Beth Wynn – Morningside Elementary

Beth Wynn is the 2018-2019 Teacher of the Year for Morningside Elementary School. 

Wynn was born and raised in Fort Valley, and graduated from the Peach County School System. She then went on to Georgia Southern University where she graduated with her bachelor’s degree. Wynn’s first teaching job was in 1991 at Byron Elementary School. She was hired on to the Houston County School System at Morningside Elementary in 2016. She is in her 27 year of teaching, is married with two children, and is also a member at Crossroads United Methodist Church. Wynn has also been a mentor teacher, a featured speaker at Rock Eagle Conference, as well as an assistant softball and basketball coach.

Why teaching/What brought you into this field?

“I’ve known that I’ve wanted to be a teacher since I was 5 years old. I just love helping others, but what really put me in the teaching world was that my favorite aunt who lives in Ashburn, Ga. She was a kindergarten teacher. Their spring break and mine were not at the same time so during my break every time I would go down and help “teach.” But when I got older she actually let me pull small groups and work with struggling readers. My favorite part was seeing the excitement on the faces when they finally were able to read on their own.”

Any inspiration from past teachers?

“I couldn’t think of just one teacher because as I’ve been teaching, each year you find someone you can learn from because if you stop learning you need to get out. My motto I got from student teaching in Statesboro with my teacher Kathy Deloach. Her motto was, “may all who enter learn to love, and love to learn.” I’ve kept that with me my whole life. If the students don’t know that we, teachers, love them then they’re not going to learn from you. The school is a safe place, and it’s also like a family. Here at Morningside that rings true, we are family. When one of us is struggling the rest are there to help.”

What do you enjoy most about teaching?

“I have taught first, second, and third grade, and my favorite thing without a doubt from all those grades is watching them grasp a topic. In kindergarten it’s where the foundation is built and when they have all the phonics reading, writing, and math they can do anything.”

What is the most

challenging part of teaching?

“The most challenging part I think is, I view myself as the key and you have to find a way to unlock each child. Every child is different. So it’s really hard to find what clicks for each child. I use music, hands on, body spelling and just anything I can think of. I definitely use technology because some are just drawn to that. If I can find a program that helps them in what they’re struggling with and open them up, I will use it.”

Advice to students

“If you think you can’t do it, you can’t. So always try your best and if you need help I am right here. Try and never give up. I don’t as a teacher. Every year I try to make it better than the year before.”

Advice to parents

“I tell the parents they’re the first teachers, but it’s best to continue to teach them and back up what I am teaching their children at school. For example, if they’re having trouble with money, take them shopping with you and let them purchase stuff. Reading is very important whether it be letting them read a magazine, or while driving in the car have them read billboards. Always look for a way to connect school with home. We’re a team and working together will bring success.”