TINA M. BENITEZ
Colorado Springs
Summary
Professional educator skilled in creating dynamic, inclusive classroom experiences that drive student success. Adept at leveraging diverse instructional strategies to meet varied learning needs, ensuring comprehensive understanding of material. Known for collaborative approach and adaptability in ever-evolving educational settings, with focus on critical thinking and communication.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Affective Needs Teacher, 6th – 12th Grades
Aspire Learning Academy
Colorado Springs, CO
10.2025 - Current
- Design and deliver intensive special education needs, including cognitive, behavioral, and health-related challenges in center-based/separate setting program.
- Deliver instruction and behavioral support in alignment with each students IEP in a consistent, structured environment.
- Coach and support classroom paraeducators and instructional staff to ensure implementation of IEP’s and behavioral strategies.
- Work in tandem with mental and behavioral health, itinerant staff, and security to write safety plans, FBA’s, BIP’s and IEP/Evaluation development.
- Facilitate IEP meetings to review data-collection to determine appropriate program placement.
- Developed engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards.
- Implemented differentiated instruction to meet diverse student needs.
- Facilitated a positive learning environment through effective classroom management techniques.
- Mentored new teachers, providing guidance on best practices and instructional strategies.
- Collaborated with colleagues to design interdisciplinary projects enhancing student engagement.
- Analyzed student performance data to inform instructional adjustments and interventions.
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
- Assessed student performance regularly using both formative and summative assessments to inform future lesson planning.
- Collaborated with other teachers to plan interdisciplinary units that connected subjects and promoted deeper understanding among students.
- Continuously pursued professional development opportunities such as workshops or conferences to stay current in educational trends.
- Integrated cultural awareness into lessons by incorporating diverse perspectives and materials into the curriculum.
- Promoted digital literacy by integrating technology into curriculum.
- Designed curriculum materials for special education students, facilitating inclusive learning.
- Utilized data-driven instruction to tailor lessons for improved academic performance.
Resource Teacher, 7th Grade
Mountain Ridge Middle School
Colorado Springs, CO
08.2022 - 10.2025
- Manage a caseload of 25-30 students.
- Design and deliver learning experiences for students in a grade level and/or content area.
- Organize and facilitate the learning process utilizing a variety of evidence-based instructional practices and applicable technology.
- Developed individualized education plans to support diverse student needs
- Participate in a community of learning to develop and refine knowledge and skills for the academic, civic, social/emotional success of students.
- Consistently evaluate and communicate student progress, make appropriate adjustments, resulting in NWEA/MAP academic growth in Math of 63% (growth above 50% or more) and Reading of 55% (growth above 50% or more)
- Regularly collaborate and reflect on improving learning opportunities for students with teachers and administrators
- Co-teach two Pre-Algebra and two Language and Literacy classes.
Special Education Teacher, 6th-8th Grades
Fountain Middle School
Fountain, CO
08.2021 - 07.2022
- Systematically categorized and archived reports and records, facilitating efficient retrieval and management of critical information.
- Engaged in faculty meetings and collaborated on staff committees to enhance departmental initiatives.
- Guided and evaluated assigned paraprofessionals in delivering effective instructional assistance.
- Coordinated efforts with students, parents, and staff to design and implement effective Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for diverse learners.
- Designed and utilized instructional methods and resources to address varied student learning needs.
- Supported special education students in mainstream classes by modifying assignments to enhance accessibility.
- Achieved improved communication and learning experiences by integrating technology into educational settings. Enhanced student interaction through the effective use of PECS, iPads, and ASL signs. Delivered innovative educational programs that supported diverse learning needs and promoted engagement.
- Managed delivery of personal care and medical services, ensuring compliance with individualized education plans for student well-being.
- Facilitated successful execution of extracurricular activities, fostering student participation and teamwork. Promoted events such as Special Olympics, enhancing community outreach and support.
- Designed and maintained an inclusive classroom atmosphere to enhance student engagement and promote holistic development.
- Executed behavior management protocols during crises, applying physical restraint methods when mandated by IEP specifications.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to enhance student learning outcomes.
Special Education Teacher, 9th-11th Grades
Colorado Military Academy
Colorado Springs, CO
08.2019 - 05.2021
- Developed and implemented effective instructional practices based on the needs identified in students’ Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) using multidisciplinary education and multi-sensory lesson plans while adhering to state standards.
- Establish High School Transitions (post-secondary education, independent living, and career support) program.
