Millennium Magazine_5th Ed

77 Millennium - A Marquis Who’s Who Magazine EDUCATION G rowing up, Dorothy Spurlock Benner always worked well with children, and her family encouraged her to become a nurse. Ms. Benner knew nursing was not for her, but teaching seemed a natural fit. In 1962, Ms. Benner received a BA, and in 1968, she obtained anMA in special education and emotional behavior disorders, both from Colorado State College. Later in 1978, she received an EdS degree from the University of Northern Colorado. Ms. Benner worked as an elementary educator at School District 6 inGreeley, Colorado, from1968 until her retirement in 2002. From1989 to 1993, Ms. Benner was a teacher of night classes at Aims Community College. Prior to her years of teaching, Ms. Benner was a substitute teacher for School District 6 and outlying districts. For her post- retirement years, Ms. Benner has returned to substitute teaching in an effort to still be part of her beloved profession. Before becoming a teacher, Ms. Benner was a telephone operator for Mountain Bell and a secretary at Connecticut Mutual Life. For her dedication and excellence in teaching, Ms. Benner was the recipient of the Lion Award from the Greeley Education Association and the Innovative Educator Award from the Colorado Department of Education. She was also given the Teacher Who Makes a Difference Award fromChannel 4 News Center and the Rocky Mountain News. Outside of teaching, Ms. Benner is a devoted philanthropist. In 2002, she formed a committee and raised enoughmoney to bring five NYPD officers, eight FDNY officers, and their families who were affected by the tragedy of September 11, 2001 to Greeley for July 4th weekend. They participated in the holiday parade. Ms. Benner was touched when one of the officers’ wives told her that the trip helped their healing process. Ms. Benner is a life member of the National Education Association. She served as president of the Greeley Education Association from 1993 to 1996 and the Northern Colorado Uniserv Unit of the Colorado Education Association in 2000 and 2001. DOROTHY SPURLOCK BENNER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL EDUCATOR (RETIRED) School District 6 Greeley, CO