Pueblo teacher finds success in building student's self-confidence
Posted : Jan 27, 2010 4:51 PM
Updated: Feb 11, 2010 9:29 AM
Megan Betts is a familiar face in every classroom at Pueblo's Haaff Elementary. As an Exceptional Student Services (ESS) teacher, its her job to help kids who are struggling in class.
Betts says she loves being able to work with every child in the school. Her biggest challenge is giving them the self-confidence they need.
"I think it's helping them to see that even though they're different, everybody is different," Betts said. "Everyone is good at something, everyone needs help with some things."
The ESS approach has worked well for nine year old Elijah Sandoval. The third grader says he was "pretty shy" when he first met the other students in his reading group.
"I didn't know them, but then Ms. Betts comforted me," Sandoval said.
Betts says that with a lot of love and a lot of humor, she and Elijah's teacher Cindy Gradishar have helped him to come into his own this year.
"I think building that confidence is absolutely the key to seeing that success and seeing them come alive in the classroom."
Elijah isn't alone. Thanks to Ms. Betts efforts, many students at Haaff are succeeding where they once struggled.
And because of her commitment to see every child succeed, Megan Betts is our January 2010 Teacher's First Award Winner.
Give your exceptional teacher a great, big thank you card live on our air by nominating them for the Teacher's First award! Click here for a nomination form and instructions.
