Congrats to Elizabeth Brame of Riverwood Middle School in Clayton the QDR Gold Star Teacher of the month for May!
Elizabeth was nominated by Alexis. Alexis shared:
“They say a good teacher is like a candle: it consumes itself to light the way for others. Elizabeth Brame is the light to not just students but staff at EGMMS. Elizabeth has been a light to students and staff for over 5 years. She started her journey when she student taught, and immediately knew that her purpose was to be the consistency that many students in that community do not have. When others quit she stayed.
She has two kids under the age of 5,and is known for chaperoning the 2-day DC field trip with 8th graders (who she does not even teach), attends and assists in all grade level dances, attends extracurriculars such as softball games, and even supported me at Relay for Life for 24 hours when she should of been home with her babies. She stayed up all night helping with the Trojan Ambassadors even when she was not the faculty advisor. She helped me set up tents, created a photo booth out of pallets, painted a purple toilet to flush away cancer, and even stayed up all night with 6th-8th graders with me.
When most would say it is the end of the year and call it quits, Elizabeth makes sure her students have the resources needed to be successful on EOGS. She wrote warm fuzzies on students desk each day of testing. She empowers students and staff everyday. She finds the good in every student and every staff member. She has taught me that even when the light gets dim to never give up.
We recently had a student overcome an obstacle, and the parent said they did not know how to handle it. Elizabeth volunteered to come sit with them on the weekend so they never felt alone. There is also a student with special needs who at times can become overwhelmed in his elective classes, and Elizabeth has offered her room as a place for the student to decompress so he does not make any poor decisions.
You see, as educators we are not just your candle for one night, rather we continue to be that light for the rest of your life. Elizabeth is her students and colleagues number one fan. She truly is the most selfless and bravest woman I know.
I personally had two surgeries within three months this year and every time I woke up from surgery Elizabeth was there. She is someone who celebrates others triumphs, and is also very passionate to know how she can improve to be a better teacher. When applying for National Boards this year she asked me and other staff members what she could do to be a better teacher for students. She even asked the students. This is something that not many would feel comfortable doing. She empowers everyone she encounters. We need more teachers in this world like Elizabeth”
We presented Elizabeth with a trophy from Creative Images and a $100 gift card from Crabtree Valley Mall! Thank YOU for all you do Elizabeth!