When you see ‘Mr. B.’ in a classroom with his students, it becomes clear that he’s doing more than teaching subject matter; he’s inspiring his students to push themselves and to become lifelong learners.
Indianapolis (PRWEB) January 31, 2014
Seith Bedard, director and lead teacher of the Simon Youth Peabody Learning Academy in Peabody, Mass., is the latest recipient of the Teacher of Honor Award from Kappa Delta Pi (KDP), International Honor Society in Education. Bedard joins a select group of educators who have been recognized with this honor.
Seith Bedard has been an educator with a focus on special education and serving at-risk youth for more than 10 years. He began his career as special education teacher at Peabody Veterans Memorial High School, where he was the primary educational contact for more than 30 students.
In 2010, Bedard was named director of the nationally recognized Simon Youth Peabody Learning Academy, Peabody High School’s alternative program for at-risk youth. The program serves 30 at-risk students at a given time and allows students to learn in an environment, class size, and pace that is most appropriate for them. The program is part of the Peabody Public School District and an affiliate of the Simon Youth Foundation. In 2012, he was recognized as the Simon Youth Foundation National Administrator of the Year.
“When you see ‘Mr. B.’ in a classroom with his students, it becomes clear that he’s doing more than teaching subject matter; he’s inspiring his students to push themselves and to become lifelong learners,” said Simon Youth Foundation President and CEO Dr. J. Michael Durnil. “One credit at a time, Seith helps transform kids who likely would have been dropout statistics into high school graduates, and Simon Youth Foundation is delighted to see his efforts honored by Kappa Delta Pi.”
Bedard is also committed to giving back to the community and is dedicated to connecting his students to social responsibility. Once each month, Academy students join him in community service projects, which have included the Greater Boston Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity, mentoring projects for children with disabilities, and literacy programs for elementary school children.
“Great teachers change lives by inspiring students to recognize their gifts and to learn how to use them inside and outside of the classroom,” said Kappa Delta Pi International President Dr. Mary Clement. “We are so proud of the work Seith has done to improve the lives of the students at the Peabody Learning Academy. He has, no doubt, made them better students, people, and members of the community. There is no greater gift a teacher can give.”
Since the award’s establishment in 2008, KDP has named a very select few from around the world as Teachers of Honor. To earn this designation, an educator must have more than three years of classroom teaching experience, submit evidence of professional development, leadership, community service, and exceptional contributions to the education profession, and demonstrate a commitment to integrity and high standards in the classroom. The award recognizes teachers of all levels, from early childhood instructors to university faculty members. To learn more about the designation, go to http://www.kdp.org/recognition/teacherofhonor.php.
About Kappa Delta Pi
Kappa Delta Pi, International Honor Society in Education, is a 501 (c) (3) organization established in 1911 to recognize and promote excellence in education, provide a reasoned voice for significant issues, and link learning communities of educators. Through its programs, services, and strategic partnerships, KDP supports the professional growth and teaching practices of educators throughout all phases and levels of their careers. The organization currently has more than 600 chapters and an active membership of nearly 40,000 worldwide.