Carol Bentley

Tell us why you became a teacher

I transitioned from bedside nursing to education with a deep commitment to serving my community in a new and meaningful way. My goal is to inspire and prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals—individuals who not only demonstrate clinical excellence, but who also lead with compassion, integrity, and a genuine commitment to caring for others.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of my most memorable experiences came from a former student now in nursing school. He sent me photos from class with the message, “Mrs. Bentley, this is awesome—I remembered all of this from your class.” His excitement deeply touched me. In that moment, I knew he felt prepared and confident for this next step. Knowing I helped lay that foundation is one of the greatest rewards of teaching.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If awarded $25,000, I would invest in instructional equipment that enhances hands-on learning for my students. This would include purchasing an Anatomage Table and other advanced medical training tools to provide real-world, interactive experiences. These resources would strengthen student understanding of human anatomy and better prepare them for future careers in healthcare