Dena Fender
Lexington
Summary
Dynamic educational leader with a proven track record at Lexington School District One, excelling in curriculum development and cognitive coaching. Expert in inquiry-based learning and grant writing, I have successfully mentored teachers and enhanced science education standards, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration to elevate student achievement.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Science, Health, and PE Coordinator
Lexington School District One
Lexington
07.2023 - Current
- Conduct teacher observations and coaching conversations to improve best teaching practices
- Mentor and develop science department leaders
- Facilitate teacher professional learning to implement 2021 College and Career Ready South Carolina Science Standards, Health and PE Standards
- Develop and vet assessment items for benchmark and formative assessments to align with science standards
- Mentor new teachers in the profession
- Stay abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences
- Collaborate with colleagues to address teaching and research issues
- Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, course materials, and methods of instruction
- Select and obtain materials and supplies such as textbooks
- Write grant proposals to procure external research funding
- Serve on South Carolina Science Leadership Association (SCSELA) board.
Middle-Level Science Teacher; Science Specialist
Kelly Mill Middle, Richland School District Two
Columbia
08.2010 - 06.2023
- Implemented 2005 and 2014 Science Standards in the middle-level science class
- Developed inquiry-driven lessons aligning to state standards
- Built common formative assessments with grade level team to inform instruction
- Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests
- Prepare, administer, and grade tests and assignments to evaluate students' progress
- Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities
- Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects, and communicate these objectives to students
- Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among students
- Confer with parents or guardians, other teachers, counselors, and administrators to resolve students' behavioral and academic problems.
High School Teacher
Marion Senior HS, Smyth County Public Schools
Marion
08.2007 - 06.2010
- Implement VA Science Standards in Biology and Earth Science
- Develop lesson plans, unit plans, and assessments to prepare students for SOL assessment
- Collaborate with mentor teacher to develop lessons
- Attended training from National Math & Science Initiative (NMSI) to improve teaching strategies.
Education
Doctor of Education - Education Innovation- STEM Concentration
University of South Carolina
Columbia, SC12.2025
Master of Science - Curriculum & Instruction
Radford University
Radford, VA12.2007
Bachelor of Science - Biology
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA12.2007
Skills
- Curriculum Development
- Assessment Development
- Cognitive Coaching
- Educational leadership
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Science coursework preparation
- Inquiry-based learning
- Environmental Science Education
- Data science communication
- Material Science Knowledge
- AVID Leadership
- Textbook Selection
- Grant Writing
- Fitnessgram Coordination
- Data Review
Certification
- South Carolina Teaching License
- Gifted and Talented Endorsement
- Read to Succeed Endorsement
Affiliations
Cub Scout Leader- Pack 507
Timeline
Science, Health, and PE Coordinator
Lexington School District One
07.2023 - Current
Middle-Level Science Teacher; Science Specialist
Kelly Mill Middle, Richland School District Two
08.2010 - 06.2023
High School Teacher
Marion Senior HS, Smyth County Public Schools
08.2007 - 06.2010
Doctor of Education - Education Innovation- STEM Concentration
University of South Carolina
Master of Science - Curriculum & Instruction
Radford University
Bachelor of Science - Biology
James Madison University