Holly Benson

Holly Benson joined Renbrook’s Upper School in 2025 as a science teacher for Grades 5 through 7. Teaching Space Science, Earth Science, and Life Science, she is committed to helping students explore the natural world with curiosity and purpose. Holly earned her BS in Education from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee and her MS in Educational Policy and Leadership from Marquette University. She holds a Director of Curriculum and Instruction License, Principal License, National Board Certification, and teaching licenses spanning Grades 1 through 8, as well as Science and Social Studies.

Holly’s career reflects both leadership and service. She spent two years with the US Peace Corps as a teacher, teacher trainer, and library developer, living in rural South Africa, an experience that profoundly shaped her perspective on education and community. She has six years of experience as a middle school science teacher and has also worked in nonprofit administration and library outreach as a Marquette Trinity Fellow. In addition, she spent two years in private school institutional advancement, gaining insight into the broader systems that support strong educational communities.

Holly believes that education is about developing the next generation of difference makers. She seeks to create classroom spaces where students are challenged to excel and grow into compassionate individuals who care deeply about themselves, each other, and the one planet we share. As an Upper School advisor, she supports students as they become more independent learners, guiding them in building self-awareness and planning their WIN (What I Need) time to strengthen skills or pursue personal passions. She also mentors student leaders in the debate club, empowering eighth graders to lead and teach their peers in a student-driven environment.

What Holly loves most about Renbrook is its beautiful campus and dedicated community. The outdoor classrooms provide students with meaningful opportunities to engage directly with nature, fostering appreciation and understanding through firsthand experience. New to Connecticut, she enjoys exploring the state with her husband and daughter and is on a mission to hike every state park. Summer camping trips, time outdoors, visits to the library, and moments at home with their cat round out her life beyond the classroom.