Teacher helping students become better version of themselves

Tucker Elementary School’s Teacher of the Year Bethany Bembry is one of her students’ biggest cheerleaders.

Growing up around the Atlanta area, Bembry graduated from Berkmar High School in Gwinnett County. About three years ago, she moved to her husband’s hometown, Hawkinsville, where they plan to spend the rest of their lives.

Bembry graduated from Valdosta State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in education for speech language pathology. She received her teaching certificate from Brenau University and her master’s degree in elementary reading from Nova Southeastern University.

This is her third year teaching at Tucker Elementary. She also taught kindergarten and first grade in Gwinnett County public schools for about nine years. For three years, she served as a paraprofessional.

Bembry said she had always heard great things about Houston County’s school system, and when she interviewed at Tucker Elementary, she says she knew that was where she needed to be.

“I had that welcoming feeling in the building,” she said. She currently teaches third grade but will teach first grade next year.

To be chosen as Teacher of the Year, Bembry says it was a huge honor.

“I love the colleagues I work with,” Bembry said. “I’m very privileged to work with so many dedicated teachers who have that same passion for teaching as me. When we come together and collaborate, we’re always putting what’s best for the students first. We’re able to come together and share our strengths and build each other up. I grow professionally as a teacher when I come together and collaborate with my colleagues.”

As far as the administration, Bembry praised them and the principal for being very supportive.

“They always put students first and what’s best for the students,” she said. “[They] continue to push us and encourage us to grow in our teaching skills and learn.”

Why teaching?

“I teach because it’s a passion I have. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. I love the students, and I love helping them become a better version of themselves and putting a positive impact on their lives to want to instill in them that desire to learn for the rest of their lives. This is elementary school, we’re still at the beginning of their career and learning.”

What brought you into the field?

“I originally started off with a speech language pathology degree. I thought that was what I wanted to do. Prior to starting that, I substituted in a classroom and the moment I stepped into that class, I realized this is what I’m supposed to be doing. That’s when I went back to earn my teaching certificate so that I could be a teacher. Being in the classroom, being able to work with all of the students and build relationships, I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.”

Any inspiration from past teachers?

“My third grade teacher, Ms. Simon, and my fifth grade teacher, Mr. Yoder, had a big impact on me when I think back to my education. I always think about the fun and passion that they brought into their classroom, trying to make it as engaging as they could and the loving relationship of how they treated us and the rest of the students in the class.”

Best part of teaching?

“There are lots of great parts to it, but I have to say one of the best parts is when you have a student who you’ve been working with all year, really helping them to build a certain skill or certain area, and that moment when that child is able to succeed and do that skill for the first time. The child realizes the success that they just made and that look of being so proud that comes over their face is the best. It’s what makes it all worth it — all of the hard work and effort that you put in when the child reaches their goal and they’re excited about it.”

What is it about teaching that you like the most?

“What I like most about teaching is being able to help the kids become successful, to realize that they are important, they are capable of learning and that I believe in them — being one of their biggest cheerleaders and supporters and continuing to help them learn and continuing to help them be a well-rounded best version of themselves. It’s not just about the learning, but it’s also about your character and the way that you treat people as well.”

Most challenging part of teaching?

“The most challenging part of teaching is being able to find enough time in the day. I have so much that I want to teach them, so much information that I want to give them and ways I want to help them and there is never enough time for it all. If I could keep them all day long, it would be amazing.”

Anything that makes your job difficult?

“The time is what makes it most difficult, if you’re caught up in the moment and the students are really getting it. It’s just really being able to manage time and keep it all within the school hours of learning.”

If not teaching, what?

“That’s a hard question because I really don’t know what it would be. I love teaching so much and I couldn’t imagine what I would do. I have a while before I retire, but once I retire, I’ll probably still be the one back in the classroom reading books to kids, coming to help kids out. I just have a strong passion for it.”

Advice to students:

“Always believe in yourself, to be confident in yourself and always try even when it’s hard or difficult. The more we try, the more we practice and put in that effort, that’s when the learning comes. Always treat people the way that you want to be treated. Help spread the kindness to others. Never give up and do your best.”

Advice to parents:

“I always appreciate all of the support that I get from parents. I’m always thanking them and encouraging them to continue to do that. Believe in your child, motivate your child and give your child positive feedback. Build them up and continue to make them realize that they are someone and they can do this. Encourage them to do homework and put in their best effort in all that they do.”

Home life:

“My husband is Tilden Bembry. We have been married for 11 years (12 years will be in October). We lived in Atlanta for the first nine years; now we’re in Hawkinsville, his hometown. We have a dog named Bailey. She’s our baby. My mom, Lisa Akers, and my stepdad, Marshall Akers, have been big supporters throughout my college career. My dad, Jerry Thomas, lives in Kentucky. He is a great supporter as well. I love to do things outside. I love to work in the yard and I love to go canoeing, hiking and spending time with family.”

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