Springfield, Missouri MNES

Beth Whitehead

lbw212w@missouristate.edu

Beth attended William Woods College and Southwest Missouri State University, receiving her B.S. degree in Elementary Education (science and math concentrations).  While teaching full time, she began her graduate work at Southwest, completing her M.S. degree in Elementary Education (science concentration) at that institution.  Since then, Beth has taken much additional work in elementary education, science, math, and technology at Southwest, Drury University, and Truman State University.  She also holds a Missouri Elementary Teaching Certification.

As a 28-year veteran, Beth retired from the public school system in June 2005, and it was the NASA Education Specialist position that precipitated that retirement.  However, after such a long tenure, she still thoroughly enjoyed teaching.  Beth began her teaching career in 1977 as a fifth-grade teacher in the Pleasant Hope R-6 School District.  She taught at Pleasant Hope for two years before taking a position with the Republic R-3 School District.  From that date until her recent retirement, Beth taught sixth grade science and math and, on occasion, at-risk students at Republic.       

A high level of professional activity was maintained by Beth outside of the classroom.  Both captivating and motivating as a speaker, she has delivered many professional presentations.  She also has been extremely active and adept over the years as a teacher in-service presenter and facilitator, particularly in the areas of science and math.  This success led to her dual appointment as a “Lead Teacher of Science” and a “Lead Teacher of Mathematics” in the KSAM (K-6 Science and Math Enhancement) Program, a successful teacher in-service program popular in the state during the 1990’s; and during that period, Beth conducted many KSAM science and math in-service classes.  Beth has also conducted computer education classes for adults.  The preceding, of course, is all in addition to her active roles in curriculum development, committee service, and a host of other contributions at Republic during her long tenure.