Madison Elementary picks Beth Massey as ‘Teacher of the Year’

MADISON – When Beth Massey started working for Madison City Schools in 2019, she immediately felt at home. Massey is “Teacher of the Year” at Madison Elementary School.

“Truthfully, I wasn’t seeking a change (in jobs), but I jumped when the opportunity presented itself. I’ve always noted the way MCS focuses on a supportive environment,” Massey said. “As an EL (English Learner) teacher, I appreciated the district’s support to meet the needs of a growing, culturally-diverse student population.”

An educator for 22 years, Massey first worked with grades 5-6 in Madison County Schools during 2003-2005. For Huntsville City Schools for 14 years, she worked as fifth-grade teacher, reading coach and EL teacher for K-8. She now teaches grades K-5 for Madison City Schools.

Accepting her top-teacher honor, Massey was honored and humbled. As EL teacher, she works with students from most classrooms and their teachers. “Being recognized by your peers is always especially appreciated,” Massey said. “I’m surrounded by many incredible educators who deserve this recognition.”

Madison Elementary’s EL student population has tripled in five years. “Relationships I have built with students and their families are one of the things I love most about my job,” she said.

During recent years, several families have arrived from Japan. In 2023, Massey received a Fund For Teachers grant to travel to Japan with another EL teacher for total immersion in Japanese culture for almost two weeks. Massey learned about Japanese lifestyles to better relate to new students.

In Japan, they reconnected with student families who had returned after time in Madison. Back in Madison, Massey applied new understanding for quick connections with new families and shared her discoveries with teachers and students.

This year, Massey, another EL teacher, media specialist and several individuals collaborated to record participation at Multicultural Night. Sixteen countries were represented; 30-plus families brought presentations. “It’s one of my favorite events when families come to share cultural traditions, dress, books and foods,” Massey said.

“One experience that I’ll always hold dear to my heart is a student who (enrolled) in the middle of her kindergarten year. She arrived speaking no English into an environment nothing like home, culture, people and language she knew,” Massey said.

This student “had an unusually difficult time adjusting; it took a team effort to support her and earn her trust. The next year, we all watched as she blossomed into a much more confident, happy girl — all while making great progress with her English,” Massey said.

For Massey, a good day occurs when a student who doesn’t speak English learns to speak confidently. “I feel proud of and for them,” she said.

In addition, she relishes other teachers’ success who weren’t confident working with newcomers but suddenly can. “When students, teachers and administrators come to me for guidance, it gives me great joy to know what I’m doing matters!” Massey said.

“When students see an increase in language proficiency scores while learning grade-level content, I share in their excitement,” she said.

Massey earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education at Athens State University and a master’s degree in curriculum instruction with EL focus at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. She completed an education specialist degree (teacher leader) at the University of North Alabama.

Massey is a National Board Certified Teacher.

Beth and John Massey have been married 35 years. He works as a Program Analyst for Missile Defense Agency.

Their son Blake Massey is a Systems Engineering Manager at Russell Technical Consulting Services. Blake’s wife Michal is a teacher with Huntsville City Schools. Their daughters are Hunter Anne and Brylie.

Beth and John Massey’s daughter Michelle Maher is a neurology resident at Duke University. Michelle’s husband Tim Maher is a Site Manager for Amazon. The Mahers are expecting a daughter in October.

“While growing up in Scottsboro, I developed a love for all animals. We always had dogs and cats, but I also had rabbits, ducks, parakeets, guinea pigs and horses,” Beth Massey said. “My fondest memories include riding horses with my dad and participating in horse shows.”

“I enjoy traveling, learning about other cultures and making memories with my growing family,” she said.