Helen Benson

Social studies / English teacher     

" This is the best career decision I have ever made. I love everything about teaching.
The kids are always making me laugh, every day is different, there are new challenges ­ it’s just a great job."

Travel was the only thing on Helen’s mind when she left school, and she had no clear idea about a future career.

" I knew I didn’t want to go to university until I had a definite goal in mind," she recalls. " And even though my parents and sister had been teachers, I didn’t give it a thought then."

Helen worked for two years when she left school, then headed off for three years OE. After completing a degree in New Zealand, she returned overseas again ­ lured by the travel bug. Here and overseas Helen worked in the travel industry.

" When I returned to New Zealand the second time, I knew I wanted to live here and to teach," Helen recalls. " I knew that all the travel experiences I’ve had would be of great use in teaching Social Studies and English."

And that is how it has worked out. Helen’s lessons are illustrated with stories about all the exciting places she’s visited, her travel experiences and tales of exotic locations.

Helen is absolutely loving her first year of teaching at Aotea College. The most challenging aspect is the need to be well prepared, " and the fact that you are totally responsible for making things happen -­ you’re 'it'."

" I love bonding with my kids, seeing them progress and sharing their achievements."