Phone:

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

East Carolina University

Ms. Michaela Benoit

Second Grade Teacher

Ms. Benoit is thrilled to join our 2nd-grade team this year. As a graduate of East Carolina University, she brings both experience and enthusiasm to the classroom. Before joining our vibrant community, she had the pleasure of teaching pre-kindergarten and working with academically and intellectually gifted (AIG) students. These experiences shaped her fun and engaging approach to learning. Ms. Benoit is excited about igniting a passion for learning in the young minds of her students. Her teaching philosophy centers on creating a positive, nurturing environment where curiosity is celebrated, and learning is an adventure.
 
Outside the classroom, Ms. Benoit enjoys dancing, working out, traveling, and spending time with her beloved dog, Storm. These passions infuse her teaching with energy and creativity, and she is excited to share that enthusiasm with her students. Ms. Benoit looks forward to working together to make this a fantastic year for your child.
 
My Play-losophy:
 
I believe that every child is unique, and my goal is to foster a love of learning through playful, interactive and dynamic activities that make each day fun and exciting.

Phone:

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

UNC Charlotte- Bachelors of Arts Elementary Education K-6 Minor in Reading Education

Ms. Mackenzie Cutler

Second Grade Teacher

Ms. Cutler is a proud graduate of the Wake County Public School System and was raised in Raleigh. She was honored to be selected for the Wake County Future Teachers Program, which provided her the opportunity to return to Wake County as an educator following her graduation from UNC Charlotte. This will be her first year at Powell Elementary, and she is excited to join the 2nd-grade team as she continues to pursue her passion for fostering children’s growth and helping them reach their full potential.

Outside of the classroom, Ms. Cutler enjoys skiing in the mountains during winter, hiking, working out, and spending quality time with her golden retriever, Samson. She is also an avid hockey fan (Go Canes!), enjoys reading, and values time with family and friends.

My Play-losophy:

I believe every child should feel excited and inspired when they enter the classroom. Each student’s unique strengths contribute to a vibrant and inclusive learning community. By integrating play into learning, students stay engaged, collaborate meaningfully, and explore their creativity—building a positive environment where all children are valued and empowered to grow.

Phone: @MKPrestonPES02

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Meredith College - B.S. Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing and a minor in Psychology East Carolina University - Elementary K-6 Licensure

Ms. Mary Katherine Preston

Second Grade Teacher

Mrs. Preston is originally from Eastern NC and has lived in Raleigh since she graduated from college. She graduated from Meredith College in Raleigh, NC. Mrs. Preston and her husband live in Raleigh with their two children. Her son is a 6th grader, and her daughter is a 5th grader here in Raleigh. She has been teaching for numerous years and has taught Pre-K through 3rd grade.

In her spare time, Mrs. Preston can be found chauffeuring her kids to their extracurricular activities with a coffee in hand. She enjoys the beach, travel, N.C. State football (GO PACK!!), volunteering, golf, tennis, reading, painting, music, and spending lots of time with her family and friends. 

My Play-losophy:

I encourage cooperative play in my classrooms so that my students can learn with and from one another. By playing together, young children develop important communication and group work skills. Furthermore, they can pick up new information and ways of playing from friends which can enhance their cognitive development.