What happens when the teacher becomes a student? Well this year the debate club is going to find out.
Debate teacher Ashley Benoit is taking on debate having virtually no background in debate. What Benoit may be lacking in knowledge she said she is planning on making up for in determination and resourcefulness.
“I knew I wanted to teach at Millard South and when I realized the only position available was an English and Debate teacher, I decided I would accept it. I’ve always loved learning and researching new things, so I decided I could make it work,” she said. “Debate is chaotic but exciting,” Benoit said.
It’s no surprise that because of her interesting situation teaching her debate classes can be difficult at times. But Benoit said she is determined to never give up.
Whenever Benoit gets stumped by a particular subject in class and fears she’s overstepping her knowledge, she pulls out her secret weapons, her veteran debate students. These students include Jacob Rudloff, Kaden Curtis, Kolby Cameron, and others. These students are some of the best in the club. Not only that, but they are also a great help to Benoit. They are understanding of her situation and are always willing to help out not just with other students in the class but with Benoit as well.
“Ms. Benoit is willing and a half to learn and grow and make the team better,” Cameron said. They are as much her teacher as she is theirs.
This alternative approach to teaching the class has definitely had an effect on not only the team but the new students as well.
“The student and teacher-led classroom has made the environment feel more comfortable and makes me feel better understood,” freshman Ava Nattrass said.
