January 2025 Winner - Bethany Garrett:(Enterprise Middle School)
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Meridian Family of Stations -
Meridian Star Article
The Golden Apple Teacher of the Month is Bethany Garrett, a dedicated fifth-grade teacher at Enterprise Middle School.
"I have some really great kids coming up into society, and they just make it fun," she shared. "I teach fifth grade, and they really get my sense of humor—which I appreciate! With younger kids, that's not always the case. But at this age, you can build a relationship where they understand your jokes and personality. They make my day better—whether it's a hug, a 'good morning,' or just a smile. That's what brightens my day."
Bethany's passion lies in helping each student build confidence and discover their strengths.
"Not every student walks into my classroom excited about reading or ELA," she said. "But I work to shift their perspective. Every child has their own unique talent—God designed them for a purpose. My goal is to help them see their value, recognize what they're good at, and know that I believe in them so they can believe in themselves. I want them to understand they can do anything they set their minds to—they were made for great things."
She recently celebrated a powerful moment with a student who had struggled on a benchmark assessment.
"She didn't do well the first time, but she worked her tail off. When I showed her the growth she'd made, her smile lit up the room. That moment gave her so much confidence," Bethany recalled. "To see her realize, 'I can do this,' made me feel like a proud mom. That's what it's all about—helping them see their own potential."
