Distinguished Educator — Senator JoAnne C. Benson

An activist and community advocate, Joanne C. Benson has represented Prince George’s County’s 24th Legislative District since 1991 when she was elected to the Maryland House of Delegates. In 2011, she was the first woman elected to serve as the District’s Senator. She is currently Assistant Deputy Senate Majority Leader and chairs the Senate Rules Committee and Prince George’s County Senate Delegation.

She is a member of the Senate Finance Committee; Joint Committees on Children, Youth and Families; Ending Homelessness; Fair Practices and State Personnel Oversight; Management of Public Funds; and the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.

Mrs. Benson takes great pride in her 40-year career as an educator in Prince George’s County Public Schools. She served in a number of capacities including as a Master Teacher, Instructional Support Specialist, Principal, Human Relations Specialist and Parent Involvement Specialist.

Born in Roanoke, Virginia, her family relocated to Hagerstown and she graduated from South Hagerstown High School. Mrs. Benson holds a bachelor of science degree from Bowie State University and a master of arts from Catholic University. She believes that education is one of the most powerful tools anyone can possess and is a constant proponent for the highest quality education for all.