Mrs. Michelle Bennett is a seasoned educator with 17 years of experience, currently serving as the Assistant Principal at Palisades Park Elementary School. She earned 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. Additionally, Mrs. Bennett obtained her credentials in K-12 Administrative Leadership from Queen's University University of Charlotte and completed an additional certification in Exceptional Children's Education from Queen's University University.

Mrs. Bennett began her career in the Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools, teaching Kindergarten, second grade, and fifth grade at Morehead STEM Academy (now Governor's Village). She then moved to Wake County, where she worked 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 the math department at Northeast Middle School. Additionally, Mrs. Bennett served as a lead third and fourth-grade teacher, and academic facilitator at Windsor Park Elementary and took on leadership roles at the district level, including overseeing the Teaching Residency licensure program. She later worked as a facilitator and administrative dean at South Mecklenburg High School, where she also coached women's golf and acted as assistant coach for women's basketball.

Mrs. Bennett recently served as a specialist in the Education Leadership Department, overseeing the Assistant Principal pool and managing the Aspiring Leaders summer program. She collaborated with Queen's University for the Assistant Principal Academy and founded the Dean Prep Academy. She now proudly enters her third year as the Assistant Principal at Palisades Park, continuing to be an integral part of the Panther family.

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, where they are active participants and youth ministry leaders. She has a penchant for listening to worship and Broadway music, singing, watching soccer and basketball, reading fiction, and spending time with family and friends. Mrs. Bennett spent her early years north of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania alongside her younger brother and parents before relocating to Charlotte to embark on her career in education.

Mrs. Bennett wholeheartedly embraces the art of enjoying life through the company of friends and family, perpetual learning, and engaging in activities that bring laughter. She lives by the powerful words of Eleanor Roosevelt: "When you give joy to other people, you get more joy in return. You should give a good thought to the happiness that you can give out."