Teacher of the year: Stuarts Draft educator has benefited from saying 'yes' to opportunities
WAYNESBORO — As Liz Benbow stood in front of a room full of educators Friday morning, she was just trying not to cry, saying she was a bit overwhelmed.
The Stuarts Draft Elementary reading specialist and the lead reading specialist in Augusta County Public Schools was being honored as the district's teacher of the year Friday morning at Waynesboro's Best Western Inn. She had received the award two days earlier during a surprise visit from central office staff.
"This is the product of saying, 'Yes,'" Benbow told the room, full of people celebrating all the individual schools' top teachers this year.
After teaching literature and then working in management and fundraising, Benbow got her master's in special education. She was offered a job at Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes, which offers programs teaching reading and comprehension. She said yes.
Then she said yes to a job in Augusta County as a special education teacher at Churchville Elementary and, after feeling the need for a change, a friend suggested she use her love of words and become a reading specialist. Again, she said yes.
Over the years, she's said yes to earning her associates-level certification with the Orton-Gillingham Association through the Virginia Department of Education. Yes to becoming a certified LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) facilitator. And yes to becoming the LETRS coordinator for the district, coaching teachers during the year.
That last one was the best yes she ever said.
"I absolutely love getting to teach teachers," Benbow said. "It's been the best."
Stuarts Draft Elementary principal Tina Bowersox said Benbow has a huge influence in the school.
"All the teachers, and myself, look to her for advice and knowledge about reading instruction," the principal said. "She is just so full of knowledge."
After brunch, those gathered in Waynesboro watched a video celebrating all the school winners. Then each principal spoke about their teachers of the year. Augusta County School Board chair Nick Collins told the audience that he and the other board members are so proud of what happens in the division's schools every day.
"So much good happens in our schools in Augusta County," Collins said. "I'm so proud. I will brag on you every time I get a chance."
On Friday, it was Benbow that was the recipient of most of the bragging as the school division celebrated her achievements.
"Maybe I should learn to say no more often," Benbow said. "But I have to say that all of that saying yes to such great opportunities is why I'm here today. I feel so honored."
More: Top teachers: Augusta County Schools names its educators of the year
The teacher of the year from each school:
Elizabeth Ashby, Buffalo Gap High
Brock Barnes, Fort Defiance High
James Nicely, Riverheads High
Jessica Bergan, Stuarts Draft High
Michelle Hutchens, Wilson Memorial High
Elizabeth Trainum, Shenandoah Valley Center For Advanced Learning
Sarah Foster, Beverley Manor Middle
Coralie Roberts, Stewart Middle
Edythe Shirley, Stuarts Draft Middle
Timothy Desimone, Wilson Middle
Holly Lotts, Hugh K. Cassell Elementary
Chynna Kison, Churchville Elementary
Christy Mozingo, Clymore Elementary
Crystal Hostetter, Craigsville Elementary
Rebecca Campbell, North River Elementary
Linda Brake, Riverheads Elementary
Elizabeth Benbow, Stuarts Draft Elementary
Erin Leitch, Stump Elementary
Mallory Claytor, Wilson Elemenary
More: Augusta Health's mobile clinic is taking health care on the road
More: 'Battle of the First Responders,' a kickball tournament, to be held at Gypsy Hill Park
— Patrick Hite is a reporter at The News Leader. Story ideas and tips always welcome. Contact Patrick (he/him/his) at phite@newsleader.com and follow him on Twitter @Patrick_Hite. Subscribe to us at newsleader.com.
This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Teacher of the year: Stuarts Draft educator honored for accomplishments