- Develop individualized programs and progress reports for each student using applied behavior analysis (ABA), discrete trial teaching (DTT), functional behavior analysis (FBA) and behavior intervention plans (BIP).
- Facilitated Manifestations of Determination meetings
- Modified instruction to support students’ learning abilities using CO Extended Evidence Outcomes (EEO’s).
- Developed data tracking logs for modified instruction and/or behavior plan support.
- Proctored computer aided testing with NWEA as well as CBM progress monitoring program such as AIMSWeb, Aleks, Reading A-Z. Administer KTEA-3 assessments.
- Utilize instructional curriculum designed to accelerate skill acquisition for all struggling students (TransMath) that can support a student with text/workbook and online.
- Supported online instruction through Google Classroom, Khan Academy, Google Meets, and Zoom
- Applied de-escalation strategies and positive reinforcement to decrease targeted behaviors.
- Teacher of record for Math and ELA Interventions, and Transitions.
Title I Intervention Teacher
Catapult Learning
Tampa, FL
08.2018 - 05.2019
- Provided small group instruction for K-6th grades (85 students) and 1:1 differentiated instruction to reinforce skills students use to build upon in order to maintain their performance in grade level activities in Reading, Writing and Math.
- Assessed and progress monitored students using i-Ready Adaptive Assessment resulting in a 69% average increase in post assessment test scores amongst the grade levels.
- Generated and incorporated learning strategies for students with learning disabilities.
- Taught students to improve desired behaviors through effective classroom management strategies.
- Collaborated with Catapult site team and St. Joseph’s teachers to monitor student academic and behavioral progress on a weekly basis.
- Developed strong relationships with students and families through advisory, planning daily activities, tracking student progress, parent involvement, and generating action plans for struggling students.
- Responsible for establishing and maintaining required documentation, student forms and files as required by Catapult Learning, local, state, and/or federal agencies.
Substitute Teacher VPK-12th Grades
Kelly Educational Services
Tampa, FL
01.2018 - 08.2018
- Implement existing lesson plans in a manner that ensures the integrity of academic time.
- Instruct students in a variety of classroom topics/course of instruction, as determined by the School District’s lesson plans and in accordance with Kelly Education Staffing policy.
- Create a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interests of the students; address various learning styles of students accordingly.
- Modify instruction to support individual student success.
Significant Special Needs (SSN) Teacher
Timberview Middle School
Colorado Springs, CO
08.2014 - 06.2016
- Developed and implemented effective instructional practices based on the needs identified in students’ Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) using multidisciplinary education and multi-sensory lesson plans while adhering to state standards.
- Develop individualized programs and progress reports for each student using applied behavior analysis (ABA), discrete trial teaching (DTT), functional behavior analysis (FBA) techniques, and SCERTS (Social Communication/Emotional Regulation/Transactional Support) model assessments when applicable.
- Modified instruction to support students learning abilities using CO Extended Evidence Outcomes (EEO’s) while maintaining CoMAS instructional materials.
- Developed data tracking logs for modified instruction and/or behavior plan support.
- Proctored computer aided testing with Dynamic Learning Map (DLM), CoAlt (Colorado alternate) and PARCC state standard assessments.
- Successfully implemented SMART Goals to increase individual student achievement resulting in 75% of students meeting/exceeding in Math; 88% of students meeting/exceeding in ELA; resulting in 37.5% students moving from self-contained instruction to Resource instruction in Math and ELA.
- Implemented Cornerstones lesson to support social skills, critical thinking and self-advocacy awareness; coached students to participate in Southern Colorado Special Olympics for area schools.
- Applied de-escalation strategies and positive reinforcement to decrease targeted behaviors.
- Integrated instructional technology and communication through the use of iPads, laptops, and communication devices.
- Teacher of record for 7th and 8th grade SSN Peer Partners that included training and assigning student peers.
Self-Contained Autism Teacher (K-2)
Cavett Elementary School
Tucson, AZ
02.2012 - 05.2014
- Managed IEP files, progress reports and documents to maintain compliance with Special Education Laws.
- Developed and implemented effective instructional practices based on the needs identified in students’ Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) using multidisciplinary education and multi-sensory lesson plans while adhering to state standards.
- Developed data tracking logs for modified instruction and/or behavior plan support.
- Knowledge of and experience with pre-intervention, behavior contracts and modifying instruction.
- Met regularly with IEP team members to support student learning, inclusionary practices along with upcoming annual/Triennial IEP’s, student progress/concerns, transitions, evaluations, incoming/outgoing students, and request additional support where needed.
