Fifth Grade

Mrs. Jessica Baker graduated with her Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education from East Carolina University and with her Masters Degree in Elementary Education from University of North Carolina Wilmington. She teaches fifth grade English Language Arts and Social Studies at Edward Best Elementary School.

Lisa Bendel has been teaching in Franklin County since 1990. She received a BS Degree in Elementary Education from Meredith College in Raleigh, North Carolina in 1990. She also has a National Board Certification and AIG Certification. Ms. Bendel continues to serve as a Mentor for Beginning Teachers at Edward Best Elementary and enjoys helping others in the Teaching Profession. She teaches ELA and Social Studies, in 5th grade, at EBES and loves it! Teaching has always been her passion.

Katelyn Dwyer teaches 5th grade math and science at Edward Best Elementary. She graduated Champlain College in 2010 with a degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. She grew up in Massachusetts and attended college in Vermont but after marrying her husband Nick in 2012 they relocated to North Carolina to build a life here. Aside from teaching, she loves to spend time with her kids Ethan and Ella. Whether it is going to the beach or having dance parties in the kitchen she loves to spend any time she can with her family. Katelyn absolutely loves teaching at Edward Best Elementary and being a part of Franklin County Schools.

Mrs. McCracken graduated from Appalachian State University in 1990. She has been a 5th grade teacher at EBES since 1994. She enjoys taking trips with her family. In her spare time, she likes to read.