Mrs. Michelle Bennett

Michelle Bennett, an educator for 17 years, currently serves as the Assistant Principal of Palisades Park Elementary School.  She received her bachelor’s degree in K-6 Comprehensive Elementary Education from Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia and a Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University in Portland, Oregon. Mrs. Bennett also earned her credentials in K-12 Administrative Leadership from Queens University of Charlotte and has just completed an additional certification in Exceptional Children's Education from Queens University.

Mrs. Bennett began her tenure in Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools as a Kindergarten, second grade, and fifth grade teacher at Morehead STEM Academy (now Governor's Village).  After moving to Wake County, Bennett served as a Master Teacher Leader and Instructional K-5 Math Coach at Wilburn Elementary School. After 4 years, she returned to CMS to teach and lead math at Northeast Middle School. Mrs. Bennett also had the opportunity to serve as a facilitator at Windsor Park Elementary. During this time, she was able to move to the district level as a leader in the Teaching Residency licensure program, and then on to high school as a facilitator and administrative dean at South Mecklenburg High School. She coached women's golf and was the assistant coach for women's basketball.

Most recently, Mrs. Bennett worked in the Education Leadership Department as a specialist overseeing the Assistant Principal pool and Aspiring Leaders summer program. She worked in partnership with Queens University for the Assistant Principal Academy as well. She founded the Dean Prep Academy and is now going into her second year with her Panther family at Palisades Park as the Assistant Principal.   

Mrs. Bennett is married to Darnell; they have two daughters, Jasmine and Niyah, and a son, Jaden. Mrs. Bennett and her family are members of New River Church. She enjoys music, singing, watching basketball, golf, reading fiction, and spending time with family and friends. Mrs. Bennett grew up north of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with her younger brother and parents before moving to Charlotte to begin her career in education. 

Ms. Bennett believes in enjoying life by being around friends and family, continuously learning, and doing things that make her laugh. She lives by the quote "When you give joy to other people, you get more joy in return. You should give a good thought to happiness that you can give out.”— Eleanor Roosevelt.