Teacher Feature: Meet Beauclerc Elementary’s Teacher of the Year!
1/22/2018
Great teachers work tirelessly to ensure each and every student in our city is prepared to make valuable contributions to our city in life beyond the classroom. That is why the Jacksonville Public Education Fund (JPEF) is proud to honor the amazing teaching and learning that is happening in Duval County through the Teacher of the Year program. The journey begins when teachers are nominated by their colleagues and principals at the school level. From there, teachers are invited to participate in the EDDY Awards Experience where we have the pleasure of celebrating the incredible work happening in their classrooms.
As one way of showcasing these outstanding 177 school-level teachers of the year, we are excited to share their stories with you on our blog through the Teacher of the Year Series. Read on to discover how Sarah Campbell exemplifies the incredible work happening in Duval County Public Schools.
Meet Sarah Campbell, Third Grade Teacher at Beauclerc Elementary
I have taught elementary education, first through third grade, for sixteen years. During my time in the classroom, I have served as a single teacher, co-teacher, job-sharing teacher, and department teacher. Each experience has been truly enjoyable.
My high school math teacher inspired me to become a teacher in part because he always made his students feel good about themselves. I struggled with math and he took time to help me and his other students feel smart and capable but didn’t let us get away with anything. He was well-liked and respected by all his students. Thank you for inspiring me, Mr. Redlien from Titusville High School!
I love teaching. I love that when the last student enters my classroom in the morning and the door closes, our day is (for the most part) exactly what I make it. I love that I can set the mood and environment for my students. It feels amazing to turn on the love and cheer even when my students (sometimes myself included) feel grumpy or tired. I love that I can turn a grouchy group of children into interested and excited learners (or at the very least, willing participants)!
As I continue to grow as an educator, I appreciate meaningful professional development experiences. In my teaching experience, I have had interns in my classroom which is very rewarding because I get to shape an educator-to-be! I have attended co-teaching workshops where you learn how to best work with your teaching partner, which is very important when teaching with someone else. Co-teaching was one of the single most amazing experiences of my life--I co-taught with the same person for nine years!
Beauclerc Elementary is amazing for many reasons, one of which is our Dual Language program. The climate surrounding this program is beautiful, one of connected families and engaged students. Our Dual Language teachers are fantastic and the work the students produce is something to see! Beauclerc Elementary’s staff is also incredible. It's easy to be a better educator when you are surrounded by kind people. I am lucky to be surrounded by people who "fill my bucket" on a daily basis. The administration at my school, specifically my principal, has taken an interest in developing me as a person and educator. She has taken the time to publicly recognize accomplishments and given me opportunities to take on leadership roles. She is always there with a suggestion or "next step.” Likewise, my fellow teachers are always there to give me a hand, dole out some advice, or even listen as I cry about a child in need. It takes a village to raise a child, or in this case, a better teacher!
Jacksonville’s teachers work hard to improve their students’ lives and our community as a whole. Please join JPEF in congratulating Sarah Campbell as the 2017-2018 Beauclerc Elementary Teacher of the Year! Leave a comment for Sarah below or share your congratulations via facebook or twitter with the hashtag #EDDYAwardsJax.
Join us on Feb. 2 at the 27th Annual EDDYs Awards to celebrate Duval’s teachers of the year! Buy tickets here.