Ms. Benefield graduated from the University of Alabama in 1970 with Bachelor of Arts degrees in English and Speech, a minor in psychology, and a Master’s in special education. After a year teaching in Metro schools, she moved to Pittsburgh, PA, where she taught for six years at a private school for severely emotionally disturbed and autistic children. She also taught classes at Duquesne University.

After a brief move home to Alabama and a year and a half teaching in a high school, the family returned to Nashville. In October, 1981, Ms. Benefield returned to teaching in Metro schools, and was lucky enough to gain a position at J.T. Moore for the 1983-84 school year. She remains a happy Matador to this very day!