Photo courtesy of Amber Benson
Amber Benson, business educator at Hewitt-Trussville High, leads students beyond the classroom with leadership, career prep and a passion for connecting education to community.
Q: Please tell our readers about yourself.
A: My name is Amber Benson. I grew up in Birmingham and graduated from Pinson Valley High School. After earning my undergraduate degree in business administration from Auburn University, I returned to earn both a master’s and an educational specialist degree in business education. I’ve taught at Hoover, Shades Valley and Mountain Brook high schools. I’m currently in my fifth year at Hewitt-Trussville High School and my 18th year of teaching. I have the opportunity to work with the Leadership Hewitt-Trussville and Cooperative Education programs at HTHS. I really enjoy living, worshiping, shopping, eating and serving here in Trussville. My husband, Ryan Benson — who is a Hewitt-Trussville grad — and I have been married for 17 years, and we have three children and a dog. I love watching how the Lord is using our kids on their sports teams and in their schools. We enjoy camping and exploring Alabama’s state parks. Faith Community Fellowship is our church family. They have been unwavering in guiding our spiritual growth, and we would love for you to join us at the Trussville campus!
Q: What grade level and subject do you teach?
A: I have the opportunity to work with juniors and seniors in the Business Leadership Academy. I teach the Leadership Hewitt-Trussville class and serve as the Cooperative Education coordinator.
Q: What do you enjoy most about teaching?
A: I enjoy watching students gain confidence — not just in the school setting, but in their community too. My teacher heart grows every time a student speaks publicly about a project they’re passionate about, and they begin to realize how important they are to the future of our community.
Q: What inspired you to become a teacher? Where did you attend college and how did it prepare you to become a teacher?
A: I attended Auburn University, where I earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a major in entrepreneurship and family business, thinking I might one day own my own business. While in this program, we gave many pitches and presentations. After one class, my professor approached me and — based on my presentation style — suggested that I might make a good teacher. The Lord was patiently waiting for me to listen! It had always been a childhood dream of mine to become a teacher. My mom found an old diary where I had written that I wanted to be a teacher when I grew up. My father was in education, and I had many dear teachers growing up who shared their love for working with youth. After finishing my bachelor’s degree and lots of prayer, I decided to stay at Auburn to pursue a master’s in business education and later returned for an educational specialist degree in the same field. The good Lord’s plan for my life prevailed, and I couldn’t be more thankful for such a rewarding career.
Q: What is the most important value or skill you would like to see students leave your class with?
A: The goal for students in the Leadership HT and Co-Op programs is to connect the classroom to the community. These students step outside the classroom to continue their education in real-world settings — both in the community and the workplace. I hope students leave these programs knowing their value and how to express it while networking and pursuing their next steps. My prayer is to see them return to Trussville to live, work and worship!
Q: What are you most looking forward to this school year?
A: This year’s Leadership HT class is eager and ready to make a difference in their community. I’m excited to see what they will present to the City Council as part of their community improvement projects. They have the initiative, passion and presence to move projects forward! Last year’s class started some great projects, including a community mural, Christmas lights on the mall and Trussville Merchant signs. I’m looking forward to seeing these projects come to fruition.
Q: What is something your students may not know about you?
A: I entered Auburn University as a Bama fan — and graduated as a Bama fan. Roll Tide! I am also a three-time national clogging champion.
Q: What is next for you?
A: Keep teaching, raising kids and retire.
