Ben Gerhardt Email & Phone Number

Urbandale, Iowa, United States

As State Accountability Specialist, Ben leads the efforts in organizing, tracking, and analyzing state reported data and accountability measures. Since 2004, Ben has served in multiple educational positions throughout Illinois, California, and Nevada. Prior to his current role, he most recently served as Director of Federal Grants and State Assessments at Nevada Virtual Academy. He started with the school in 2011 as a High School English Teacher before transitioning to Testing Coordinator in 2012 and then schoolwide Data Coach in 2016. In the latter two positions, he played a role in developing the vision of the academic leadership team and guiding the school in transitioning to structures that would improve key accountability measures that would drive academic success, such as improving graduation rates and decreasing Chronic Absenteeism. He also worked with the school’s board as Board Liaison, implementing policies dealing with student safety and blended learning environments. Ben graduated from Millikin University in 2004 where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education with an emphasis in English. He then earned a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Western Governors’ University.

Assist the Leadership team at Nevada Virtual Academy with implementing “Best Practices” to increase student achievement and teacher effectiveness. Meet with school board regularly to update state and district policies and procedures. Prepare and deliver reports to the State Public Charter School Authority on a regular basis. Helped to revise NAC389 pertaining to End-of-Course Assessments. Day-to-day responsibilities as follows:• Represent school at Nevada State Board of Education Meetings and NDE meetings• Dissect, interpret and disseminate all school testing data for administrator and teacher use• Compile Graduation rates, proficiency rates, participation rates, growth indicators, and readiness rates• Research, review and resent state and national best practices for student achievement• Handle state testing responsibilities for 3,000 students including locating and staffing of testing sites• Attend all state-mandated trainings• Train all Test Administrators and Proctors on proper testing procedures• Oversee student registrations and confirmations

Managed teaching responsibilities for ninth grade Literature and Rhetoric as well as co-taught twelfth grade British Literature per semester. Also developed Public Speaking curriculum for semester long class. Developed cross-grade level Research paper curriculum. Other duties:• Presented on online teaching best practices• Volunteered ACT prep courses• Trained in Test Administration

Supervised academic counseling for students and their families on a one-on-one basis. Provided national college and university entrance requirements to families throughout Southern California (Los Angeles to San Diego region). Coordinated with University Admission Counselors to help facilitate the entrance process. Monitored grades and developed standardized testing knowledge for upcoming assessments. Researched and advised on college majors and networked with prominent coaches to help fulfill admission requirements for student athletes.

Master Of Science- Education Leadership, Education

M.A, Writing

Activities and Societies: Masters of Professional Writing

Bachelor Of Arts (B.A.), Secondary Education And Teaching