Tennessee Education Lottery Educator of the Week: Beth Mathis
McKENZIE, Tenn. — Beth Mathis is back in her old stomping ground teaching 8th grade math at McKenzie Middle School.
“This is my first year to get to be back in my hometown where the teachers that taught me inspired me to be a teacher,” Mathis said. “It’s really nice to be able to do that.”
Mathis has been an educator for 11 years and says it’s delightful to have come full circle. “It’s been really neat to teach in the same room as one of my favorite math teachers I ever had. She taught 8th grade math, and now I’m teaching 8th grade math, even to her grandson.”
Mathis said it’s hard to put into words why she chose this age group to teach, but she says she loves it.
“I like that they’re more trying. You have to really engage them, and they’re just a good age, watching them go from being a kid to start getting into the teenage years. It’s a neat transition to watch,” Mathis said.
She knows math isn’t easy for everyone and said her favorite part about teaching is when her students finally understand a concept.
“I have to teach it several different ways sometimes to get my point acrossm” she said. “When you finally see their little faces light up like ‘I get it!’ — I mean every day — that’s worth it.”
Mathis will now be eligible for the statewide Tennessee Education Lottery Educator of the Month award. At the start of next month, you can vote for her or any of the other nominees at seehowitaddsup.com.
To nominate a teacher for the WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News weekly award, email educator@wbbjtv.com.
