About Mr. Herriott

Name: Ben Herriott 

School: Lincoln Trail

Class: 5th Grade - 5A

Teaching

I spent my first six years as a teacher in Monticello, Illinois. There I taught 4th graders and absolutely loved it. My family and home are here in Mahomet, however, and when the opportunity arose for me to teach in the community where I live I jumped at it. I feel very fortunate to be able to serve this community as an educator. This will be my 21st year in Mahomet and my 27th year as a homeroom teacher.

I received my bachelors in '97 from Illinois State University with a minor in Psychology (my previous major at the University of Illinois). I received my Masters in Curriculum & Instruction from Olivet Nazarene University in 2006. I also have 90+ hours of continued University credit past my Masters degree. I enjoy learning and applying what I have learned in the classroom. Thoughts of administration have happened, but they never stay very long. I am very happy being a teacher where I really get to know and interact with my students. 

Family

My wife, Laura, works at the University of Illinois as an Associate Director of User Services at NCSA (National Center for Supercomputing Applications). She is a tech wizard, has her private pilot's license, and loves to Jazzercise and keep fit. She is very supportive of my role in education. I'm so thankful for this for those late nights when I'm finishing up school work, or an evening or weekend when I am found watching one of my students perform in an athletic game, musical event, or other extracurricular activity. That's something I feel is important and she totally gets it. Thanks, Laura!

My 23-year-old son, Evan, graduated with a degree in Ag Business at Illinois State University. He is a talented percussionist, a master at swimming, and is one of the funniest people I know. He got married  a year ago to Becca and they have a dog named Sadie. I am very fortunate that they live nearby and that we can spend lots of time together.

My 20-year-old daughter, Ella, loves hanging out by the pool, reading, her car (Rhonda the Honda), and anything that involves her friends or boyfriend, Luke. She is a Junior this year at Illinois State in the nursing program. With her living in Bloomington / Normal during the school year,  Laura and I find ourselves once again as empty nesters. It's always a difficult transition (as she's been home all summer), but she is doing great things and we couldn't be more proud of her.

Finally, I have a 3-year-old English Cream Golden Retriever named Willow. She's so sweet and craves attention. She is such a loyal and friendly companion and we love her so much.