Most teachers strive towards the relationships that Beth Emerson develops with her students. While Emerson doesn’t have a classroom with students, her presence lights up the school.
Emerson has been working in the Hartselle School Department for 22 years. Before working at Hartselle High School, she was a special needs aid at Burleson. Emerson is notorious for running the coffee shop. The coffee shop was started by Fred Wallace and while she didn’t start it, Emerson says that she “love[s] getting it ready everyday,” and it “helps [her] form relationships with the students.”
Emerson is also known for the selfies she takes around school. Throughout the hallways, it’s never surprising to see Emerson taking pictures with the students. She even runs an instagram account highlighting the pictures she has taken throughout the school day. Her approach to connecting with the students have helped them feel loved and cherished, with many students commenting that if they are having a rough day, a picture with Emerson can make them feel so much brighter. Emerson even used to have a selfie wall where all the students at HHS could go up and find their pictures.
HHS has impacted Emerson in so many ways as well. She even calls the school her “home away from home.” She also told the Tiger Times that this school is like family to her, and she couldn’t imagine working anywhere else.
Emerson is obviously loved by the student body, with every grade including her in their homecoming skit! Emerson says that homecoming is her favorite activity that the school holds, and seeing herself in the skits made her feel so honored and loved.
Emerson had lots of advice to give regarding helping students succeed at HHS. She wants students to know that it is okay to have some fun these four years of high school and to not let the pressure of work overwhelm you. She also wants every student to know that they are loved at HHS and will always have her to come to.
Written by Emma Gregory
Comments