Ms. Benitez' Bio

My name is Elvi Benitez-Mackintosh and I love teaching! I have been teaching at the Escondido Union School District for more than twenty years. I have taught general education classes in grades kindergarten, third, and fifth grade. I also have taught SAI (Specialized Academic Instruction) classes in grades K through 8th. I hold a K-12 Bilingual Teaching credential, a Mild/Moderate Education Specialist credential, and a Master of Arts in Education with emphasis in Special Education. 

I was born and raised in Mexico where I completed a bachelor's degree in business administration. Upon moving to the United States, I recognized the need for bilingual educators, so I decided to go back to school to work on a teaching credential to help meet the educational needs of English Learners.

I closely relate to the needs of our English Learners because I am an English Learner myself. Learning a second language is an amazing experience, however, it is also a tremendous challenge. Mastering the English language while learning academic content takes grit.  The good news are:  All Students Can Learn...Si Se Puede!

This year I am extremely excited to serve our student community as a 7thh grade Math/Science/Intervention teacher at Rincon Middle School.  I can't wait to see how much we will learn and grow together this year. 

My Hope

My hope is that no student is ever afraid to make mistakes or take risks.  My desire is that they will feel comfortable making mistakes knowing that it is through mistakes and reflection that we grow, improve, and learn. I want to facilitate their transition from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset. 

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What I love the most about teaching and learning

What I love the most is to see students become eager for knowledge and gradually turn into self-confident, empowered individuals ready to seek that knowledge on their own. It is a true gift to see them develop a deep love for learning. 

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What excites me the most about  my subjects

Math

Math is everywhere...when we are cooking, when we are shopping for bargains, when we go to the bank... From the beautiful patterns of a snowflake, to the mind-boggling calculations of launching a rocket, math is ever present in our lives. But what excites me the most is that...Everyone can learn math!

Science 

Children are born natural scientists—constantly exploring by touching, tasting, manipulating, and taking things apart. I’m excited to nurture this curiosity by providing opportunities for hands-on discovery and inquiry. I love teaching science because it empowers students to see the world through new eyes, sparking wonder and inspiring them to ask questions about everything around them.

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Advice to self

There is a biological explanation why teenagers occasionally behave in an impulsive, irrational, or dangerous way: Developed amygdala vs underdeveloped prefrontal cortex.