Parent Profile: Beth Gish

Photo by Darrin Phegley

Tell us a little about yourself (Family, kids, pets, etc.)
I’ve been married to Michael for 10 years. We have a daughter, Caroline, 4, and a dog, Charlie.

What do you do for a living, and how long have you been in this position?
I’m a 5th grade teacher at AB Chandler Elementary. I taught 1st grade for 10 years at Jefferson Elementary and have been at Chandler for 3 years now, teaching 3rd grade for 2 years before moving to 5th this past year. I will be teaching 5th grade next year as well!

What do you find most rewarding as a teacher? What are the challenges?
I think the most rewarding part of being a teacher is that “aha” moment when you see a student understand something you have been teaching them. In 1st grade, it was definitely when a student began reading and their eyes would light up as they realized they were actually reading the book by themselves. In the older grades, it is more of a math concept they finally understand or doing well on a test and seeing the growth they made.

The challenges were definitely more pandemic related this year with technology and virtual teaching, but in a normal year, one challenge would be time constraints. Finding the time to fit in all the curriculum, while still having engaging lessons and small group times as well.

What hobbies do you and your family enjoy?
We are big UK basketball and football fans, so we enjoy watching or going to games. My husband does the music for the Henderson Flash baseball team, so we are usually out at the baseball field during the summer. We enjoy going to the lake when we can and traveling to Florida to see family I have that live there.

What are your hopes for the 2021-2022 school year compared to that of last school year during the pandemic?
My hopes for this school year would be that we are able to be in person all year long without having to do the virtual learning. I think Henderson County as a whole was very successful in making the virtual and hybrid learning work for us, but there is nothing like having students in person right in front of you. Being able to build those relationships with the students in person and having those connections makes it so much better.

How have you grown as a teacher after going through a nontraditional school year?
I would say definitely being more flexible and being able to work through whatever happens to reach my students. Also, finding new ways to teach using all the different technology pieces out there and using technology with my students in so many new ways.

What advice would you give someone wanting to become a teacher? As schools begin to reopen to a more normal schedule, what advice would you give a recent college graduate beginning their teaching career this school year?
I would tell them teaching isn’t just a job, it’s a calling. It’s something you need to be passionate about and have a desire to continue bettering yourself for your students. As a teacher, you are also a life long learner, always needing to find new ways to reach kids and find new strategies to teach students. This year especially taught us that. Also, learn from other educators and staff around you. Take it all in and soak up what they have to teach you. There will be struggles, but it’s all worth it for the kids, which is why you are there!