Staff Bio: Diversity & Experience

 Diversity & Experience

Staff new to the Winfield Middle School:
Benjamin "Benji" Crump

   At the Middle School, we look for diversity and experience with our staff.  We want to build an environment for students that embraces individuality, acceptances and compassion.  Below, we welcome Benjamin 'Benji' Crump as he introduces himself to the community.

"One of the reasons the thought of teaching at Winfield was appealing to me, is that it is very similar to the town I grew up in. Even though this is my first year of teaching here, this is my sixth year of teaching all together.  

I graduated from Truman State University with a degree in English and Education. Before I graduated I went to Vilseck, Germany to do my student teaching. I really enjoy traveling, so I got my first job teaching 4^th grade in Noorvik, Alaska (Have any of you ever seen the show, Life Below Zero?). I then moved to CenterPoint, Alabama and worked in the middle school. Then I moved back to Conway and taught 5^th grade for three years. Currently, I am here in Winfield. J My wife and I are currently buying a house near Winfield to make this area our home.

        My wife and I got married last year, and we just had our first child; his name is Tiernan. He is only 7 months old right now. My wife, Caylea, is also a teacher. She teaches third grade for the St. Charles School District.

        In my spare time I enjoy being with my family and our son. However, when Tiernan is sleeping, my wife and I also enjoy playing with our two dogs, Rhyme and Reason. I was very excited to move near Winfield, as some of my favorite things to do are to fish, hunt, and be outdoors (doing anything…).

         In addition to spending time with my family and being outdoors, I also enjoy reading. Some of my favorite book series’ and novels are Dragonriders of Pern, Zanth, Where the Red Fern Grows, and Lawn Boy.

        As a new 8^th grade ELA teacher, I think it is important to know that Language Arts was not my favorite subject in school. However, I greatly enjoyed it as I got older and realized I was able to express myself in writing in a way that no other person had ever written before. Every sentence was brand new! It is that enthusiasm and hope that I want each student to try and have for reading and writing as they grow as learners.

        I am greatly looking forward to getting to know each and every student, the parents, and the community here."