Learning Through Every Experience

Bennett's teaching journey has taken him across very different parts of the world. He began his career in Mexico, later teaching in Gamètì, a remote fly-in Indigenous community in Canada's Northwest Territories. There, learning extended well beyond the classroom. Co-teaching Outdoor Education alongside an Indigenous Language instructor, students learned through authentic land-based experiences, travelling by snowmobile, learning traditional skills, and ice fishing. Those moments reinforced Bennett's belief that some of the most powerful learning happens when education is connected to culture, community, and the real world.

Inspired by the Power of Stories

For Bennett, literature has always been more than words on a page. As a child, he was the type of reader who would secretly stay up past bedtime, using the glow of his alarm clock to finish just one more chapter. That lifelong love of stories eventually became a passion for teaching, giving him the opportunity to help students discover new perspectives, question ideas, and better understand the world around them.

Although he initially planned to pursue a career in Speech Language Pathology, Bennett quickly realized that teaching offered the same opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people's lives. Helping young people grow, develop confidence, and contribute to their communities became a calling he couldn't ignore.

An International Perspective

Bennett has a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and perspectives, shaped by his experiences teaching in different countries. His Master's research into the implementation of the International Baccalaureate in international schools further strengthened his belief in maintaining fidelity while also promoting local relevance and cultural contexts.

Embracing New Experiences

Bennett encourages students to step outside their comfort zones and embrace new opportunities, even those they might not initially expect to enjoy. While sport played a major role in his upbringing in Canada, it was taking chances on activities like theatre and improv that broadened his perspective. He hopes to encourage his students to remain curious, pursue their passions, and care deeply about the world around them, believing that an open and engaged mindset creates opportunities for lifelong growth.