Meet Jenn Benton, an experienced ELA teacher, who has just transitioned from teaching students online, to teaching ELA for freshmen and sophomores in Prairie High school.                                                                                                                                                                                                             

Mx. Benton loves everything about ELA, whether it be learning more throughout her career, or passing it on to students. She loves engaging with curious minds, and understanding what students think and know about literature. Benton teaches freshman and sophomores, opening up their minds to explore new ideas every chance given. 

In her interview, Mx. Benton shared that the part about teaching ELA she loves most is experiencing and engaging with students’ curiosity within the world of literature. “I think it’s really cool to engage with students who are deep in that learning process, and want to know more as they go.” Says Benton. When asked about her favorite book that she has taught so far, Benton expressed that her favorite book to teach so far is “Unbroken” by Laura Hillenbrand. She says that it’s new to her and her students, and everyone is engaged and enjoying it.

On a more heartfelt level, Mx. Benton expressed that she loves the culture of Prairie Highschool. She pointed out that the staff are very nice and welcoming, and while some students she may struggle with, she overall loves to teach her students. She has also talked about her love for the high school’s musicals, assemblies, and more! She loves the cultural aspect to it, and how lively everyone is.

Students have seemed to be adjusting well in her class, and have positive things to say. One of her students, Elijah Newton, a freshman in Mx. Benton’s 6th period, has described the class as “not hard, but not easy either.” Elijah has explained that he overall enjoys the class, and has no issue keeping up with the subjects they learn about. When asked what advice he would give to other students who may be enrolled into her class next semester or next year, he said “Make sure to do your work and turn it in on time, not doing that is how you fall behind quickly and get stressed out.”

As the year will continue to move forward, and the second semester is coming soon, Mx. Benton and her students will continue to grow in their learning space together. The goal throughout education is always to grow, expand your knowledge, explore your curiosity, and open up communication to learn things you may not have known before.