EVERYONE (no matter what age) has a chance to make a DIFFERENCE in this WORLD!! 

Hi!! I am Liz Benstead and am thrilled to begin my 8th year at the ROCK as the Service Encore Teacher!! After teaching middle school for 19 years in Massachusetts, I moved to North Carolina to escape the harsh New England winters (my last winter - we had over 100 inches of snow and three blizzards!! ) I have a Bachelor's degree in elementary education from Rivier University in New Hampshire and a M.Ed in secondary education from Simmons University in Boston.  

Schools are the perfect place to engage young people in service both locally and globally, by incorporating the teaching method of Service Learning (meaningful service with curriculum-based learning). I firmly believe that the three T’s of philanthropy (time, talent, treasure) are just as essential as the three R’s of academics (reading, writing, and arithmetic). I am passionate about educating the whole child by using project-based and service learning within the classroom. This school year, our students will be participating in a multitude of service projects designed to teach empathy towards others. I am currently a national teacher ambassador for Learning To Give and an executive board member of the North Carolina Service Learning Coalition. 

Learning To Give

North Carolina Service Learning Coalition

OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL

* I, along with my daughter, Ashley, am a national spokesperson for AdoptUSKids and established Suitcases of Hope. Ashley was adopted from foster care at 16. Today, she is 26 and about to graduate from UNCC. We love sharing our story! 

AdoptUSKids

Suitcases of Hope

* I LOVE to read a good book (currently re-reading To Kill a Mockingbird) 

* Traveling the world, meeting new people and learning about new cultures.

FUN FACTS about Ms. B

* I am also a British Citizen. 

* I am a CAT LOVER. My three kitties are Cookie, Holly, and Wednesday. MEEEOOOWW

* I have a grandpuppy, Bella Boo, whom I love dearly.

* Eeyore (from Winnie the Pooh) is my favorite Disney character (sorry Mickey!) 

Feel free to contact me with any questions/concerns about the Service Encore Class. 

elizabeth.benstead@cabarrus.k12.nc.us