Tennessee Education Lottery Educator of the Week: Beth Stephens
HARDIN COUNTY, Tenn. — Beth Stephens is a reading interventionist at East Hardin Elementary school. Stephens, a Hardin County native and UT Martin graduate, has been teaching since 2008. “I take out students that need extra help, and then I take them in my classroom,” Stephens said. Stephens spends her morning working one-on-one with small groups of third through fifth grade students. “The rest of my day I spend with fifth graders assisting the teacher and helping teach,” she said. Stephens said she has wanted to be a teacher since she was a child. “I played teacher at home. I’ve always known,” she said. The former first grade teacher followed in her mother’s footsteps, who teaches only a few doors down. With Stephens now working with upper-level students, she said she keeps her teaching style fresh and uses a variety of techniques — especially humor — with her classes. “I always joke with them when they do well and say you must’ve had a great first grade teacher,” she said. Stephens said she also tries to be a mentor to her peers. “I feel like my goal is to help. Not just my students, but my colleagues too, if I can,” she said. Stephens will now be eligible for the statewide Tennessee Education Lottery Educator of the Month award. To vote for her or any of the other nominees, go to seehowitaddsup.com. To nominate a teacher for the WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News weekly award, email educator@wbbjtv.com.
