Spotlight on: Sarah Beardsley
October 2024 High School Teacher of the Month
The Student Council decides monthly student and teacher awards with a specific category each month. The category for October 2024 for students was fall student-athletes and for teachers was a teacher who is encouraging to all students.
The Senior Student of the Month awards go to two seniors per month who are nominated and voted on by Student Council members in grades 9-11.
The High School Teacher of the Month award goes to one teacher per month who is nominated and voted on by Student Council members in grades 9-12. All Teachers of the Month become eligible to become Teacher of the Year in June.
The October 2024 Senior Students of the Month are Kaleb Davis and Audrey McDonnell. The October 2024 High School Teacher of the Month is Sarah Beardsley.
Read a Q&A with Sarah Beardsley below.
Q. How does it feel to be recognized as Teacher of the Month for being encouraging to all students?
A. It feels wonderful! I am honored; thank you!
Q. What do you believe is the most important aspect of creating a positive and encouraging classroom environment?
A. I strive to ensure that every student knows their value in my classroom. I do my best to make sure every student knows they belong and are accepted.
Q. Can you share an example of how you’ve encouraged a student who was struggling, and how it made a difference?
A. One single example doesn’t come to mind, but I would say all the times I helped students understand concepts they were finding difficult. It is very rewarding to help a student acquire new knowledge and confidence. Guiding students to realizing they are capable of doing difficult tasks is something they will take with them long after they leave my classroom.
Q. What strategies do you use to make sure every student feels valued and supported in your classroom?
A. I think it’s the simple things – say hello to students as they walk in your room, ask them about their lives, listen attentively, attend their events outside of the classroom and give them food. 🙂
Q. Who or what inspires your approach to nurturing and encouraging students?
A. I realize that not all our students have someone encouraging them at home and I think that inspires me to be that much more encouraging when they are in my classroom.
Q. What advice would you give to other teachers looking to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all students?
A. Be genuine and real. You won’t have to work at making students feel accepted in your classroom if you are truly accepting of all students. Build relationships and get to know your students.
Q. What are your future goals in terms of fostering encouragement and positivity in your classroom and beyond?
A. I hope that I have the opportunity to continue coaching. It has been wonderful to be able to encourage and support students in a positive way outside of the classroom.