September 22, 2026 By Carol Britton Meyer
Welcome to “Five Minutes With” — Anchor’s feature to help us get to know our neighbors. Everyone has a unique story to tell, so let’s get to know each other a bit more! Is there someone you’d love to spend five minutes getting to know? Email us at info@hinghamanchor.com.
Carol Britton Meyer recently connected with Foster Elementary School Principal Heather Benner.
You can learn more about Heather below — her role as Foster School principal, as well as her favorite vacation destination and what she enjoys doing in her spare time!
Name: Heather Benner
Role: Foster Elementary School Principal
How this new position came about: As soon as I heard about the open position, I knew I had to apply. I was a teacher at Foster earlier in my career, and the potential opportunity to lead this special community was one I could not pass up!
What your work involves: My job is different every single day. That is one of the things I love about it. The big picture of my job includes managing daily school operations, leading teachers, and ensuring a safe and productive learning environment for students. So many things fall under that umbrella. My favorite days are the ones where I get to spend the majority of my time with the students, rather than in meetings.
What attracted you to this position: I was an assistant principal at Cole School in Norwell for the last nine years. I was ready to lead my own building, and to do this work at Foster — a community I know and love — is a dream come true.
What you are most looking forward to in your new role: I can’t wait to get to know all the students, staff, and families!
What you hope to accomplish: I hope to ensure the students at Foster School enjoy learning and reach their full potential.
A few details about your background: I went to James Madison University and earned my BA in Marketing. A few years later, I received my Master’s in Education from NYU and taught in New York City public schools for several years before coming back to the South Shore, where I grew up. I was lucky enough to find a teaching position at Foster Elementary at that time. I taught there and earned my Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Educational Leadership from Bridgewater State University and then became the Assistant Principal at Cole School in Norwell, where I live with my husband, two boys, ages 10 and 13, and two dogs.
What makes Hingham Public Schools and Foster School unique: The teachers truly care about their students, and the parents want to be involved. The entire community is committed to providing the best education possible for the students.
Do you have a pet? Millie is a miniature Dachshund, and Darla is a black Lab.
What makes the Hingham community special? Hingham is a beautiful seaside community full of special people who are committed to keeping the town’s history alive. Hingham residents are proud to call Hingham home, as they should be.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Spending time with my family, whether that means going on an adventure somewhere or watching my boys play sports.
Favorite Hingham restaurant and meal: This is a tough one, as there are so many great choices! A top favorite would have to be Tosca — I love their scallops.
Favorite Hingham local spot: The Shipyard — we spend a lot of time there, as we are Freedom Boat Club members and love to get out on the water as much as we can.
Favorite vacation destination: I love anywhere with a beach! Aruba is one of our favorites.
Do you have a hidden talent? I am very good at puzzles, and my two sons were recently impressed with my tennis skills!
Interesting fact about yourself that others may not know: Hingham has a special place in my heart, as my great-grandmother lived in Hingham for most of her life.