Welcome to the last teacher feature of 2024! We are glad to interview a teacher that is very important to Richwoods and the entire city of Peoria, Mr. Benjamin! He is the new Driver’s Ed teacher, and as a teacher is equally fun and serious, wanting his kids to succeed and become drivers. He is from Bloomington, Illinois, and has a daughter named Ainsley and a pet Airedale Terrier named Scout! We are honored for him to take the time out of his busy day to answer our questions!
What made you decide to pursue teaching as a career? Was it an instinctive decision, or did you consider other jobs before teaching?
“Originally, I wanted to be a forest ranger, but my parents pushed me into a teaching career due to its stability, time off, and decent pay. In the end, it fit my personality well.”
What other jobs have you held, school or otherwise, before working as a teacher here, after graduating from college?
“I worked many jobs; newspaper boy, corn detasseler, lifeguard, pool manager, seat vendor for the Cubs, Whitesox, and Bears, Uber driver, and I have held many small, odd jobs. I have only worked with PSD150 for one year.”
Why did you decide to come teach at Richwoods? What do you miss about Quest?
“I had been trying to get into Richwoods for over a decade. When Quest closed, I was given this job as my main option. I do miss the smaller class sizes at Quest.”
What is your favorite aspect of being a teacher?
“The best part of teaching is connecting with students and watching them grow.”
What is your dream car, and what car do you own now?
“I have a Toyota Corolla; I would like a Toyota Sequoia as a larger overland vehicle.”
Why do you like Driver’s Ed and Behind the Wheel?
“I love being in a car; driving is my main passion and hobby. If I could, I would almost live on the road. I average 60,000 miles a year driving.”
Where did you go to high school and college, and what were they like?
“I went to University High School in Normal, Western Illinois University for undergrad, and Aurora University for a master’s degree. U High is one of the greatest schools to attend in the US, I cannot say enough positive about attending U High for high school. Western was a ton of fun, though I wish I had gone out of state…somewhere south or west.”
What is your best piece of advice for high school and college?
“Attend class, do your work, and participate.”
If you could have a lunch meeting with any living person, who would you choose and why?
“My daughter. I would spend my time with her 24/7 if I could. I never have enough.”
If you could visit any place in the world for one week, where would you go?
“Anywhere that would make my family happy, as long as my loved ones are with me.”
What do you look forward to the most for the rest of this school year?
“I look forward to getting more settled into Richwoods.”
Thank you, Mr. Benjamin, for participating in this interview, and thank you for reading!
