Coral Springs middle school teacher Sonise Benedict gains national recognition for innovative classroom methods at education technology conference
Coral Springs, Florida – Sonise Benedict, an English language arts and reading teacher at Coral Springs Middle School, is gaining national attention for her creative, student-centered approach to teaching. Her work, which blends literature with technology, is earning recognition not only within Broward County Public Schools but also at major education conferences across the country.
Benedict, who has taught at Coral Springs Middle for five years, was the only educator from Broward County Public Schools selected to present at the Future of Education Technology Conference (FETC), held January 11–14 in Orlando. The annual conference attracts educators from across the United States to explore emerging tools, instructional strategies, and best practices in education.
“Her classroom is a model for how technology can be seamlessly integrated into learning,” said a spokesperson from Broward Schools. Benedict’s presentation at FETC highlighted hands-on, interdisciplinary lessons that engage students in meaningful ways while fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
In her classroom, Benedict blends literature with technology to create immersive experiences. For example, while students study Edgar Allan Poe’s The Tell-Tale Heart, they use microbit technology to model the human heart. This exercise connects reading comprehension with science and coding concepts, giving students an opportunity to see the real-world application of what they are learning.
Benedict, a Coral Springs resident, said her approach is designed to prepare students for the modern world. “I want students to feel excited about learning while also gaining skills that will be useful beyond the classroom,” she said. Her methods emphasize collaboration, creativity, and hands-on problem solving, ensuring students remain actively engaged in the material.
In addition to her FETC presentation, Benedict is a 2026 Desmond Grant recipient and a featured presenter at the Broward Schools Teacher Expo. At the expo, she shares innovative instructional strategies with fellow educators, promoting methods that can be implemented in classrooms across the district.
Colleagues praise Benedict for her willingness to explore new ideas and her commitment to student-centered learning. “She’s constantly finding ways to make lessons more engaging and meaningful,” said one fellow teacher. “Her work demonstrates how technology and creativity can transform traditional instruction.”
As schools across the country look for ways to integrate technology while maintaining rigorous learning standards, educators like Benedict are leading the way. Her work serves as a reminder that thoughtful, innovative teaching practices can inspire students and prepare them for a rapidly changing world.
By bringing her classroom strategies to the national stage, Benedict is helping shape the future of education, showing that blending literature, technology, and real-world skills can create a dynamic learning environment that benefits both students and teachers.
