Laura J. Benson is a native of Gaston County and a product of Gaston County Schools. She is a graduate of Ashbrook High School and attended North Carolina Central University and Belmont Abbey College, where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. Ms. Benson was selected to participate in the inaugural Gaston County Schools Superintendent's Leadership Academy and received her Master’s in Executive Leadership from Gardner-Webb University.

As an elementary teacher, Ms. Benson taught second, third, and fourth grades in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. She gained experience on the middle school level by teaching sixth grade Social Studies and Science and serving as the Behavior Support Teacher at Grier Middle School. Ms. Benson also has experience in alternative education serving as the Innovative Partnership Grant Coach at Warlick Academy.

Ms. Benson has a professional philosophy of children first. She brands herself as an educator who challenges students to be the best version of themselves and to live out their purpose. In her free time, Ms. Benson enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and her two dogs, Barker and Coco. She also loves house plants of all kinds and learning about them. Ms. Benson is actively involved in her community and surrounding area through her sorority.