This week our Cordell Blue Devil Faculty Spotlight is one of the most encouraging and loving teachers, Beth Lindsey. Mrs. Lindsey teaches T-1 and helps each of her students thrive and explore their imagination. She teaches them that nothing is impossible and to reach for the moon!
Can you tell us a little about yourself? Who you are, what you like to do, how long you’ve been here, etc.
Hello, I am Beth Lindsey. The transitional-first grade teacher at Cordell Elementary School. I am a Christian, wife, mother, teacher, daughter, and sister. I enjoy each of the hats I wear. My husband is James and in August we will have been married 25 years. I have two boys Adam, 17, and Samuel, 14. I also help in the youth group at Cordell First Baptist Church. I am also the Co-President of Cordell Band Boosters. I enjoy spending time with my family and helping people. I have been teaching at Cordell for 23 years, and I taught for 1 year at Perry Elementary School, in Perry, OK.
What is something you are looking forward to doing with your students?
I always enjoy doing a Mother’s Day Tea with the students. We memorize parts, make crafts from the heart and serve our Mother’s with a cupcake and punch. I haven’t been able to do this since Covid but I hope we can figure out a way to make it happen again. This day is so special, we dress up and work hard to have lots of goodies for our special someone.
What has been a memorable moment from your teaching career?
I will never forget when a student hit me on the bottom and I was so mad, that I took him directly down to Mr. Hull and told him what he had done and Mr. Hull had to turn his head because he was laughing.
What was it that made you want to be a teacher?
When I was in the first grade my teacher made me cry every day. She was so scary! I then decided I wanted to be a teacher so that no matter what happened someone didn’t have to cry every day. To this day I tell my students the only time you need to cry in here is when you are sent to the office for being in trouble.
What subject/grade do you teach? Why did you choose that specific one?
I teach transitional first because I enjoy seeing the students make such a big progression in their academics as well as their ability to solve and handle problems. I really enjoy being able to help them see where they started and where they are going.
What motivates you to be the best teacher you can be for your students? What are your intentions when you walk into the classroom?
My motivation to do better for my class comes from being a mom. I want my children to have a great education and I want to give that to my students! I want them to know that they are loved and encouraged to shoot for the moon. If you come to my class and ask them what my job is they will tell you “to build us up!” I want them to know that I care about them and encourage them to solve their problems and try the hard stuff.
When you’re not teaching, how do you like to spend your time?
When I am not teaching I enjoy being with my family! I try to go home to Perry once a month and spend time with my parents, sister, and her family. The boys and James keep me busy from assisting at King-Lindsey to watching a band concert, football, wrestling, or baseball.
Do you have any advice for your students?
Never give up till your good is better and your better is best!
Do I have any advice for my parents? Communication is the key. Teachers are pretty understanding of any situation if they are kept in the loop.