Ben has been teaching at Ensign Peak Academy for four years. He teaches American History, World Literature, Modern World History, Principles of Liberty, Math, and Elementary School Unit Studies.
His mentor had mentioned Ensign Peak Academy to him back in 2020. He pursued a teaching job from there. He had known Diann since their college days. He had also participated in an event she produced. They have known of each other for many years. He has a lot of respect for Diann.
Now, onto my mentor interview with Ben Muhlestein.
What do you love about teaching?
I love to teach because it gives me an opportunity to inspire students to love learning and love the subjects I teach. Also, I enjoy preparing them for their personal missions. I want to help that come to fruition.
It is fun to teach my subjects because there is something inspiring we can learn from each one. Math, for example, is a very inspiring subject. It is a fun subject. We can see God’s hand in math. They can learn that math isn’t untouchable. It isn’t scary. It can be fun.
Why did you decide to become a teacher?
I wanted to inspire the rising generation. Teaching for me is a part of who I am. It is a part of my mission. It is what I was meant to do. I feel fortunate to be in this profession.
How did you become a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? What does that mean to you?
I grew up in the church. It has been a part of my family and heritage. My great-great-grandfather converted in the early 1800s. My family has remained faithful to the gospel. I was fortunate to have parents who continued in that.
It means everything to me. There is no other organization that contains the fullness of the truth, the ordinances, the covenants, and the priesthood like the church does. Other churches are good, but this is where we find the fullness of the gospel. I feel fortunate. As I like to say, we are not on the cruise to have fun. We are crew members and we are meant to lead.
Tell us about yourself and your family.
I was born and raised in Orem, Utah. I lived on a two-acre lot. There, I learned to work the land and do farming. I worked with my father. My parents taught me how to work hard. Hard work was instilled in me as a boy. It’s part of my DNA.
I served a mission in Hawaii. When I got home, I married my wife and started a family.
My wife and I have four boys and two girls. We have been married since 1996.
I have a huge passion for reading, learning, and gaining knowledge.
Where do you live?
We live in Southern Nevada.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I like to spend time with my family and go on road trips. We like to go to the temple. We like to fish. I also love music.
What is something unique about you?
I love classical writing. I like to think about great thoughts and ideas.
What hopes do you have for your students?
My hope is for my students to gain a vision of what they are meant for and to obtain as much education as they can to prepare for that mission. I want young men and young women to realize that they have an incredible amount of potential and abilities. They have a great opportunity to benefit their fellow people today. They are in a unique position to make the biggest impact any generation has ever made. And I want to help them to prepare for that.
I love my students so much.
This concludes my mentor interview with Ben Muhlestein.
Ben is involved in the High School and Middle School programs, as well as the Mathematics program. If you want to learn more about these programs, click on one of the links below: