Andrea Bennett, M.Ed.

SUMMARY
Masters level elementary education and special education teacher with more than 10 years of varied experience in teaching students with disabilities in both educational and home environments, as well as training both teachers and parents in implementing appropriate techniques for children with special needs.

EDUCATION
Masters of Education
Concentrations: Administration and Supervision
Thesis: Identifying and Analyzing the Perceptions of Non-Disabled Students Toward Their Disabled Peers in Both Inclusive and Self-Contained Educational Environments.
Loyola College, Baltimore, Maryland, May 2000

Bachelors of Science
Concentrations: Special Education (grades K-12), Elementary Education (grades K-8)
West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, May 1995

CERTIFICATIONS
2000 - Present, Maryland State Department of Education, Advanced Professional Areas of Certification:
Elementary Grades 1-6
Special Education Grades 1-8
Administrator I (R 12)

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
2009 - Successful Completion of CPD course number 08-13-08; Cultural Proficiency and Student Achievement
2005 - Successful Completion of CPD course number 00-00-06; Assessment of Reading
2004 - Trained to administer and interpret the Test of Written Language - 4th Edition
2004 - Trained to administer and interpret the Gray Oral Reading Test
2003 - Successful Completion of CPD course number 00-00-04; Materials for Teaching Reading
2002 - Trained to administer and interpret Woodcock Johnson III - Educational Assessment
2000 - Successful Completion of the Howard County Public School System Leadership Training
1997 - Trained in Stevenson reading approach
1996 - Trained in Orton Gillingham reading approach
1995 - Trained to administer and interpret Woodcock Johnson Revised - Educational Assessment

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
EDUCATIONAL and BEHAVIORAL CONSULTANT, 01/01/02-Present
The Special Kids Company, Ellicott City, Maryland

• Administer formal diagnostic tests used for the purpose of educational programming.
• Collect and analyze data to be used for educational planning and programming.
• Conduct weekly educational therapy sessions with students with special needs.
• Conduct student observations in public and private school settings.
• Consult with families, schools, and related service providers to develop and implement appropriate educational programs for children with special needs within the Baltimore/Washington area.
• Develop data collection systems to be used by both home therapy programs as well as school programs.
• Oversee the implementation of educational therapy programs administered by four sub-contract tutors.
• Plan for and implement social skills classes to students ages 4-12.
• Provide consultative services to two Academic Life Skills, special education teachers at West Friendship Elementary School within the Howard County Public School System.
• Provide training to special education teachers at The Gateway School on instructional practices.
• Provide in-home behavioral supports and programs.
• Provide Family Training services as outlined in the Maryland State Department of Education Autism Waiver Program.

• Designed and implemented course syllabus.
• Evaluated student lesson plans, behavior intervention plans, lesson accommodations and modifications and organizational systems.
• Provided constructive feedback and guided students through problem solving strategies to address current work related issues.
• Taught masters level students in summer semester of planning, preparation, and implementation of special education practices.

• Assist teachers throughout Howard County in lesson planning and preparation of appropriate materials for students with multiple and or severe educational needs; this includes designing and planning for an Academic Life Skills class - Elementary Level.
• Assist parents in programming for their children over the summer breaks.
• Chair Individualized Education Program meetings.
• Collaborate with faculty and parents to develop appropriate IEPs.
• Collect and Analyze quarterly data to chart progress of special education students.
• Develop special education schedule for special education teachers, students, support staff, and related service providers.
• Member of Instructional Consultation Team

• Collect and analyze quarterly data of special education students attending Waverly Elementary.
• Conduct monthly meetings to address the needs and wants of both inters and mentors.
• Submit quarterly reports to the Maryland State Department of Education regarding progress of special education students.
• Supervise student teachers and provide them with the skills and knowledge needed to be a successful special education teacher.
• Train supervising teachers on how to conduct and complete an objective observation and provide appropriate feedback to student teachers.

• Adapt curriculum methods, materials, and assessments to meet the needs of all special populations.
• Administer formal and informal diagnostic tests used in public school special education setting for the purpose of programming.
• Assist in setting up and planning for Academic Life Skills Class.
• Assist non-tenured teachers with Special Education Rules and Policies
• Chair the School Improvement Team
• Collaborate with faculty to adapt the curriculum and identify the appropriate instructional activities at various developmental levels.
• Collaborate yearly with team leader to develop schedule for special education teachers and students.
• Conduct monthly IEP meetings.
• Design and develop strategies to implement an IEP for special needs students
• Member of the Instructional Consultation Team
• Supervise gifted and talented high school students participating in internship in special education.