Math: It’s a family business around here.
Go ask a friend who they’ve had for math at WS. Odds are at one point in time, they had a Benton. There are three Benton family members that teach here, and a fourth that works as a substitute. If that’s not weird enough, all three of them coach a high school sport.
Math teacher Emily Benton coaches track, her father-in-law Robbie coaches softball, and Jennifer Walker coaches cheer.
The younger Bentons didn’t just follow in their family’s footsteps, though. They all happen to love math and love teenagers, so teaching just seemed like a natural fit. Plus, to them, it’s a fun subject to work with.
“Until you hit the upper level, [math is] like a game,” said math teacher Robbie Benton, “and it’s all a big puzzle.”
Aside from teaching, working in the same building has some unique benefits for the family. They get to see each other nearly every day, and work together to figure out the best way to teach students. Walker, Emily and Robbie all work in the Algebra 2 section of the Math Department, so they can have in-depth conversations during school about their specific math subject. Being family also helps avoid problems that might come up with regular coworkers.
“You know [the other teachers] very well and we all get along,” said Robbie, “it makes working together much easier.”
Working so closely also reinforces the already strong family ties between the teachers, and they all value the extra time they get to spend together.
“It’s like a family dinner at lunch every day,” said Walker.
Having friends around the school, however, helps with more than just the teaching aspect of work. Substitute math teacher Matt Benton, who is married to Emily, recently helped out the track team and tilled the long jump pits since Emily is a track coach. With family like this, it would be tough to not love your job, especially when you get to spend all day with them.
“I get to see [my family] more often than I would otherwise,” said Emily. This helps keep work problems out of the family environment.
More time with family means more time to work out any issues that might arise, and to work out conflicts in a calm environment.
“We can always discuss family matters over lunch,” said Emily.
Maybe the best part of being together is the family legacy that the Bentons leave for each other and for their students. With each generation comes a new path to follow. The Bentons love being able to set a good example of success that their students can actually see, such as the softball field named after Robbie.
“I can look out at Robbie Benton Park every day,” said Emily, “I have the perfect classroom.”