by: Marissa Hayes  (Whetstone Staff)

When Mary Jo Benson was 7 years old, she wanted to be a ballerina.

“I loved to dance, and I still do,” she says.

Her dreams of becoming a ballerina changed after she entered Penn Cambria High School in Crescent, Pa., where she was born in 1951.

“I wanted to become an engineer because I always enjoyed mathematics,” she says.

It was a hint at what she would become, a math teacher. Benson, now 61, has been teaching math at Wesley College for 16 years.

“She highly contributes to the mathematics department by bringing energy and expertise,” said Paul Olsen, associate professor of Mathematics. “Most importantly, she is willing to go the extra mile to make sure her students understand her teachings.”

Benson said she loved growing up in Crescent, a small town.

“I lived in a close community with good neighbors,” she says.  “Everybody knew and took care of each other.”

Benson’s career choice changed when she decided to use her love for math and teaching after she was accepted into Penn State University.

“I thought I would be a great teacher,” she says.  “So, I majored in secondary education for mathematics when I went to college.”

Graduating in 1976, Benson continued her education path by receiving her Master’s degree at University of Delaware at 23.  Her first job after graduating was teaching mathematics at Dover High School.

“I worked there for over 33 years,” she says.  “However, I worked here at Wesley as an adjunct for 10 years at the same time.  I taught here two nights a week.”

Frank Fiedler, associate professor of math, says Benson’s experience at Dover High is invaluable for Wesley’s math department.

“We’re about to restart the secondary mathematics program,” he said. “She has been the driving force in the redesign of that program.”

Benson says she tries to have a bond with her students.

“I believe my students think I’m hard, but I’m fair,” she says.  “When students understand my teachings, it feels like I did my job.”

Senior Erich Gillespie says Benson is an effective teacher.

“Because her passion is so unique and genuine,” he says.  “It’s refreshing to see how much of herself she gives to her students and expects nothing in return.”

In 1986, Benson had a life changing experience.

“I had a son,” she says.  “It made me grow up quickly and accept responsibility, because I have to take care of the baby for the rest of my life.”

After retiring from Dover High School, Wesley offered Benson a full time job to come teach, where she has taught algebra, geometry, and calculus classes.

Benson said her most accomplished moment occurred in 2004 when she was nationally certified in adolescent mathematics.

“It’s like when a physician takes a test for state boards,” she says.

The process to become certified did not happen overnight.

“It was a year-long process and a lot of work,” she says.  “It was a really in-depth look at your teaching practices and gives you a sense of what you needed to change.  All the hardship was worth it, though.”

Benson is not only recognized for her teachings, but for her fashion as well.

Throughout the week, Benson can always be seen in matching professional attire with her hair perfectly done.

“I believe I should dress professionally for myself and my students,” she says.

Freshman Jabresha Nelson says she always wonders how long it takes for Benson to get ready each morning.

“Every time I see her, her whole outfit is always put together so nicely,” she says.  “It looks as if it took her hours to get ready.”

Benson says it only takes her about an hour to get ready.

“I have so many clothes, I just go in my closet and pick something out and keep moving,” she said.

When Benson isn’t teaching at Wesley, she still finds ways to stay active.

“I read a lot and I love to dance,” she says.  “I try to work out almost every day whether going to the gym or doing exercises in the living room.  My ultimate favorite is going down to the beach.”