After over 20 years of working at Cinnaminson High School as a special education teacher and department supervisor, Mrs. Susan Bennett officially retired at the end of January. She taught study skills and integrated math, otherwise known as fundamentals of math.

According to Bennett, she knew from an early age that she wanted to become a teacher. Since then, CHS has become a second home for her. 

“All the people, the administration, especially the students. I just love being here. I love being with the people…” Bennett said. “I love being with my department. I don’t think that there is anything I don’t like except for getting up early in the morning.” 

While working at CHS, Bennett said she faced some challenges, including grappling with new technology and becoming the leader of her department. However, instead of being afraid of this new position, she said she embraced it. 

Over her 20 years, Bennett said she has learned new things and is excited to have shared her life with all of her students for the past two decades. Although she is leaving, she said she is grateful to have saved all of the cards from her students over the years. 

In addition to making connections with the students, Bennett also grew close with her colleagues, including Mrs. Beatty and Mr. Gorman. Bennett said she feels grateful to have a friend like Beatty so close to her and said she is thrilled to have worked with her for many years. As for Gorman, Bennett recalls his being an early member in her department before his being promoted to principal. Over the years she said they have developed a strong friendship. 

According to Bennett, she was consistent in her teaching style over the years, except for when it came to the expansion of technology and  incorporating it in her teaching. However, after teaching at CHS for many years and continuing to grow herself, Bennett said she realized something:

“As you get older, you don’t stress over things anymore,” Bennett said. “There are other things in life to stress over. Coming here was always a stress-free environment and it’s just my happy place.” 

She realized that everything she stressed over was never a big deal and said she wished she had noticed it sooner. 

As sad as it is to see her go, Bennett said she is very excited to finally be able to start a new chapter of her life. She said she plans on doing some traveling with trips booked to Australia and New Zealand for a little while at the beginning of February. She said she also has a trip planned to Hawaii with her family. According to Bennett, traveling was always something she wanted to do with her life and knows that now is a great time to embrace that dream. 

Grateful for the memories and connections she made while at CHS, Bennett encourages everyone to find something they’re passionate about.

“I followed my passion and sometimes, it’s not about making the most money or being famous or any of those things,” Bennett said. “It’s about finding the passion that you love.”