Words by Anna Lee Vaughn | Images by Ryan McGill
For over twenty years, Beth McLeroy has been on a mission to make learning fun. Before starting her career, her interest in working with children was sparked through babysitting jobs and helping in Sunday school classrooms.
After marrying her husband, Mark, Beth became a stay-at-home mom to three daughters and developed a love for teaching her girls about the world around them. She knew she wanted to pursue a career working with children, and her desire to be like her mother solidified the decision.
“My mom is very good with kids. She can weave a story, and the kids are just entranced,” says Beth. “I wish I could be just like her; she is definitely my role model and inspiration.”
Beth returned to school and received an associate degree in Early Childhood Education from Bevill State Community College in Sumiton. Over the next twenty-five years, Beth poured herself into the students at Sumiton Christian School and the local First Baptist Church.
For the last few years, Beth has worked at Nazarene Early Learning Center, a daycare and preschool with nearly 100 students. Before accepting the position, Beth had been considering retirement. However, she could not imagine being at home daily without the opportunity to impact these children’s lives, and her position at NELC turned out to be a Godsend.
“I thought about retiring, but everything just fell into place perfectly here. I knew this was God’s plan for me to be here. These have been my best years so far,” says Beth.
Beth teaches four and five-year-old children, preparing them for kindergarten in a way that makes learning fun. From questions of the day (polka dots or stripes?) to a Super Mario-themed library cave to the occasional outside naptime, Beth’s goal is to help children learn through everyday tasks and experiences. Beth and her students celebrate everything, from Easter to the anniversary of the invention of chocolate chip cookies!
“If you can come up with a game that entertains them and that they can be actively involved in, then it just cements that lesson. I like to teach the same concepts in different ways, and I’ve always been intrigued by making it fun and interesting,” says Beth. “I have learned not to stress because kids develop differently. Learning should be fun, and we choose to celebrate everything we can celebrate.”
Over the years, Beth has consistently poured her time and energy into each student. Those around her know that Beth fosters an extraordinary love for helping her students succeed in the classroom and in life. WL
