Second grade teacher Emily Benson
- What is one of your hidden talents? My hidden talent is music trivia.
- What would the students be surprised to find out about you? When I was 4 years old I was at Brown County Hospital visiting my aunt who had just had a baby. My grandma worked in the cafeteria at the hospital and we were on our way to get lunch from her. I saw a little red box and the word "P-U-L-L". I asked my parents what it was but they were busy talking, so I decided to find out for myself. Yes, I pulled the fire alarm in a hospital! Needless to say. I had a long conversation with the cop, firefighter, and my parents.
- What’s a typical Saturday night like for you? A typical Saturday night consists of a family movie night with my husband and our 3 year old. Of course popcorn, candy and pajamas are essential.
- What are some pets you’ve had or would like to own? When I was a child I had a cat named Jasmine (my favorite Disney Princess) and a rabbit named Thumper. Later we adopted a pug named Thumper. Thumper the dog, currently lives with my parents. Our home felt too empty so when my husband and I first got married we rescued a German Shepard mix named Harley.
- What is your dream vacation? My dream vacation is to visit Italy.
- What would your last meal be? Spaghetti and Garlic Bread.
- What can you cook to perfection? Are you willing to share the recipe? Break apart cookies :) I am really good at following directions. My husband is the cook in the family.
- If you won the lottery and decided to give up teaching, what would you do instead? If I won the lottery and made the difficult choice to give up on teaching, I would spend more time with my family and travel.
- What are some traditions or superstitions you have for the First Day of School? On the first day of school I always read " First Day Jitters" no matter what grade I am teaching. It is such a fun book and shows my students that I too get the jitters on the first day.
- What makes a ‘good day’ at school? A good day at school is when each student smiles and learning is taking place. Also, when my day starts with coffee.
- What accomplishment fills you with pride so far this year? The biggest accomplishment that fills me with pride is watching students grow by using tap, map, zap and seeing their smiling faces when they can spell and read a difficult word.
- What inspires you? My colleagues inspire me. I enjoy walking through the halls hearing active learning and seeing the creativity of their lessons hanging up in the hallway.
- What’s the best/worst thing about being a teacher? The best part of teaching is watching students grow academically and fostering the love for reading. As most say, "I do it for the ah-ha moments". Summer is pretty nice too! The worst part of being a teacher is when I have to say goodbye. However, I know they are ready to fly and there is more adventure to be had. There may be some tears shed when we do the last day of school goodbye wave.
- How do you connect with your students? I enjoy hearing about the lives students have outside of the classroom. This city girl has learned so much about what it takes to care for animals and tend to a farm. I enjoy attending sporting events, extracurricular school events, fairs, concerts and competitions. We have some very talented kids here at CNE!
- If you could pass on any wisdom to your students, what would you share? If I could pass on any wisdom to my students, I would say to be grateful for your parents on the good days and the bad days. They love you and only want what is best for you. One day you will grow up and you will appreciate the times they helped you with your homework, drove you to sporting events, and put bandaids on your boo boo.
- If you could take the students on a field trip to anywhere in the world, where would you take them? If I could take my students on a field trip anywhere in the world it would be on a safari. Students would get to feed, observe and learn about the lives of different animals.
- What kind of driver were you when you first got your license? When I got my license I would have considered myself a very careful driver. However, now my husband calls me " Danica Patrick" because he says I drive like a race car driver. I will let you infer what kind of driver I am currently. :)
- If you were to be given a superlative when you were in school, what would it have been?Most talkative. I think that still holds true today.
- What is your first memory from school? My first memory of school was when we got to take a bear home with us during the weekend. We got to write about the different adventures the bear went on while staying with us. Then we presented and shared our writing with the class.
- How long would you survive a zombie apocalypse? Why? I probably wouldn't survive a zombie apocalypse because of the amount of blood. I would faint and then become zombie food.
- What are your must-have smartphone apps? Amazon, Tiktok, and Facebook.
- Is there a quote or saying that you live your life by? Be still, and know that I am God. Psalm 45:10
- What is your spirit animal? My spirit animal is a Penguin.