Marcia Benner

State:

Pennsylvania

Testimonial from a participant:

This class was great -- it was energizing, encouraging and affirming. We arrived in quiet, tentative uncertainty. We left in humor and friendship. That, alone, is testament to the motivation you demonstrated as well as the knowledge you imparted all week. You did a masterful job of accomodating the nurse-teacher perspectives. You're an inspiration. I have to admit, this was a pretty good way to spend my vacation! S.W. Allentown. PA

PLS courses I teach:

• Designing Motivation for All Learners™
• Meaningful Activities to Generate Interesting Classrooms™
• Purposeful Learning Through Multiple Intelligences®
• Successful Teaching for Acceptance of Responsibility®
• Building Communication and Teamwork in the Classroom

Year started with PLS:

1986

Why I love teaching PLS courses:

I could never "sell" anything I didn't believe in. Literally everything I have learned in a PLS course has been utilized in my life: both professional and personal! Each time I teach a class it's a great opportunity to refresh my own skills as well as pick up new ideas from our participants.

Another plus is teaching with my best friend and partner, Judy Lalli. The preparation we continue to do for each class we teach brings us new insights and strongly enhances our ability to effectively communicate the material in a fun and positive way.

Education:

• BS Special Education: Bloomsburg State College
• Elementary Education Certification: West Chester State College
• MS Humanistic Studies/Elementary Education: Marywood College
• Over 40 additional, post-graduate education credits

Teaching experience:

• Special Education (elementary and middle school) 17 years
• Fourth Grade: 4 years
• Fifth Grade: 3 years
• Second Grade: 8 years

Related experience, recognition, awards, etc.:

I have done presentations for PSEA on stress management as well as led several parenting workshops.

I am a member of the PLS 200, 500, 1000, and 1500 participants clubs.

What I love most about teaching:

I love learning and I believe that's why I love teaching. I hope my passion for both is contagious.

My favorite moment in teaching:

When I was teaching fourth grade, I had a student from the physically challenged class in my classroom. She had cerebral palsy and was in a wheelchair. Of course, we treated her no differently than anyone else.

At the Halloween party that year, one of the activities planned was dunking for apples. So she could participate, I lifted her out of her wheelchair and onto her knees. While holding on to her waist, to the cheers of the class, she dunked for her apple. I can't remember whether or not she latched on to one, but I'll never forget the smile on her face, dripping with water, and her comment: "I've never done that before!"

Years later, I received a phone call inviting me to her high school graduation. She had plans to become an English teacher and credited me with giving her the encouragement and confidence to become a writer. Naturally, I was flattered and pleased to be held in such high regard. After all, this is why I teach: to make a difference in people's lives. But the truth is, she was the inspiration to me!

Personal information:

I am married to a self-employed graphic designer. We have three children: two teenaged boys and a girl (nearly a teenager herself!), and so raising our family has taken up most of my recent life. I find just about everything interesting (much to my family's dismay). I love reading and am part of our local AAUW's book club. I also enjoy watching and participating in sports (we have a baseball family), listening to music, and I play several instruments. In my first life, I performed in amateur theatre and I still enjoy seeing shows; I just don't get to do it very often!

Additional Courses

Click link below to to view courses that Marcia is team-teaching with Judy Lalli.

Team Benner/Lalli