Erica Benstead-Teerhuis

In this role, I am personally responsible for supporting student learning through direct support and/or intervention. I work closely with Administration, Student Services Personal, Educational Assistants, Clinicians, and outside agencies to maximize student achievement and well-being. My ability to develop/execute sound communication and foster positive relationships has been a key component to my success in this role. In this position I have extensive experience with student programming, course schedules, the day-to-day management of Educational Assistants, Student Specific Plans and much more.

Making a Community Connection (MACC) is a program that is designed for students seventeen to twenty-one years old who are neurodiverse and combines classroom work with practical and meaningful experience in the business community. In this role, I worked closely with both students and my team to ensure the skills taught in the classroom provide students with the necessary skills for a successful transition into the workforce.

As Department Head, I lead my team to challenge themselves to ensure they properly communicate and teach the skills that allow students to develop/grow to their full potential. My duties include the coordination of regular communication and collaboration between teachers, educational assistants, parents, and administration. Further, I was also responsible for managing Educational Assistants/Job Coaches, scheduling, student programming and SSP's, teaching transitions curriculum, and problem solving other general department questions or concerns.