Kathleen Beard is one of the most respected math teachers here at Jacksonville High School. She teaches geometry and statistics throughout the day and keeps working at night. Whether it is grading papers and tests or brainstorming new ways to help her students wrap their minds around the math concepts of the week, she is always keeping herself busy and at the top of her game.
When Mrs. Beard was my age, about to graduate from high school, she had hopes and dreams just like everyone else. Her hopes were to go to college and get her Bachelor’s Degree. She hoped to eventually meet a nice guy, get married, and start a family, as she did. She has two daughters, Erica and Lydia. Lydia is actually graduating with our class this year and headed to Germany for college. Beard is very proud of her family, as at least once a week she has a funny story to share with her students about her life outside of the classroom.
Beard is not like every other teacher in the school or anywhere. She has a very unique and outgoing personality that draws students to her. She sees herself as one of the more easy-going teachers in the building. Whether she has music playing in her room or feeding the students that come into her class with growling stomachs, she is always trying to find ways to help make her students’ days better. When asked what one thing she would want her students to take with them in life after having her as a teacher, she said, “Buckle down and get the job done correctly the first time so there is more time to play later. Be able to laugh at yourself.” Beard’s fantasy for the world is for teachers to be as highly respected and highly paid as professional athletes. Her reason, she said, “After all, we are preparing the next generation for tomorrow, not just entertaining them!”
Being a student of hers this year, I have noticed the interaction between Mrs. Beard and my fellow classmates of the Class of 2015. She says that she would choose the word “spirited” to describe us and her favorite thing about us is the fact that we continually find ways to make her laugh.