BENITA SCHECKEL
Pasadena
Summary
Executive-level educational leader with more than 20 years of experience in public education as a teacher, site principal, district administrator, and university faculty member. Proven record of mentoring and evaluating principals, designing TK–12 instructional systems, leading data-informed continuous improvement, and building inclusive, innovative programs that elevate outcomes for all learners. Recognized for fostering professional cultures rooted in collaboration, strategic planning, and student-centered decision-making. Passionate about removing barriers, galvanizing teams, and aligning educational systems to the mission of public education.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Administrator of Career Technical Education and Visual & Performing Arts
Hacienda La Puente Unified School District
10.2023 - Current
- Developed and implemented a five-year TK–12 strategic arts plan aligned with district goals and California state standards.
- Oversaw more than $10 million in arts grants, building sustainable, districtwide arts programs.
- Spearheaded Proposition 28 implementation, increasing TK–5 arts access from 18% to 100%; hired and onboarded 12 itinerant arts teachers.
- Led development of TK–12 Visual & Performing Arts Scope and Sequence across all five arts disciplines.
- Supported and mentored site principals; served as leadership coach for ACSA’s New and Aspiring Principals Institute.
- Served as CACP Administrator, supporting district administrators in clearing administrative credentials through ACSA.
- Designed feedback, monitoring, and evaluation systems to ensure continuous program improvement.
- Ensured equitable access for English Learners, LTELs, and students with special needs through data-informed instructional design.
Principal, K–8 Arts Magnet Span School
Pasadena Unified School District
07.2017 - 10.2023
- Led turnaround of two underperforming campuses.
- Increased enrollment by 50% and academic achievement by 28% in ELA and 11% in Mathematics.
- Implemented two $5 million federal arts magnet grants.
- Launched a French dual-language immersion program and a middle school arts conservatory.
Adjunct Faculty
Pepperdine University, Graduate School of Education and Psychology
01.2020 - 01.2022
Assistant Principal, Marshall Fundamental (Grades 6–12)
Pasadena Unified School District
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Oversaw CTE Academy for Creative Industries.
- Managed facilities planning and cultivated professional and industry partnerships.
IB Middle Years Programme Coordinator, Blair IB School (Grades 6–12)
Pasadena Unified School District
01.2011 - 01.2015
- Led IB recertification process.
- Implemented ManageBac tracking systems.
- Served as site curriculum chair.
K–12 Educator
Los Angeles, Monrovia, Temple City, and Pasadena Unified School Districts
01.1999 - 01.2015
- Taught multiple subjects and grade levels (K–12).
- Recognized for instructional creativity, inclusive practice, and arts integration.
Education
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) - Educational Leadership
Azusa Pacific University
01.2019
Master of Arts (M.A.) - Cross-Cultural Education
National University
Sherman Oaks01.2004
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Music
California State University
Los Angeles01.1999
Skills
- TK–12 Instructional Leadership
- District & Site Administration
- Career Technical Education (CTE)
- Visual & Performing Arts Education
- MTSS & Equity-Driven Systems
- Principal Coaching & Mentorship
- Professional Development Design
- Strategic Planning & Program Evaluation
- Arts Advocacy & Grant Development
- Community & Legislative Engagement
Websites
Certification
- Administrative Services Credential, California
- California Single Subject Teaching Credential — English
- California Supplemental Teaching Credential - Music
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & LEADERSHIP
- National Superintendent’s Academy (DA), 2021
- ACSA Leadership Summit & Conference Presenter, 2022–2023
- Planning Team Member, ACSA New Principals Institute, 2022–Present
- Peer-Reviewed Journal Publication: Language Through Music, JLTA, 2021
PROFESSIONAL & LEGISLATIVE LEADERSHIP
- President, Association of Pasadena School Administrators, 2021–2023
- Region Vice President, President-Elect, President, Past President — ACSA Region 15, 2015–2023
- Legislative Action Days Participant, California State Capitol, 2018–2023
Research
Peer-Reviewed Journal Publication: Language Through Music, JLTA, 2021
American Educational Research Association presenter, 2021
COMMUNITY & VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP
- Founder, Altadena Community Art Walk, 2017–2023
- Speaker, TEDx Pasadena Women, 2015
- Guest Speaker, Altadena Town Council, 2017–2023
- Drama Chair, Shakespeare Club of Pasadena, 2007–2008
- Secretary, Weizmann Day School Board, 2007–2009
- Committee Chair, Polytechnic School International Student Program, 2008–2009
- Host School, Pasadena Educational Foundation Principal for a Day, 2010
HONORS & AWARDS
Visionary Award — Conga Kids, LA Live, 2025, Golden Bell Service Award — ACSA Region 15, 2022, Elementary Principal Administrator of the Year — ACSA Region 15, 2019, Leader of Promise — ACSA Region 15, 2017
Timeline
Administrator of Career Technical Education and Visual & Performing Arts
Hacienda La Puente Unified School District
10.2023 - Current
Adjunct Faculty
Pepperdine University, Graduate School of Education and Psychology
01.2020 - 01.2022
Principal, K–8 Arts Magnet Span School
Pasadena Unified School District
07.2017 - 10.2023
Assistant Principal, Marshall Fundamental (Grades 6–12)
Pasadena Unified School District
01.2015 - 01.2017
IB Middle Years Programme Coordinator, Blair IB School (Grades 6–12)
Pasadena Unified School District
01.2011 - 01.2015
K–12 Educator
Los Angeles, Monrovia, Temple City, and Pasadena Unified School Districts
01.1999 - 01.2015
Master of Arts (M.A.) - Cross-Cultural Education
National University
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Music
California State University
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) - Educational Leadership
Azusa Pacific University