Bridges Preparatory School is proud to announce its inaugural Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Jennifer Badgett. Whereas it was hard to choose only one extraordinary teacher amongst a talented and highly qualified faculty, BPS is certain that Mrs. Badgett, who was elected by her peers, will represent the Bridges community well. She is already scheduled to appear at the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting and Civitas Awards dinner May 30, at Dataw Island Club.

“It is extremely important to build a strong educational foundation in kindergarten, while motivating the students to become lifelong learners,” said Badgett. “It is the most essential time to excite a children’s love of school and set the stage for the rest of their educational life. Making learning fun and exciting makes my students want to learn more at the end of the day.”

[caption id="attachment_16685" align="alignleft" width="300"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/School-Bridges-teacher-of-year.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-16685" alt="Mrs. Jennifer Badgett celebrates with her students." src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/School-Bridges-teacher-of-year-300x200.jpg" width="300" height="200" /></a> Mrs. Jennifer Badgett celebrates with her students.[/caption]

She adds, “One must constantly search for new and innovative ways to be rigorous while keeping children engaged. But most importantly, my classroom community is built around two things: Integrity and Respect (teacher-student, student-student, teacher-teacher, student-materials, and student-teacher). As their role model, I have to be the character traits I expect to see in them.”

This year alone, Badgett served as team leader, initiated and organized the school’s K-1 holiday program and STEM night, served on the Head of School search committee, and organized the Coins for CAPA fundraiser which raised more than $1,000.

Badgett said, “This year’s best learning experience was mentoring two fabulous teachers, through which I gained some fabulous ideas! And without a doubt, one of the most rewarding experiences was to become a family with an amazing group of people, as we stayed strong and persevered through uncertain times. I have never been happier than I have this year, and I feel it is a positive reflection in my teaching.”

For more information, contact Josefina Blanc at jblanc@bridgesprep.com or 646-742-7962 or visit www.bridgesprep.org.