Clearview Elementary Teacher Beth Smith Named School District of Washington, WINGS Teacher of the Year
Beth Smith, third-grade teacher at Clearview Elementary, has been named the School District of Washington and WINGS Teacher of the Year.
Smith has been a teacher for 29 years from first grade to fourth grade. She’s been with the School District of Washington for 27 years and has been teaching third grade at Clearview for 20 years.
WINGS recognizes a teacher of the year from the School District of Washington each year. The recipient receives a check for $1,000.
“To be given this award is a great honor. My girls had so many amazing teachers along their education journey through the Washington School District. The elementary teachers cared for them and opened them up to a world of knowledge. The middle school teachers helped guide them through those crazy adolescent years, which takes very special teachers. The high school teachers provided a variety and wealth of knowledge to help each of my girls to succeed in college. As a parent, I couldn't have asked for more,” Smith said.
“I have been around a long time and have seen many of the other wonderful teachers that have earned Teacher of the Year. I have been blessed to have worked with several of them and learned from them. I feel humbled and honored to get to join this group of very dedicated and talented teachers.”
Smith is now eligible for the Regional Teacher of the Year. The Regional Teacher of the Year will then be in the running for the State Teacher of the Year.
Anyone had the opportunity to submit a nomination for the School District of Washington and WINGS Teacher of the Year.
SDOW Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Kephart and a committee reviewed the nominations and submitted a group of finalists to the WINGS Board, who selected the winner.
“We were excited to surprise Beth at an assembly at Clearview and showcase her exceptional skills in the classroom. We are thrilled to have her represent the teachers in the District due to her foundation on relationship building in her classroom and her core focus on students,” said Kephart. “Beth knows each student and is able to provide individualized instruction to every student, which improves their success academically and socially.”
Smith found out about the award during an assembly at Clearview Elementary on Wednesday, March 30. Members of WINGS were on hand to make the announcement.
“The most amazing thing about receiving the award at school was that the students were there to celebrate with me. They were so complimentary. Our Clearview kids are wonderful. Their drive for knowledge is what inspires me to try to make my lessons the best they can be,” Smith said. “I do my best to incorporate new learning strategies and technology activities. When a student is interested in a topic, he or she just strives for more knowledge, which motivates me to guide them in that direction. We are lucky that our parents are there to tag team with us as their children pass along through their educational journeys.”
Even growing up, Smith knew she wanted to be a teacher.
“For as long as I can remember, I wanted to be a teacher. My dad, Ron Beeler, started the math department at East Central College and was there for 30 years. He taught a total of 45 years, and that is a great accomplish. My mom, Mary Beeler, worked in the writing lab at ECC. I have several aunts, uncles and cousins that are teachers. I guess you could say it was in my genetics,” Smith said.
“As a teacher, the best reward we can get is to watch our students succeed, be inspired to learn more, and amaze us daily with their accomplishments. There is nothing better than seeing the lightbulb come on. There are not many jobs out there were you can be so blessed to guide students of all levels to reach amazing goals. The kids' smiles, kind comments, silly jokes, funny stories, hugs, and enthusiasm work like magic to make teaching extremely worthwhile.”
Beth has two daughters, Kaelie and Brooke Smith. Both are Washington High School graduates and are enjoying their careers in the business and the medical fields. Beth recently got engaged to Bill Kincaid. The wedding is planned for October 8.
“Both of these wonderful experiences (engagement and teacher of the year) happened to me in the past two weeks. It’s been quite a crazy, wonderful time.”
Smith said she’s proud of what SDOW teachers have accomplished during recent times.
“I would like to compliment all the teachers in the Washington School District. The past few years have created challenges that we had never dreamed of or were initially trained for. Our staff has risen to the challenge, learned new techniques, and jumped in to help one another,” Smith said. “Everyone in every department in the District has gone above and beyond the past few years to continue to provide students with a strong educational experience.”
Beth Smith