Smita Benuskar
Secunderabad
Summary
With over 19 years of experience in Primary Education across ICSE, CBSE, and IB schools, I am a dedicated professional with a deep commitment to inquiry-based pedagogy. My expertise lies in curriculum development, program coordination, and leading educational initiatives that promote student growth and academic excellence. As a certified IB Educator and Programme Leader, I have contributed to the development of IB schools in North India and Nepal, and have a strong track record of guiding schools through IB authorization and evaluation processes. My professional development includes extensive training in IBPYP and MYP workshops, enhancing my skills in concept-based learning, exhibition leadership, and assessment strategies. I am passionate about creating collaborative and positive learning environments that foster a sense of ownership and lifelong learning among students.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of School-Primary
Rosenberg World School
Hyderabad
06.2023 - Current
- Devised organizational vision, mission and foundational structure to facilitate early growth.
- Recruited, hired and trained staff members to ensure that operational goals were met.
- Developed policies and procedures for efficient workflow management.
- Conducted regular reviews of existing processes to identify areas of improvement.
- Collaborated with management team to develop strategic plans.
IBEN-Workshop Leader
International Baccalaureate
03.2023 - Current
- Organized resources, materials, and equipment for workshop sessions.
- Delivered engaging presentations on topics related to the workshop curriculum.
- Provided individual instruction and guidance during workshops when needed.
- Developed relationships with participants to foster a positive learning environment.
- Encouraged feedback from participants in order to improve future workshops.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop new strategies for teaching difficult concepts.
- Adapted teaching methods based on participant needs or interests.
- Responded promptly to questions or concerns raised by participants.
- Explored ways to create an inclusive atmosphere for all individuals attending the workshops.
- Modified course material as needed depending on the audience's level of knowledge.
- Utilized technology such as video conferencing software during virtual workshops.
IBEN Programme Leader
International Baccalaureate
03.2022 - Current
- Conducted preliminary review of school documents against IB Programme Standards and Practices
- Collaborated with Evaluation leader on various school visits
- Communicated with stakeholders of the school to comprehend the school's unique context
- Participated in Programme Evaluation Visits for various schools in India, China, Hong Kong, Australia and Thailand
- Coordinated with Evaluation leader to write Evaluation report
IB PYP Coordinator
Sanskar School
Jaipur
07.2019 - 05.2023
- Developed and implemented CBSE curriculum within IB framework
- Carried out responsibilities as outlined in the IB's list for PYP Coordinator
- Monitored implementation of IBPYP to ensure the IBPYP Standards and Practices are adhered to
- Ensured that the school comply with all applicable IB regulations
- Participated in the development of the school's development strategies
- Involved in standardization of internal assessment, curriculum review, teachers and students support in developing units of inquiry
- Identified the PYP professional development needs and opportunities on and off the campus for teachers
- Assisted in identifying the resource needs to support the implementation of the Programme
- Ensured that the copies of IB publications are available to all staff members, and maintain accurate school information through via My School
- Organized an effective communication and collaboration mechanism among all staff members, parents and students
- Maintained a positive, interactive and transparent relationship within the school community
- Interacted and counseled new parents and students to strengthen the relationship
- Conducted orientation sessions for parents new to the IB PYP Programme
- Monitored overall admission procedure and guidance to students and parents
- Organized 3 successful PYP Exhibitions as a PYPC.
- Facilitated the school's first PYP Evaluation successfully as a PYPC.
- Maintained calendars of upcoming events, meetings and deadlines.
- Facilitated communication between different departments in order to resolve issues quickly.
- Conducted interviews with potential candidates for open positions within the organization.
- Managed day-to-day operations of the department including scheduling tasks and assigning duties.
Home Room Teacher & Subject Coordinator
Gandhi Memorial Intercontinental School
Bali
07.2015 - 05.2019
- Participated in the first Evaluation during self-study process
- Planned and implemented successful self-study and Evaluation visit in March 2018-19
- Planned & developed effective unit of inquiry
- Developed and implemented lesson plans based on curriculum objectives.
- Assessed student performance through tests, quizzes, and other assessments.
- Provided individualized instruction to meet the needs of all students.
- Documented evidence of students learning through their portfolios, anecdotal record & IB PYP planner
- Directed successful annual school play (Wizard of Oz-2017)
- Acted in the capacity of house mentor for a year
- Carried out the responsibility of PYP Exhibition (2018 and 2019 successfully twice)
- Conducted theme-based morning assemblies with moral values.
- Encouraged critical thinking skills and problem-solving strategies among students.
- Maintained a safe and orderly learning environment for all students.
- Monitored student behavior in classrooms, hallways, cafeteria, playgrounds.
- Established positive relationships with parents to ensure effective communication regarding student progress and well-being.
- Collaborated with colleagues to plan lessons that integrate various subject areas into a cohesive unit of study.
- Planned field trips to enrich students' educational experiences outside of the traditional classroom setting.
- Prepared weekly newsletters for parents outlining upcoming assignments or events at school.
- Participated in professional development workshops related to teaching methods or curriculum changes.
- Organized parent conferences throughout the year to discuss student progress.
- Actively sought out opportunities for collaboration with other teachers within the district.
- Evaluated students on monthly basis and adjusted lessons accordingly to incorporate improvements.
- Conquered challenges of working with highly diverse student population to attain exceptional student achievement.
- Received recognition for contributions to innovative concepts in classroom instruction.
- Developed engaging activities to help children develop physical, social and emotional skills.
- Encouraged children's creativity through art projects and music activities.
- Incorporated technology into lesson plans to help students understand concepts better.
