Outstanding
EDUCATION
Gifted and Talented teacher receives honor BY MACKENZI COX
Teacher of 50 years and BISD Gifted and Talented ( GT ) instructor of 45 years , Betty Eberhart , received the Elementary Outstanding Educator Award from Academic Rodeo in February .
“ I was totally shocked and was just enjoying being part of the audience when I saw my face on the screen ,” Eberhart said . “ I lost my comfort of the classroom quickly but it was indeed an honor .”
Academic Rodeo honors three teachers each year , one each from Elementary , Middle School and High School , as Outstanding Educators . The three honorees are recognized on stage and presented with the award .
“ We are so proud of Mrs . Eberhart ,” superintendent , Keri Hampton , said . “ She is extremely dedicated to the success of every one of her students . She instills confidence , helps to develop students as creative thinkers and problem solvers and exhibits care and compassion in all that she does . She is a wonderful example of an outstanding educator !”
Eberhart teaches at 4 campuses across the district : CES , BES , CIS , and BIS . Each week , she travels to the schools and
meets with her students . “ I just love being in a classroom with all things school related and have a passion for learning ,” Eberhart said . “ It is like my safe place !”
She has a different set of curriculum for each grade level . First grade covers the rain forest , second grade covers the history of dinosaurs , third grade learns about the Native Americans , fourth grade covers the solar system , fifth grade learns about the Civil War , and sixth grade covers the Jewish holocaust .
“ Even with so many students to teach and campuses to visit , she always made an effort to make each lesson experience unique ,” junior , Abby Pope , said . “ She centered her curriculum around interesting topics , and we , as students , were always engaged . “
The Gifted and Talented students are selected from their grades , based on many criteria . Due to their advanced level , Eberhart chooses topics that the students otherwise may not learn .
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