Teacher Spotlight: Nativity BVM's Betsy Shannon

Media Patch is offering a new feature called Teacher Spotlight where we will feature a local teacher who deserves recognization. Teachers give a lot to their students, schools and studies and we'd like to recognize them and say a simple, thank you, for all that they do.

This Nativity BVM math teacher began her teaching career at 16 years old and taught while she was getting her degree at night. At that time, the Archodiocese of Philadelphia recruited women right out of high school and paid for their college tuition while they were already teaching. They were teachers during the day and students at night.

Teacher: Betsy Shannon

School:

Grade/Subject: 6th, 7th and 8th grade math

Years in the Industry: 50 years

Teaching History:

I first taught at Saint Gabriel's and then transferred to Saint Irenaeus-Raphael in Southwest Philadelphia, and stayed there for 12 years until we consolidated with Saint Clement's, also in Southwest Philadelphia. I taught there until 2003, when with much sadness, the school was closed. I was blessed when I was hired at Nativity BVM in Media and have been here for eight years.

What do you like most about your job:

I consider my position not to be a job, but a vocation. In all my years of teaching, I have many people to be thankful for who have guided me throughour the years, my parents, family, the Immaculate Heart Sisters (who when people enter my math room, they can tell I was IHM trained), many good priests, principals, teachers and friends. Most of all I am humbled by the students who have been given to me to instruct. Some have become doctors, lawyers, teachers, religious men and women. No matter what their position in life, I pray that they have grown up to be good strong men and women of faith. Whenever they come back to visit me, they make me smile and proud of my vocation as a Catholic teacher.

Why did you become a teacher:

I began my teaching, as part of the cadet program of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. A recruiter came to West Catholic High School and many girls accepted positions throughout the Archdiocese. We then had to attend college on Saturdays and at night while teaching during the week.

What do you like best about your current school:

Nativity is a hidden gem in Delaware County. It has a diverse population, with wonderful teachers, principal, priests, supportive parents and happy students. I have gone through many challenges throughout my teaching experiences, from a blackboard instructor to a new technological approach, under the guidance of my principal, Mary Anne Johnston, who has taught an old dog new tricks, and it is never to late to learn.

If you know of a teacher who you'd like to see spotlighted, tell us in the comments section or email courtney.elko@patch.com.