District Leadership

Dr. Karen Benson serves as the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment. She oversees the Paradise Valley Unified School District’s teaching and learning departments, including Assessment, Federal Programs, Fine and Performing Arts, Gifted Services, Instructional Technology, Professional Development, and Special Education.

Dr. Benson is a champion for students, teachers, and leaders in public education. She brings more than 25 years of experience in the field, having served in a variety of roles as a K–12 teacher, district and regional leader, and faculty member at Arizona State University. She has extensive experience in community engagement, teacher induction, professional development and mentoring, leadership development, and leading continuous improvement efforts at the school, district, and regional levels.

She holds a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction (curriculum studies) from Arizona State University and was recognized with the Arizona Cognia Excellence in Education Award for 2023–24.