Heather Chitwood
Benson
Summary
Dynamic educator with a proven track record at McGee's Crossroads Elementary, skilled in curriculum development and technology integration. Adept at fostering student engagement and success through differentiated instruction and creative lesson planning. Committed to mentoring peers and enhancing educational outcomes, leveraging strong communication and collaboration skills to drive improvement.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Part-Time Adjunct Professor Education Department (online)
PURDUE GLOBAL UNIVERSITY
08.2018 - Current
- Created supportive learning environments that fostered student success.
- Delivered synchronous and asynchronous seminars over 10-week units as assigned.
- Utilized online teaching platforms for effective remote instruction delivery.
- Maintained virtual office hours weekly to assist students with coursework.
- Managed and responded promptly to electronic correspondence from students and faculty.
- Facilitated engaging message board discussions to promote student interaction.
- Submitted accurate reports on student grades and progress in a timely manner.
- Delivered mid-term and final grades per academic calendar requirements.
Teacher
MCGEES CROSSROADS ELEMENTARY
Johnston County
08.2017 - Current
- Instructed first grade students in English Language Arts, Math, Writing, Spelling, and Social Studies using diverse methods including workshops and discussions.
- Developed and implemented lesson plans aligned with curriculum objectives for varied learning styles.
- Established clear learning objectives and goals to enhance student understanding.
- Assessed student performance regularly and prepared detailed progress reports.
- Communicated consistently with parents regarding student performance and development.
- Implemented effective classroom management strategies to foster a positive learning environment.
- Integrated technology into lessons to improve engagement and comprehension.
- Mentored new teachers by sharing successful practices and techniques.
Teacher (5th Grade)
MCKAMY ELEMENTARY
Carrollton/Farmers Branch
08.2014 - 06.2017
- Instructed fifth-grade science and math curriculum to foster foundational skills.
- Developed engaging activities addressing academic, intellectual, and social needs of students.
- Utilized diverse teaching strategies, including whole group and small group instruction, to enhance learning.
- Assessed student performance using common assessments, anecdotal records, and checklists.
Teacher (5th Grade)
MOUNTAIN VIEW INTERMEDIATE
Macon County
08.2013 - 07.2014
- Instructed fifth-grade science curriculum aligned with Common Core Essential Standards.
- Enhanced academic and social growth through diverse teaching strategies, including group instruction and modeling.
- Assessed student performance using various methods, including common assessments and peer evaluations.
- Proctored End-of-Grade Science assessment, achieving 63% passing rate with 17% improvement from 2012 to 2013.
Teacher (2nd Grade)
CLEVELAND ELEMENTARY
Johnston County
08.2011 - 06.2013
- Designed and developed 2nd grade curriculum to address academic and social needs of students.
- Instructed ELA, Math, Social Studies, Science, Language Arts, and Reading Groups.
- Assessed student performance using mClass, MAP, and anecdotal records for targeted instruction.
- Utilized data from peer evaluations and checklists to refine teaching strategies.
Student Teacher (3rd Grade)
CLEVELAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Clayton
01.2011 - 03.2011
- Designed and implemented third grade curriculum to address students' academic, intellectual, and social needs.
- Utilized diverse teaching strategies, including whole group, small group, and modeling techniques, to enhance student growth.
- Engaged students using varied manipulatives, literature, films, and songs to promote participation.
- Assessed student performance with anecdotal records, peer evaluations, and checklists.
Assistant Director
KIDDS DAYCARE AND PRESCHOOL
Fayetteville
01.2000 - 01.2001
- Assisted director with planning, managing, marketing, and directing childcare program.
- Maintained center paperwork, processed monthly payments, and organized child files.
- Supported center operations by staffing, implementing curriculum, and ensuring compliance with regulations.
- Interacted with staff, parents, children, and vendors to foster a collaborative environment.
- Supervised and evaluated teachers while providing mentoring and training for skill enhancement.
- Conducted curriculum reviews, ordered weekly supplies, and implemented curriculum plans.
Teacher
KIDDS DAYCARE AND PRESCHOOL
Fayetteville
01.1999 - 01.2000
- Provided diverse materials and resources for children's exploration during learning and imaginative play.
- Attended to children's basic needs, including feeding, dressing, and diaper changing.
- Taught essential skills such as color, shape, number, and letter recognition.
- Established rules for behavior and procedures to maintain classroom order.
- Organized and led activities to promote physical, mental, and social development.
- Observed and evaluated children's performance and behavior for developmental assessments.
- Identified children exhibiting emotional or developmental challenges and communicated with supervisors and specialists.
- Facilitated games, arts and crafts, music, and storytelling to enhance engagement.
Education
Masters of Arts - Teaching
North Carolina A & T University
Greensboro, NC01.2013
Bachelor of Arts - Organizational Management
Ashford University
Clinton, IA01.2008
Skills
- Google Workspace applications
- Curriculum development
- Online instruction
- Educational technology
- Instructional design
- Team collaboration
- Differentiated instruction
- Test administration
- Teaching credentials (NC & TX)
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Email communication
- Interactive whiteboards
- Creative lesson planning
- Technology integration
- Thinking maps and writing strategies
- Response to intervention (RtI)
- Accelerated Reader program
- QTL training and DIBELS Next
- Amplify mClass Reading 3D
- Reading Foundations curriculum
- Lindamood Bell programs
- LASER Kit training
- Gifted education certification
Volunteer Experience
- Macon County Food Bank
- Cleveland Elementary School
- Wilkesboro Elementary School
- Grace Point Church Boy Scouts Food Drive
Timeline
Part-Time Adjunct Professor Education Department (online)
PURDUE GLOBAL UNIVERSITY
08.2018 - Current
Teacher
MCGEES CROSSROADS ELEMENTARY
08.2017 - Current
Teacher (5th Grade)
MCKAMY ELEMENTARY
08.2014 - 06.2017
Teacher (5th Grade)
MOUNTAIN VIEW INTERMEDIATE
08.2013 - 07.2014
Teacher (2nd Grade)
CLEVELAND ELEMENTARY
08.2011 - 06.2013
Student Teacher (3rd Grade)
CLEVELAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
01.2011 - 03.2011
Assistant Director
KIDDS DAYCARE AND PRESCHOOL
01.2000 - 01.2001
Teacher
KIDDS DAYCARE AND PRESCHOOL
01.1999 - 01.2000
Masters of Arts - Teaching
North Carolina A & T University
Bachelor of Arts - Organizational Management
Ashford University