Beth Anderson

Too many favorite memories to share--she is a teacher like no other. She created the word CREATIVE. I remember when she taught and differentiation wasn't a word yet invented. She didn't need an IEP or 504 plan to do what is right (meet the kids where they and align teaching practices to support all learners. Beth had set up her classroom MANY years ago to support student who needed different types of learning spaces but having one side of the room well lit with traditional seating (desks) and the other side dim and couch/soft type seating. When they would learn about concepts or people such as Michaelangelo I had heard with one group she had taped paper under their desks and let them lie on their backs and paint from that perspective. She knew some doodled while they listened (such as my son did in 3rd grade) but she said some just have to keep their hands busy while they listen and said he could always repeat what she said (even while it appeared he wasn't by doodling). Learning was fun in the era where most did the traditional (sit, get and spit) meaning listening and recite. Beth created personalized learning opportunities and provided different types of learning opportunities to support what motivated them to engage. By doing that not only were her test scores great, but she had lifelong learners who developed life skills beyond the textbook.