from TAN coordinators, directors, and instructors.
  • Facilitated technical assistance for instructors in the region via comprehensive reports and evaluations, phone calls, email exchanges, and virtual meetings.
  • Supported adult education instructors in TANs by addressing questions about specific materials, resources, and other related topics.
  • Developed and facilitated regional and statewide professional development in my areas of expertise.
  • Developed and/or disseminated relevant instructional materials, resources, and information to instructors.
  • Collaborated with adult education instructors to distribute instructional materials, resources, strategies, tips, and moral support through TAN and all Adult Education staff meetings.
  • Analyzed data from assessments to evaluate programs, identify trends, and make recommendations for improvement.
  • Developed content area curricula and/or instructional materials based on best practices to be shared with the TANs and statewide.
  • Evaluated free and paid instructional materials, delivered feedback in TAN and OAE regional meetings, and disseminated them through a virtual network.
  • Documented and presented activity reports to the TAN Coordinator and the OAE Education Associate, managing these responsibilities.
  • Utilized technology such as online forums, LMSs, webinars, and video conferencing tools to enhance instruction.
  • Led classroom instruction in a variety of adult education courses, including basic literacy, English as a Second Language, GED preparation, and computer literacy.
  • Developed lesson plans for adult education classes based on the assessed needs of the students, evaluated student performance data regularly to determine the effectiveness of the teaching strategies employed, and conducted needs assessments with adult learners to identify learning goals and objectives.

Graduation Coach

Pendleton High School
Anderson, SC
01.2016 - 01.2017
  • Developed and tracked individualized graduation plans.
  • Identified 'at-promise' students and removed barriers to graduation.
  • Provided one-on-one tutoring sessions for struggling students in core subject areas such as math, science, and reading comprehension.
  • Assisted with the college application process by providing information about deadlines, financial aid opportunities.
  • Advised students on course selection based on their interests and strengths and weaknesses.
  • Counseled individuals to help overcome personal, social, or behavioral problems affecting educational or vocational situations.
  • Advised students on course selection and academic pathways.
  • Maintained up-to-date records of student grades and test scores to track progress toward graduation requirements.
  • Collaborated with teachers, administrators, parents, and other stakeholders to ensure successful outcomes for students.
  • Monitored student attendance records and identified any potential issues related to attendance.
  • Organized field trips to local universities and industries to increase awareness of postsecondary and career options available to students.
  • Developed and implemented individualized academic plans for students to ensure successful graduation.
  • Assisted in the development of college and career readiness plans for graduating seniors.
  • Evaluated transcripts from transfer students to determine credits earned.
  • Provided guidance and support services for at-risk students who were struggling academically or socially.
  • Provided one-on-one tutoring sessions for struggling students in core subject areas such as math, science, and reading comprehension.
  • Provided crisis intervention to students dealing with difficult situations at school.

English Teacher

Carolina Forest High School, Ashley Ridge High School, Hemingway High School, Columbia High School, Pendleton High School
Various, SC
07.2004 - 06.2014
  • Preserved accurate documentation and applied data insights to advance instructional practices.
  • Delivered instruction in high school English, AP Literature, and creative elective subjects.
  • Developed innovative curricula for specialized courses.
  • Guided PLCs and supported the development of students and first-year teachers.
  • Developed and implemented an English curriculum to meet the needs of students.
  • Customized innovative methods and materials to produce effective learning experiences.
  • Counseled students regarding their academic performance in English classes.
  • Provided individualized instruction for struggling students.
  • Conducted classroom activities to encourage student engagement in language learning.
  • Incorporated technology into daily lessons to enhance instruction.
  • Adapted teaching methods based on each student's unique needs and abilities.

Education

M.Ed. - Educational Administration

Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ
08-2024

Master's +30 - Curriculum & Instruction (Online Teaching)

College of Charleston
01.2020

M.Ed. - Curriculum & Instruction

Concordia University-Portland
06-2015

B.A. - Secondary Education, English; Minor: African American Studies

Clemson University
05-2005

Skills

  • Organizational culture expertise
  • Leadership development
  • Program and curriculum design
  • Adult education strategies
  • Online learning management
  • Data-driven decision making
  • Stakeholder engagement
  • Professional growth initiatives
  • Community partnership building
  • Grant writing and research
  • Collaborative teamwork
  • Instructional design
  • Data analysis
  • Technology integration
  • Effective communication
  • Program management
  • Learning management systems
  • Cross-cultural communication

Certification

  • English Teaching grades 7-12
  • Educational Leadership
  • Crisis Prevention Intervention
  • Mental Health First Aid
  • Online Teaching
  • Career Development Facilitator
  • Gifted & Talented
  • Read to Succeed
  • Mentor Training

Community Leadership And Board Service

  • Marketing Chair, Shaw Center for Housing & Economic Development, 01/22-Present
  • Educational Committee Member, Pendleton Foundation for Black History & Culture, 01/24-Present
  • Board Member & Volunteer, America to Zambia Educational Nonprofit, 01/15-12/19
  • Program Developer & Educator, Clemson Area African American Museum, 01/17-12/22
  • Youth Education Lead, New Hope Baptist Church, 01/14-12/17

Affiliations

  • A to Zed Educational Missions
  • Friends of the Clemson Area African American Museum
  • The Shaw Center for Housing and Economic Growth
  • The Pendleton Foundation for Black History and Culture

Accomplishments

  • Teacher Forum Spotlight
  • Teacher of the Week
  • Alpha Chi Graduate Honor Society

References

References available upon request.

Work Availability

monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline

Adult Education Instructor & Curriculum Specialist

SC Department Of Education
01.2017 - 01.2023

Graduation Coach

Pendleton High School
01.2016 - 01.2017

Lead Instructor

Anderson School District 4
08.2015 - Current

English Teacher

Carolina Forest High School, Ashley Ridge High School, Hemingway High School, Columbia High School, Pendleton High School
07.2004 - 06.2014

M.Ed. - Educational Administration

Grand Canyon University

Master's +30 - Curriculum & Instruction (Online Teaching)

College of Charleston

M.Ed. - Curriculum & Instruction

Concordia University-Portland

B.A. - Secondary Education, English; Minor: African American Studies

Clemson University

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