Mr. Bentley’s Driving School

Welcome! I’m Eric Bentley. My passion for teaching began at age 18, when I worked as a resident camp counselor in Holly, Michigan. I originally took the position for the eighty-dollar weekly stipend plus room and board, which allowed me to move out and live independently. I had no idea I was stepping into what would become my life’s calling.

I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Michigan and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Teaching from Michigan State University, where I also completed a special endorsement in Educational Technology. I began my teaching career with Perry Public Schools in 1994 as a middle school math teacher. By 1999, I had moved to teaching third and fourth grade. Recognizing a growing need for digital literacy, I designed and taught an elementary technology course that has since become a standard part of the curriculum for all K–4 students in the district.

Throughout my career, I have actively sought out opportunities to support students and the broader community. My professional experiences include:

• Empowering all learners, including those with special needs, by tailoring instruction to accommodate diverse learning styles.
• Tutoring home-bound high school students in core academic subjects.
• Facilitating support groups for at-risk pre-teens and teenagers.
• Teaching writing at MSU’s Spartan Writing Camps and earning induction as a Fellow of the National Writing Project.