Kim Benson
St. Albert
Summary
My journey in education began as a behavioral interventionist working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder which led me to Simon Fraser University where I completed my Bachelor of Education. Over the past 9 years I’ve had the privilege of working with students and colleagues in the Sea to Sky School District in Squamish, British Columbia both as teacher-on-call and in taking short-term contracts. I have strong personal and professional interests in environmental education, Indigenous education and the elevation of cultural diversity and inclusion. Indigenous worldviews, education and practices – in collaboration with science - are inextricably linked to our human relationship with the natural world and the restoration of our Earth’s ecosystems. One of my strengths as a TTOC is my ability to connect with diverse individual learners and begin to build trust and relationship to support student success within a short time.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
TTOC / Short Term Contracts
Sea to Sky School District
09.2016 - Current
- TTOC work in variety of schools K/8 in district from Squamish, Whistler, Pemberton to Blackwater Creek Elementary
- Instructed students individually and in groups using diverse teaching methods for engagement rooted in BC curriculum
- Short-term contracts experience with BC curriculum, assessment and reporting: 4 months in a grade K & 1 combined French Immersion classroom, a grade 1 & 2 combined job share for 5 months and a several months contract with a grade 3 & 4 combined classroom.
- Infused Indigenous worldview and issues of climate change in cross-curricular format
- Collaborated with administration, parents and other teaching specialists to address any behavioral or academic challenges to design and plan strategies to best support student success
Short term LST/ CST position
Sea to Sky School District
04.2024 - 06.2024
- Brackendale Elementary School as Collaborative and Learning Support Teacher
- Getting to know and developing trusting relationships with all students
- Continued with ongoing literacy support
- Student caseload: IEPs and progress reporting and monitoring
- Working collaboratively with teachers and being flexible to best meet the needs of students
- Supporting students who experience challenging social/emotional self-regulation and providing the tools they need
- Math, literacy, art, physical education, guided reading
ESL Teacher
Koto-Ku English Language and Culture Program
01.2017 - 01.2024
- Company Overview: Capilano University
- ESL teaching for 1 week in summer a group of forty-two 15-year-old students from Japan
- Experiential learning infusing English language, culture and art
- Capilano University
Behavioral Interventionist/Children with Autism
Squamish
02.2014 - 12.2021
- Work 1:1 with children with autism in the home, integrating school and community
- Incorporated Applied Behavior Analysis teaching strategies/behavior management
- Collected data, monitored, recorded and reviewed child progress
- Participated in ongoing training/seminars, attend scheduled team/family meetings
- Followed both a structured and flexible play-based curriculum to teach language, play, social, fine and gross motor skills and self-help skills to children with autism
Long Practicum
Norgate Community Elementary School
09.2015 - 12.2015
- 10-week practicum in a grade 1/2 split class and a grade 3 class
- Planned, implemented, and assessed units in ELA, Social Studies, PE, Fine Arts, Mind Up, Guided Reading
Short Practicum
Westview Elementary School
02.2015 - 03.2015
- Taught in a Kindergarten class
- Taught a variety of lessons across all subject areas
Instructor’s Assistant
Squamish Elementary School
01.2013 - 06.2013
- Assisted in planning and facilitating science projects/labs and social studies
- Nurtured challenged students to accomplish their tasks and succeed at their goals
- Discussed student planning and problem-solving strategies with teacher
- Organized and cleaned classroom, when necessary; encouraged kids to take responsibility for cleanliness of the classroom
Assistant Researcher
01.2011 - 06.2011
- Supported a nationwide research project focused on the medical information needs of older women.
- Liaised with community agencies and individuals to recruit study participants
- Researched and collated information on over 100 organizations, women’s groups, and medical and health services centers
- Analyzed survey data, synthesizing findings and their implications
- Worked independently as well as collaboratively with other members of the research team
- Extensive letter writing and communication, organization, planning, and time management
Education
Bachelor of Education (Minor in Environmental Education) - Indigenous Perspectives Teacher Education Module
Simon Fraser University
Vancouver, BC12.2015
Bachelor of Arts - History
University of Winnipeg
Winnipeg, Manitoba10.2012
University of Winnipeg
Winnipeg, MBUniversity of Toronto
07.2021
University of Alberta
08.2020
University of Victoria
07.2020
University of British Columbia
12.2019
Skills
- Quick, creative problem solving
- Relationship building
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Interpersonal communication
- Classroom and school community
- Organization
- Time management
Continuing Coursework
- Inuit Peoples of Arctic Canada, University of Winnipeg, 11/25
- Aboriginal Worldviews and Education, University of Toronto, 07/21
- Indigenous Canada, University of Alberta, 08/20
- Climate Crisis Risks Series, University of Victoria, 07/20
- Reconciliation Through Indigenous Education, University of British Columbia, 12/19
Fundraising Experience
- Organized, collaborated with others and implemented two fundraising events to secure ABA therapy for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
- Sponsorship Representative for Team Squamish Youth Cycling Team, Secured donations from local businesses or individuals for purchase of team jerseys, sport events, or travel for the riders, Assisted during practices by leading riders aged 12-19 through mountain trails, Assisted coach with skills and training sessions, Supported riders with food and drink at mountain bike races, Organized fundraising events and facilitated active participation of youth, Developed fundraising projects in the community, engaging parent involvement
Media Experience
CBC Documentary (Doc Zone) Episode: “Sext up Kids”, 04/12 - 07/12, Actively participated in a documentary by acclaimed producer and director, Maureen Palmer, of Bountiful Films., Provided interviews, offering my perspective on the challenges involved in raising youth in an ever-intensifying hyper-sexualized environment for girls and women., Spoke about how parents can stay connected with their teens, in order to support and guide them in navigating a safe, healthy emotional and physical life., Over several months, my daughters Emily and Chloe provided intensive interviews for the documentary. I assisted in discussion, developing and contributing ideas to enhance the program content.
Hobbies and Interests
- Enthusiasm for the outdoors
- Hiking
- Mountain biking
- Running
- Camping
- Guitar
- Reading
- Writing
Research
Assistant Researcher, Prairie Women’s Health Center of Excellence, 01/11 - 06/11, Supported a nationwide research project focused on the medical information needs of older women., Liaised with community agencies and individuals to recruit study participants, Researched and collated information on over 100 organizations, women’s groups, and medical and health services centers, Analyzed survey data, synthesizing findings and their implications, Worked independently as well as collaboratively with other members of the research team, Extensive letter writing and communication, organization, planning, and time management
Timeline
Short term LST/ CST position
Sea to Sky School District
04.2024 - 06.2024
ESL Teacher
Koto-Ku English Language and Culture Program
01.2017 - 01.2024
TTOC / Short Term Contracts
Sea to Sky School District
09.2016 - Current
Long Practicum
Norgate Community Elementary School
09.2015 - 12.2015
Short Practicum
Westview Elementary School
02.2015 - 03.2015
Behavioral Interventionist/Children with Autism
Squamish
02.2014 - 12.2021
Instructor’s Assistant
Squamish Elementary School
01.2013 - 06.2013
Assistant Researcher
01.2011 - 06.2011
University of Toronto
University of Alberta
University of Victoria
University of British Columbia
Bachelor of Education (Minor in Environmental Education) - Indigenous Perspectives Teacher Education Module
Simon Fraser University
Bachelor of Arts - History
University of Winnipeg
University of Winnipeg
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