I am an Arizona native.  I moved to Cave Creek as a child and attended CCUSD schools from 2nd to 12th grade.  As a Cactus Shadows High School alumni, I have a deep-rooted sense of Falcon pride.  I can't imagine teaching at any other high school.  In addition to teaching math, I am the Student Council advisor and teach the Leadership class with Allison Zilka.  I think it's important to be a well-rounded student in high school.  Academics are important, and so is extracurricular involvement.  To maximize the high school experience, I hope my students not only study hard, but also immerse themselves in the CSHS culture by joining a club or team. 

To contact Mrs. Bender, please click here.

To access Mrs. Bender's Google Classroom, go to Classroom.Google.Com.
Students have been invited to join - invitations are in their gmail.  

Teaching Philosophy:

“I have missed more than 9,000 shots in my career.  I have lost almost 300 games.  On 26 occasions, I have been entrusted to take the game-winning shot…and missed.  I have failed   over and over again in my life.  And that is why I succeed.”
- Michael Jordan

Dear Students,
My gift to you is a challenge!  My job is to motivate you to embrace the challenge and help you traverse the obstacles.  Your job is to put in the work.  You will struggle, feel frustrated, and experience failure: all evidence that you are learning.  The key is to fail forward with perseverance and integrity.  If you do not give up, you will succeed.  The ball is in your court, and I'm your biggest cheerleader!  GO FALCONS!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Bender