The WJBD-WSIQ Teacher of the Week is Centralia Junior High sixth grade English Teacher Bette Simmons-Young.
Simmons-Young was nominated for her follow-up with students having difficulty and encouraging students to pursue their dreams and be patient.
She is in her 20th year in education all in the Centralia City Grade School system. Simmons-Young taught nine years at the old Irving School before moving to Centralia Junior High.
She calls the pandemic year “challenging”, especially in keeping students motivated during remote learning periods.
“That’s the biggest struggle that we have, especially reaching our remote learners at home, trying to keep them motivated. It’s not just keeping them motivated but keeping parents motivated. It’s a discouraging time right now. Everything is different and it’s easy to lose focus. I just try to be encouraging and keep my spirits up when I get on the Zoom meetings with them.”
Simmons-Young says without extra-curricular activities, students have a lot of idle time with some of it spent on non-educational internet sites. She emphasizes to the students they still have business to do and need to focus on themselves.
“We were so excited to get back and get with the kids. Day’s like this when the room is empty, that’s how it feels….empty. I like having the kids in the building and especially in the room with interaction because it’s definitely not the same through a computer screen.”
Simmons-Young also has some kind word for parents who she is happy to work with during non-traditional teaching times.
“Kudos to the parents for stepping up and playing a role that many of them are not used to playing. Making sure kids are getting their work done and communicating with teachers. I really appreciate that. And when I get a message from a parent asking for help or a question they have, that says to me they are trying and they are putting forth the effort.”
Simmons-Young, who is also the cheerleading coach, is still hopeful for a basketball season to allow the cheerleaders to cheer.
She commended the rest of the 6th Grade Team at Centralia Junior High noting how they work together and encourage each other.
