Bethany Gratson

What role have public school educators played in your life?

I was very fortunate to have teachers who were not only educators but also mentors and role models. The education I received served me well not only in high school but also at Pitt where I found I was well prepared to compete on a high level with other students.
My teachers were also mentors, helping in a variety of ways as I chose what courses to elect and how they would transition into higher education.
Lastly, I found the teachers to be role models, showing how to balance professionalism with individuality. I found this especially helpful as I interacted with professors and with patients in dental school.

How has your years in a public school setting enriched your life?

Not only did I receive a quality education, I grew as a person. The curriculum prepared me for college and extra-curricular activities helped to make me a well-rounded person. I also made some lasting friendships.

Why are electives (i.e. performance arts, languages) so critical in public school?

Electives played a significant part for me. What I learned and practiced in art classes enabled me perfect the ability to create aesthetic dentistry.
I took Spanish in high school which proved to be invaluable during my residency at Miami Children’s Hospital in Miami, Florida where the majority of the patients and parents spoke Spanish.

What was your most memorable experience in your tenure at Hopewell schools (K-12)?

My most memorable experience was completing a Senior Project. I spent a week living in a commune type setting in rural Kentucky. We built houses and performed services for those in the direst need. This experience opened my eyes to those living in conditions I had never imagined. I learned about compassion, teamwork, diversity, and human connections in a way that was previously beyond my experience. As a result, I continue to be active in outreach programs.

Why is it important to encourage the next generation of educators to join the profession?

Teachers touch the lives of everyone. For many, it is the teacher that encourages a child to perform and achieve above and beyond what might be anticipated. Teachers really do make a difference. It may not be evident in the immediate – and you may never know the scope of how significant you were in someone’s life, but believe that many become who they are and achieve success because you were a part of their lives.