Faculty Profile
Professor and Chair | Childhood/Early Childhood Education Department |
School of Education
In her nine years at SUNY Cortland, Professor Benton has taught a range of courses, including her current responsibilities at both ends of the student spectrum: “Research Methods” for graduate students and “COR 101: The Cortland Experience: A First Year Seminar.”
Professor Benton’s research focuses on professional development for educators that she describes as “the teacher’s voice”—who teachers are and what they do. In particular, she is interested in males who pursue elementary teaching, which is essentially the experience of being a minority because they are affected by gender-based assumptions that impact their interest and success in the field.
What does Professor Benton value most about SUNY Cortland? Interaction with students and collaboration with colleagues, particularly the “Raquette Lake Experience” where every student in the School of Education is offered a two-night guided wilderness opportunity with faculty at the College’s Outdoor Education Center.
“Our faculty are committed to providing direct experience to all our students, especially to those who will be teaching Adirondack history. The rewards are watching students transform, to begin to think broadly about how people learn, and to discover better ways to reach their goals.”
Even in one of the largest departments at SUNY Cortland, Professor Benton says students get concrete results. “If you invest your effort in the SUNY Cortland teacher education programs, you will become a well-prepared teacher. Our students shine as educators of young children.”