The influence that teachers can have on a student’s life can be more than they realize. Not only do they teach about certain subjects, but they also have the ability to teach about life and be a role model for their students. Tabitha Ledbetter says that she had a few of those throughout her life.
“One teacher that impacted me was my eighth grade history teacher, Mr. Harmon,” she said. “He was great at always keeping me encouraged and motivated me to do my best! I have also had some amazing mentor teachers, Judy Zorger and Susan Bull that have had a huge impact on my life as an individual as well as a teacher.”
Ledbetter is a third grade teacher at Duke Public School, where she has been teaching for eleven years. Before coming to Duke, she was a first and second grade teacher at Eldorado Public Schools for three years.
Each day when she is in the classroom, Ledbetter is reminded of why she decided to become a teacher.
“I enjoy being an educator because I get to see the growth of my students as they achieve milestones throughout the school year,” she said. “I get to see the excitement on their faces when they finally understand something that has been a struggle for them. That is a reward in itself. I love teaching and even though there are times that are trying, it is so worth it.”
Throughout her career as a teacher, Tabitha has been given different pieces of advice. One of her favorites is one she remembers often.
“The best advice I have received is to always do what is best for the student and to make those important connections with each and every student and their parents,” she said. “Family communication is very important.”
Tabitha and her husband, David, have been married for 26 years. They have three children; Tyson, Kaden, and Sawyer. When she is not in the classroom, you can usually find her with her loved ones.
“Family time is so important and I don’t want to miss out on any opportunity that I am given to spend time with my family,” she said. “Time is precious.”
Life sometimes doesn’t go as planned, but God has a bigger and better plan. I am blessed that His plan led me to Duke.
