After graduating as his high school’s Valedictorian and Music Sterling Scholar, Kenneth Bennion decided to continue his education at Utah State University. He initially was attracted to USU for the engineering program, but after three semesters he decided he would use his abilities to inspire future scientists and engineers in a classroom rather than becoming one in a cubicle. During his five years in Logan, he maintained a 3.6 GPA while pursuing two education bachelor’s degrees in science and mathematics. (And, yes, he is a True Aggie!)

In addition to the rigorous coursework across the College of Science, what sets Mr. Bennion apart is the variety of teaching opportunities that have already come his way. He thoroughly enjoyed multiple semesters supervising physics labs and structuring review sessions for Professor Tonya Triplett’s popular courses Physics by Exploration and Life in the Universe. Of his teaching style, one student commented: “I like how he talks through the problems after giving us a chance to work on it with our partners … It helped me see what parts I was struggling on.”

This Utah-native has also cultivated abilities in cross-cultural communication. He taught in and managed a conversational English program for immigrants in Toronto Canada for two years, and has spent the past three summers with USU’s own Global Academy language immersion program. In the 2012 summer session, “Teacher Kenneth” developed a four-week algebra review course for the participating international students. One honest student wrote: “For a math class, it was very interesting and fun.”

His teaching experience spans different age groups and genres. One semester, he helped USU peers revise research essays as a Writing Fellow. Other semesters, he inspired middle-schoolers with his Society of Physics Students friends by making light-bulbs, playing with liquid nitrogen, and riding on Lagoon roller coasters. But one of his favorite part-time jobs was the two years he spent teaching 4th-5th graders at Birch Creek Elementary how to play not-so-squeaky music on string instruments.

Mr. Bennion will finish his coursework this December and plans to student teach and job search next spring in the Davis County area. He looks forward to helping young men and women acquire the skills and confidence they need to think logically and creatively to solve complex problems. Once settled into his own classroom, Kenneth plans to pursue a master’s degree and teach music lessons. When he is not writing lesson plans, he is probably reading the latest Malcolm Gladwell book, listening to programs on National Public Radio, playing jazz piano, or making a healthy dinner with Katie – his dear wife of two years and best friend for six.

Qualifications

• B.S. Degree: Composite Physical Science Teaching
• B.A. Degree*: Mathematics Education
  – Utah State University, 2013 graduate
    *B.S. requirements + Spanish language proficiency
  
  
• Secondary Level Endorsements
  – Physical Science, Earth Science, Physics, Middle School Level Science
  – Math Level IV

Recommendations

      · Tonya Triplett – UTF professor for physics courses
      · Jim Cangelosi – SCED professor for math education courses
      · Todd Campbell – SCED professor for science education courses
      · Amy Wilson – SCED professor for literacy course
      · Fawn Groves – UTF professor for multiculture course

Awards

• STEM Teaching Scholarship (George & Dolores Eccles Foundation)
  – Awarded to outstanding secondary teaching majors for demonstrating quality scholarship, strong work ethic, community outreach, and future vision
      Reference: Michelle Larson Ph.D, USU Vice Provost, 435-797-1121, michelle.larson@usu.edu
      Link: application excerpt


• ETS Recognition of Excellence
  – Earned a General Science Content PRAXIS exam score in the top 15% of prior examinees indicating high proficiency in science knowledge
      Link: PRAXIS scores


• Undergraduate Research Award
  – For contributions on the high-profile Innovative Design Studio team trained in qualitative research with the goal of improving the USU student experience
      Reference: Jennifer Peeples Ph.D, Associate Professor, 435-797-7440, jennifer.peeples@usu.edu
      Link: project results · news article


