Texas Teachers | Alternative Teacher Certification Program : Success Story by Mary Ann Benochet

Success Stories

Meet Mary Ann Benochet

Q&A with Mary Ann Benochet

Where are you originally from?

Charleston, WV
Where did you go to college and what did you study?

University of Kentucky - Early Childhood Development through College of Social Work
Do you have children?

One son, 23-years-old
Do you remember your favorite teacher? What made them special to you?

Mrs. Kirkland, 6th grade. She was friendly!
What did you do before teaching?

I have always been a teacher.
Why did you get into teaching?

I simply love children.
What surprised you the most when you started teaching?

Being a teacher of young children, the parents depend on you to be a major part of "raising" their children.
What is the biggest challenge for new teachers?

The amount of work for a first year teacher is overwhelming at times.
How long do you think it takes for a new teacher to really get their hands around teaching?

Truly, after a year, a teacher "gets it."
What do the kids teach you?

Be happy!
What's the funniest thing that's happened to you in the classroom?

This year I was teaching a bible lesson about two people: one worked hard, one did not. When the boss chose the hard worker to be part of his team, I asked the children, "who would you rather be? The hard worker or lazy worker?" One of my kids raised his hand and said, "I would rather be the boss!"
Why did you choose the Texas Teachers program?

I chose Texas Teachers based on the classroom training. It was close to my house. I so enjoyed the classes. I also appreciated being able to talk to a human being whenever I needed to. Kristina became a friend and cheerleader. The Texas Teachers system is logical, precise, and organized. I loved getting my "check mark" on my personal page—I could see progress.
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