Le Grand High School recently honored Mrs. Benson, a passionate and dedicated teacher, by awarding her the title of Staff of the Month for the month of February. Mrs. Benson, who teaches marketing and business, expressed her surprise and gratitude upon learning about her nomination and subsequent win.
"I was genuinely surprised when I was told about the nomination. I am surrounded by amazing teachers at Le Grand High School, and to be recognized among them is truly an honor," Mrs. Benson shared with enthusiasm.
Her motivation, she revealed, comes from her students themselves. With a deep passion for helping others, especially young people, Mrs. Benson sees teaching as an opportunity to shape the future. "I want to be the kind of teacher that I wish I had back in school—someone who prepares students for the real world and guides them to become successful individuals," she emphasized.
Having spent six years at Le Grand High School, Mrs. Benson has embraced the school's family-like atmosphere. She appreciates the collective commitment of the staff to the students and the genuine care they exhibit toward shaping the future of the next generation.
Mrs. Benson's journey in education began at Merced High School, where she worked for 18 school years before joining Le Grand. Reflecting on her transition into teaching, she revealed that becoming a teacher was not initially her plan. "I actually became a teacher by default. I was busy with another job and wanted something new," she explained.
The opportunity arose when the Merced County Office of Education needed a CTE (Career Technical Education) teacher, and marketing/business was one of the subjects. Leveraging her work experience and college education from CSU, Stanislaus (BS in Vocational Education) and DeVry's Keller Graduate School of Management (MBA with a concentration in Marketing), Mrs. Benson embarked on her teaching career.
Throughout her years of teaching and training, Mrs. Benson has developed diverse methods to deliver curriculum content. She firmly believes that each student is unique, and therefore, their development and learning should be approached with individualized strategies.
Interestingly, Mrs. Benson has a longer history with Le Grand students than her six years on the school's campus suggest. She recalls Le Grand students busing to her classes at Merced High School, forging connections that have endured over time. Notably, one of her former students is now the store manager of Aeropostale at Merced Mall, showcasing the impact of her teaching on their career paths.
Mrs. Benson is actively involved in DECA, one of the six Career Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) at Le Grand High School. DECA focuses on leadership and entrepreneurship in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. Students interested in pursuing careers in these fields join DECA, where they can participate in various events at regional, state, and national levels.
In conclusion, Mrs. Benson's recognition as Staff of the Month for February at Le Grand High School is a testament to her unwavering commitment to education, her innovative teaching methods, and the positive influence she has on her students. Her journey from a non-traditional entry into teaching to becoming an influential educator highlights the importance of passion and dedication in shaping the future of young minds.
Let's delve deeper into Mrs. Benson's insights and experiences as an esteemed educator at Le Grand High School.
1.Congratulations on being selected as Staff of the Month! How does it feel to be recognized for your contributions to Le Grand High School?
I was very surprised when I was told about the nomination. I am grateful to be recognized because I feel I am surrounded by amazing teachers at Le Grand High School.
- What motivates and inspires you in your teaching, and how do you bring that
passion into the classroom?
The motivation comes from my students themselves. I have a passion for helping others and especially young people. I feel I want to be a teacher that I wish I had back in school. By preparing them for the real world and guiding them to be a successful person for themselves.
- What is your favorite part about working here at Le Grand High?
I enjoy the family atmosphere that this school has. Everyone is here for the students and cares about the future of our next generation.
- How long have you been teaching here?
This is my 6th year here at Le Grand High School.
- Is Le Grand High the first school you worked at?
No actually I worked at Merced High School for 18 school years.
- What made you want to pursue a teaching career?
I actually became a teacher by default. I was busy with another job and wanted something new. I discovered the Merced County Office of Education was needing a CTE teacher and marketing/business was one of them. Based on my work experience and college I was given the opportunity to start teaching marketing.
- What college(s) did you attend?
I attended CSU, Stanislaus where I earned my BS Vocational Education & Devry’s Keller Graduate School of Management where I earned my Masters in Business Administration (MBA) w/ concentration in Marketing
- How do you address the diverse learning styles and abilities of your students, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to succeed in your business classes?
Through many years of teaching and training I’ve developed different ways to deliver curriculum so that students have a variety of ways to learn new things in my marketing classes. I believe no student is the same and so they should not be treated the same when it comes to their development and learning.
- Can you share some success stories or achievements of your students who have pursued business-related paths after graduating from Le Grand High School?
Let me see about this one, although I have been on Le Grand campus for only 6 years, I’ve actually had Le Grand students bus to my class at Merced High. One student who comes to mind is the store manager of Aeropostale at Merced Mall. He is an alumni of Le Grand High.
- Can you provide an overview of the DECA program at Le Grand High School?
DECA is part of 6 CTSO’s (Career Technical Student Organization) DECA focuses on leadership and entrepreneurship in marketing,finance, hospitality, and management. Students who are interested in having a career in any of these fields join DECA where they can compete in various events at the regional, state, and national level.