The knowledge that a student's potential to learn is limitless is the foundation of Ben Austin's teaching philosophy. Austin moved to Mississippi from Lima, Peru, in 2011. Originally from Louisiana, having lived overseas since 2006, for Austin the word home had always been a relative term. As Austin graduated from William Carey University and began his teaching career at Petal High School in Petal, Mississippi, he found a new meaning to home. He now considers teachers in the Petal School District his family and its surrounding community his home. Austin uses his global perspective and third-world experiences to offer his students culturally relevant lessons that are imbued with socio-emotional learning. Austin teaches 10th grade world history and 9th grade Advanced Placement human geography.

Austin believes that all students have the right and ability to learn; and to ensure this happens, Austin makes classroom learning relevant and purposeful by creating global connections in his classroom. Through evidence-based teaching and learning, Austin attempts to meet the needs of all students, seeking to empower all students with the life-long learning skills essential to thrive as responsible citizens.

Austin holds a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education, a Master of Education in Secondary Education, and a Specialist of Education in Educational Leadership from William Carey University. 

Please feel free to reach out to Mr. Austin through his email: ben.austin@petalschools.com