• Four-year USU Presidential Scholarship
  – 5 semesters on Dean's List, GPA 3.6

• Undergraduate Teaching Fellow, Lab Assistant – USU Physics Department.  8 semesters, 2010-2012
  – Courses: Physics by Exploration, Life in the Universe, Multicultural Literacy
  – Duties: review sessions, lab supervision, grading homework/exams, lecturer substitute, administrative
      Reference: Prof. Tonya Triplett, Senior Lecturer, 801-390-6638, tonya.triplett@usu.edu
      Links: sample review slides
• Math Instructor, Classroom Assistant – USU Global Academy, English immersion program.  Summers 2010-2012
  – Engaged international students in cooperative learning of English, cross-culture training, & environmental science
  – Created an interactive 4-week review curriculum focused on algebra, math vocabulary, and test preparation
      Reference: Mr. Eric Sims, Program Coordinator, 801-703-1607, eric.sims@usu.edu
      Links: class wikispace · magazine article · memory video
• English Teacher, Area Manager – CTEM English Program.  Biweekly 2007-2009
  – Created conversational lesson plans for diverse fluency levels and cultural backgrounds
  – Trained 15+ teaching staff to direct a city branch involving up to 6 classes, 25-75 students
      Reference: Mrs. Wendy Law, Co-Area Manager, 801-361-1438, wendychipman@yahoo.com
• String Orchestra Instructor, Supervisor – Mountain West String Academy.  3 school-year classes
  – Taught fundamentals of music reading and string technique to small ensembles of 4-5th graders
  – Observed in classrooms to train teachers, auditioned violins for advanced Ambasssadors group
      Reference: Dr. James McWhorter, Program Director, 435-757-5755, mountainweststrings@gmail.com
      Links: program website · scale sheet · letter to students
• Peer Writing Tutor – USU Writing Fellows.  Recommended for position, Fall 2010
  – Advised students in revising research essays for organization, thesis-support, and semantics
      Reference: Amber Bowden, WF Mentor, Amber.Bowden@usu.edu
      Links: comma usage · thesis research · personal reflection

• Outreach, Public Relations, Treasurer – USU Society of Physics Students.  2010-2012
  – Developed curriculum and presented science demonstrations for local school groups
  – Member of outreach team awarded at regional conference for successful growth of community outreach program
  – Media correspondent for Physics Day at Lagoon 2012, Haunted Labs 2010
      Reference: Linsey Jensen, Club President, 801-361-5792, linsey.johnson@aggiemail.usu.edu
      Links: outreach · laserfest · lagoon day · haunted labs 1 2
• Club Presidency, Secretary – USU Math Education Club.  Fall 2012
  – Planned events to prepare pre-service teachers for successful college-to-career transition (UTCM conference, outreach assembly, principal panel)
  – Increased club visibility and participation via print advertising, networking, and online media
      Reference: Brynja Kohler, Faculty Advisor, 801-361-5792, Brynja.kohler@usu.edu
      Links: wikispace · conference invite

• Valedictorian – Pine View High School.  Class of 2006
  – 4.0 GPA, ACT score of 33
  – Passed 6 AP exams (Music Theory & Composition, Statistics, Calculus AB, English Literature & Composition, U.S. History, U.S. Government & Politics)
  – PVHS Math Student of the Year (2006), placed 2nd at Regional Math Counts competition (8th grade)
  – Placed 3rd at State History Fair (2004) for group exhibit about the Harlem Renaissance
  – Awarded 2nd place in school literary competition for prose piece "I sing" and published in PVHS Kaleidoscope
  – Spoke at graduation ceremony to large crowd in DSC Burns Arena
      Reference: Jonathan Howell, Teacher & Vice Principal, 435-628-5255, howell@pineview.org
• Music Sterling Scholar – PVHS winner, Southern Utah Region runner-up.
  – For piano performances, academic record, leadership, and extensive experience in string orchestra, choir, and drama
      Reference: Norman Lister, Choir Director, 435-628-6836
• Eagle Scout Recipient – Boy Scouts of America.  2000–2006
  – 34 merit badges, youth staff member at regional camp (2 yrs)
  – Project for Washington County Preschool: replaced old sandbox with concrete bike path, built large wooden worktable for faculty room
      Reference: Robert Judd, Advisor & Neighbor, 435-680-4089