- Facilitated playtime activities such as outdoor games, sports or group activities.
- Encouraged language development by introducing new words during conversations with the kids.
Principal
Little Wiz Pre-school
Pune
05.2015 - 09.2015
- Successfully monitored, administered the functioning of the school through curriculum developing, planning with teachers etc.
- Developed, implemented and evaluated school policies and procedures.
- Provided instructional leadership to faculty and staff in the areas of curriculum development, assessment practices and professional growth activities.
- Cultivated strong relationships with parents, students and members of the community to ensure a safe learning environment.
- Managed budgeting process for school operations including personnel hiring, supplies procurement and facility improvements.
- Supervised administrative staff responsible for student records, health services, transportation.
- Monitored student academic performance data in order to identify trends or areas of need that require additional resources or support.
- Organized regular meetings with faculty members to discuss issues related to instruction, assessment strategies and classroom management techniques.
- Created an environment where all students feel valued regardless of their background or cultural identity.
- Ensured that all classrooms are equipped with necessary materials needed for successful instruction delivery including textbooks, computers, lab equipment .
- Visited classrooms to evaluate teacher instructional techniques as part of annual evaluation cycle.
Teacher
The Bishop's Co-ed school
Pune
06.2004 - 04.2015
- Developed and implemented lesson plans based on curriculum objectives.
- Assessed student performance through tests, quizzes, and other assessments.
- Provided individualized instruction to meet the needs of all students.
- Instructed students in academic subjects such as math, science, language arts, social studies, and history.
- Maintained a safe and orderly learning environment for all students.
- Established positive relationships with parents to ensure effective communication regarding student progress and well-being.
- Utilized technology-based learning tools to enhance classroom instruction.
- Collaborated with colleagues to plan lessons that integrate various subject areas into a cohesive unit of study.
- Enforced school rules and regulations in order to maintain an appropriate learning environment for all students.
Teacher's Trainer
Adarsh Open School
Pune
06.2012 - 04.2014
- Trained pre-primary & pre-primary teachers to deliver effective lessons as per the Montessori Pedagogy.
- Developed training materials and curricula for teachers to use in the classroom.
- Conducted workshops and seminars on new teaching techniques and strategies.
- Created assessments to evaluate teacher performance in the classroom setting.
- Assisted teachers in understanding current educational trends and best practices.
- Provided individualized feedback to help teachers improve their instructional methods.
- Instructed teachers on how to effectively use technology tools for instruction.
- Assisted teachers in developing lesson plans that are aligned with state standards.
Education
IB Educator Network- Workshop Leader -
International Baccalaureate
03-2023
IB Educator Network- Programme Leader -
International Baccalaureate
03-2022
Master of Arts in English Literature, First class -
Pune University
Bachelor of Education (Eng. & Science), Distinction -
Arihant College of Education
Diploma in Montessori Teacher's Training -
Diploma in Basic Teachers Training -
Adarsh Open School
Certificate in Leaders of Learning -
Edex- Harvard University
Pursuing Doctorate in English Language -
Aurora University
Skills
- Strategic leadership
- Parental Communication
- Curriculum Design
- Performance Evaluations
- Administrative Staff Coordination
- School Administration
- Relationship Building
- Disciplinary Actions
- Policies and Procedures Enforcement
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Education Model Development
- Program Evaluation
- Program Planning
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Strong Work Ethic
- Organizational Skills
- Adaptability
- Analytical Thinking
- Effective Communication
Accomplishments
- Best Student of the Year award at B. ED level.
- Won Elocution competition at state level.
- Participated in various activities like dance, drama at state and inter-state level.
Ib Workshops
- IB PYP workshop, The Exhibition (Cat. 1), Jakarta, Indonesia, 06/2023
- IB PYP workshop, Conceptual understanding (Cat.2), Bali, Indonesia, 07/2023
- IB PYP workshop, Leading Learning in PYP (Cat 3), Mumbai, India, 08/2023
Roles And Responsibilities
- Co-Chaired North-India & Nepal Network of IB schools for 2 years
- Currently working as a member of IBEN (IB Educators Network) in the capacity of PYP Programme Leader & Workshop Leader for PYP & IB Leadership.
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 09/13/1984
- Gender: Female
- Nationality: Indian
- Marital Status: Married
Hobbies and Interests
- Drama
- Dance
- Elocution
- Reading
- Swimming
Languages
- English (Proficient)
- Hindi (Proficient)
- Marathi (Proficient)
- French (A2 level)
- Bahasa Indonesia (Intermediate)
Timeline
Head of School-Primary
Rosenberg World School
06.2023 - Current
IBEN-Workshop Leader
International Baccalaureate
03.2023 - Current
IBEN Programme Leader
International Baccalaureate
03.2022 - Current
IB PYP Coordinator
Sanskar School
07.2019 - 05.2023
Home Room Teacher & Subject Coordinator
Gandhi Memorial Intercontinental School
07.2015 - 05.2019
Principal
Little Wiz Pre-school
05.2015 - 09.2015
Teacher's Trainer
Adarsh Open School
06.2012 - 04.2014
Teacher
The Bishop's Co-ed school
06.2004 - 04.2015
IB Educator Network- Workshop Leader -
International Baccalaureate
IB Educator Network- Programme Leader -
International Baccalaureate
Master of Arts in English Literature, First class -
Pune University
Bachelor of Education (Eng. & Science), Distinction -
Arihant College of Education
Diploma in Montessori Teacher's Training -
Diploma in Basic Teachers Training -
Adarsh Open School
Certificate in Leaders of Learning -
Edex- Harvard University
Pursuing Doctorate in English Language -
Aurora University
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