- Managed and trained 4-6 paraprofessional to support IEP goals, sensory regulation, behavior management, medical support, dietary and toileting needs.
- Developed, coordinated, and conducted professional development for paraprofessionals in specified content areas regarding instructional strategies, best practices, and specific instructional topics.
- Applied de-escalation strategies and positive reinforcement to decrease targeted behaviors.
- Integrated technology in the delivery of education needs of students and communication through the use of iPads, laptops, and communication devices.
Century 21 Enrichment Program Tutor (4th and 5th grades)
Cavett Elementary School
Tucson, AZ
10.2012 - 12.2013
- Supported students with reading and math instruction to meet core standards.
- Provided social and behavioral support. Completed pre- and post-assessments.
Academic Tutor (2nd to 5th grades)
Academia Freedom Tutoring
Tucson, AZ
10.2011 - 02.2012
- Support students with reading and math instruction to meet core standards.
- Submit weekly lesson plans and monthly progress reports.
Autism Support Specialist
ASD Tutoring
Sahuarita, AZ
09.2011 - 02.2012
- Provide clients and classroom teachers with behavioral intervention and social skills support for students with Asperger’s syndrome.
- Attend parent/teacher conferences/meetings as needed, observe students in class and make recommendations for ongoing services as appropriate.
Social Communications/Autism Teacher
Meridian Ranch Elementary
Peyton, CO
07.2010 - 05.2011
- Managed IEP documentation, progress reports and documents to maintain compliance with Special Education Laws.
- Developed and implemented effective instructional practices based on the needs identified in students’ Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) using multidisciplinary education and multi-sensory lesson plans while adhering to state standards.
- Developed data tracking logs for modified instruction and/or behavior plan support.
- Met regularly with IEP team members to support student learning, inclusionary practices along with upcoming annual/Triennial IEP’s, student progress/concerns, transitions, evaluations, incoming/outgoing students, and request additional support where needed.
- Managed and trained 5-7 paraprofessional to support IEP goals, sensory regulation, behavior management, medical support, dietary and toileting needs.
- Applied de-escalation strategies and positive reinforcement to decrease targeted behaviors.
- Integrated technology in the delivery of education needs of students through the use of iPads and laptops.
Education
Masters of Science - School Psychology +24 credits
Capella University
Minneapolis, MN12.2007
Bachelor of Science - Business and Management
University of Maryland, College Park, European Div.
Heidelberg, GER05.1999
Skills
- Mandt System & CPI Trained
- Dylexia Trained (1st year)
- AVID
- Capturing Kids Hearts
- Sources of Strength
- Classroom & Behavior management
- Relationship building
- Parent-teacher communication
- Co-teaching
- Student-centered learning
- Curriculum development
- Technology integration
- Social-emotional learning training
- Cultural sensitivity
- Data-driven instruction
- Student records management
- Program development
Certification
- Elementary Education (Grades K-6) Endorsement: 07-24-2011 Valid: 08-15-2024 to 08-15-2031
- Special Education Generalist (Ages 5-21) Endorsement: 07-24-2011 Valid: 08-15-2024 to 08-15-2031
- Read Act Teacher Endorsement: 07-23-2024
Timeline
Affective Needs Teacher, 6th – 12th Grades
Aspire Learning Academy
10.2025 - Current
Resource Teacher, 7th Grade
Mountain Ridge Middle School
08.2022 - 10.2025
Special Education Teacher, 6th-8th Grades
Fountain Middle School
08.2021 - 07.2022
Special Education Teacher, 9th-11th Grades
Colorado Military Academy
08.2019 - 05.2021
Title I Intervention Teacher
Catapult Learning
08.2018 - 05.2019
Substitute Teacher VPK-12th Grades
Kelly Educational Services
01.2018 - 08.2018
Significant Special Needs (SSN) Teacher
Timberview Middle School
08.2014 - 06.2016
Century 21 Enrichment Program Tutor (4th and 5th grades)
Cavett Elementary School
10.2012 - 12.2013
Self-Contained Autism Teacher (K-2)
Cavett Elementary School
02.2012 - 05.2014
Academic Tutor (2nd to 5th grades)
Academia Freedom Tutoring
10.2011 - 02.2012
Autism Support Specialist
ASD Tutoring
09.2011 - 02.2012
Social Communications/Autism Teacher
Meridian Ranch Elementary
07.2010 - 05.2011
Bachelor of Science - Business and Management
University of Maryland, College Park, European Div.
Masters of Science - School Psychology +24 credits
Capella University