Cheryl Benzinger

Cheryl Benzinger has taught at Park since 1996. Her first position was teaching English in the Middle and Upper School (1996-2000). In September 2000, joined the Lower School as the Kindergarten teacher. Cheryl also was a coach for Park’s cross country team for several years. Cheryl has a BA in Elementary Education/ English from Canisius College and a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Buffalo.

Cheryl incorporates Responsive Classroom and SEL methods into her daily teaching. She feels strongly that the social-emotional well being of children goes hand in hand with academic success. One of Cheryl’s goals is to ensure students begin their academic career knowing they will be supported throughout their learning experiences. Providing positive early learning experiences that foster self-awareness and build confidence will set children on the path to becoming life-long learners.

Cheryl thoroughly enjoys teaching children how to read. Through whole group reading experiences and small group Reading Clubs she is able to meet children at their level and appropriately guide them through the process of learning how to read. To her, there is nothing more magical than seeing the look on a child’s face when they realize they can do it...they are readers!