A Legacy of Kindness: Celebrating Brenda Beals’ Three Decades at St. Joseph Elementary

As the school year draws to a close at St. Joseph Elementary, it marks not just the end of another academic year but also the culmination of a remarkable teaching career. Brenda Beals, a beloved figure in the halls of St. Joseph, is retiring after an inspiring 32-year tenure. Her journey through the world of education has not only shaped the lives of countless students but also left an indelible mark on the community.

A Lifelong Passion for Teaching

From an early age, Brenda knew her calling. 

“Growing up, I always wanted to be a teacher and a mom,” she recalls. “I’ve been so blessed to have been able to be both!” 

Brenda’s professional journey at St. Joseph began and flourished exclusively within its nurturing environment, where she taught kindergarten, first grade, and briefly, second grade. Her dedication was fueled by the joy of being a child’s first formal teacher.

 “I get the opportunity to foster in them a love of school and learning, and make school so much fun that they can’t wait to come each day,” she explains.

Building Relationships: The Heart of Education

If there’s one piece of advice Brenda cherishes, it’s the importance of relationships. She stresses the significance of connecting with students, understanding their interests, and the pivotal role families play in the educational process. 

“Make connections with your students’ families. They are your partners in educating your students,” she advises budding educators. “Make connections with your students’ families. They are your partners in educating your students.  Make connections with your colleagues. They are your best resources for help and advice.”

Her colleagues, too, have been a source of support and inspiration. Brenda believes firmly in the power of collaborative effort and mutual support among teachers.

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Your administrators and colleagues will not think less of you when you ask for advice,” she shares.” We all want to work together to help students be successful!

Embracing the Future

Retirement doesn’t mean stepping away from education for Brenda. She plans to continue impacting young lives through substitute teaching and volunteer work, knowing that there is still room to grow.

“I think that being a teacher has reminded me that we always have something to learn – no matter how old we are,” she said. “Our world has changed immensely over the last 32 years.  The changes in society, technology, and families alone require us to be flexible and constantly seek new ways to engage students and excite them about learning.”

The Impact of a Teacher

Brenda hopes her students remember her as someone who always looked for the positive in every situation and treated everyone as part of her extended family. Her legacy, she hopes, will be one of kindness and positivity, qualities she has endeavored to embody every day.

“I hope my students and colleagues will remember how important they were to me,” she said. “And, I also hope that they will remember that they will always be my ‘family.’”

“I hope that my students learned to love school and learning.  I also hope that they learned about the power of friendship, kind words, hard work, and determination.”