What Other People
Are Saying
Bea is an outstanding professional. She is a life long learner who looks at her interactions with children, parents and staff as a gift. Her positive attitude reassures all “that we can learn from one another”. Bea is a team player and models the very truth of what can be done when people work together. Her planning is exemplary and her dedication and delivery of curriculum is a delight to watch. Bea's self evaluation needs no explanation:
I feel I possess the inherent characteristics to effectively make a difference in the lives of my students.
Acting Principal, K-6 School
Bea and her children have overcome and what they all realize should be shared, so others can learn from their journey. Xenia Stanford
She tells this secret openly now. Not surprising that other people who rarely spoke of their family's experience with schizophrenia suddenly tell Bea, “Yes, I know what it is like, my child… my brother… my mother… or… has schizophrenia too.” And in sharing there is a sense of relief. A sense of not being alone. Sense that would not be there had Bea not shared her story with them.
Xenia Stanford
Bea taught her children that no matter how many stumbles, they can still stand up and be proud. Proud and open. Proud and healing. Proud in teaching the rest of the world the valuable lessons they have learned.
Xenia Stanford
Bea's children are incredibly proud of their mother for standing tall and saying, “Hello, my name is Bea Weatherly. I am a mother, teacher, and author. I am here to help you stand proud, no matter what.
Xenia Stanford
I listened to Bea Weatherly speak at a conference in Red Deer in March 2008. Bea's message was heartfelt, personal, knowledgeable, and inspirational. She spoke about courage, her courage in the face of much adversity. Bea's presentation was touching and at the same time humorous. I laughed; I cried; I empathized. Bea is articulate; her speech was organized and logical, easy to follow, yet held incredible depth. There is no mistaking, she is one courageous woman!
Marlene Nelson, Member of the Audience
You have truly turned your challenges into gifts! I look forward to your book. Put my name down for 3 copies. I know that my girls would be eager to have their own copies. They always ask about you when we talk. They absolutely adore your spirited approach to life!
Maryanne, friend
I am thrilled to hear of your speaking engagement in Red Deer because I know how much you inspired me and also guided and educated me. You have saved me much pain and heartache because of your honesty, while also giving me hope and making me embrace the good things, especially humor!
Friend and Colleague
Bea Weatherly's enthusiasm for teaching has been a tremendous inspiration for me over the years.
Friend and Colleague
Bea's generosity in sharing her ideas as well as her resources has always impressed me. She takes the time to listen to others' problems or concerns and seems to have an abundance of helpful suggestions.
Colleague
Bea's skill at encouraging and motivating her peers made her the perfect candidate for the mentorship program. She has worked tirelessly with beginning teachers to create new units and to help implement them.
Colleague
Bea is an adventurous person who thrives on change. When our new math curriculum and resources became available, she embraces it whole-heartedly in spite of the misgivings of others.
Colleague
Students are always excited when they discover they are in Ms. Weatherly's class. Bea is very innovative and resourceful with her students. Her ‘Speech masters program, Chemistry in the Kitchen', and Famous Canadians' celebrations are a few examples.
Colleague
Bea has a way of instilling a great deal of confidence and self-esteem in her students.
Colleague
When Bea takes on a project she always sees it to completion. The talent and energy she brings to a group is very motivating.
Colleague
Bea's expertise, commitment, and experience are invaluable. It has been my pleasure to know Beatrice on a personal level.
Colleague
I really look up to you. You've helped me so much. You have helped me with all sorts of things, like problems with my friends and every day life problems.
Grade 8 Student
I was lying here tonight, trying to sleep but I couldn't. Then, all of a sudden, you come into my mind, and I think of how much you've helped me become a better person. You've changed me over the years in a very good way and I hope you keep helping all the other students, as long as you can.
Grade 8 Student
I was impressed with the positive social climate within the room and the degree of responsibility and self-reliance demonstrated by students. A caring atmosphere exists and all students are treated fairly. Student concerns and contributions are recognized and valued.
Principal of K-12 School
Mrs. Weatherly generously shares instructional resources and learning strategies with other teachers. Frequently elementary teachers will consult with Mrs. Weatherly; they view her as a valuable resource. She works collaboratively and cooperatively with colleagues and in particular, the other Grade 5 teacher in our school.
Principal K-12 School
Mrs. Weatherly exhibits commitment and skill, and serves as a positive role model to students. I thoroughly enjoyed the lessons observed. I feel that students responded positively toward their learning because they like their teacher. The lessons wee exceptionally well done and I wish to congratulate Mrs. Weatherly for her outstanding teaching skills. I offer her my congratulations for her effective and stimulating teaching style. Students are fortunate to have such a resourceful teacher.
Principal, K-12 School
Students can't wait until they are ‘in Mrs. Weatherly's' class'! She is a very compassionate person, always keeping an eye out for someone who needs a little help.
Educational Assistant
Everyone has a voice In Mrs. Weatherly's class. She is excellent at building self confidence in children. She hosts a Speech Evening where students have volunteered to deliver speeches they have learned during the year. Then Mrs. Weatherly presents each student with a trophy!
Educational Assistant
Mrs. Weatherly has a fabulous connection with her students and understanding of their individual needs.
Educational Assistant
Bea has been successful in integrating special needs students in her classroom, has run a speech masters program in her classroom, is participating in our school's AISI Math Project, is the chairperson of the Elementary Budget Committee, and is the acting principal when the vice-principal and I are away.
Principal, K-12 School
Anyone with a non-neurotypical child knows how important it is to be blessed with a teacher who goes to the "nth" degree to make things work for your child and make the classroom a positive experience. Bea is one of those teachers.
My son, Ben, was diagnosed at the age of eight with both Tourette's and Aspersers' Syndromes, lightly seasoned with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Thanks to Bea, we were able to have an excellent teaching assistant that stayed on with him for the next several years. She was eager to modify his education plan where possible and, as a team, we educated fellow students and parents. Turning negatives into positives was our goal and together we accomplished this.
My son, Ben, had many talents and strengths and with Bea we were able to build upon them. A foundation was laid that helped us throughout the rest of his schooling. He graduated in 2006 on the Honour Roll, as he had been for his whole twelve years, and now is on the Honour Roll at the college he attends, where he has taken two years of Visual Fine Arts.
Bea Weatherly will always have a special place in my heart and now with her book she can help you understand your son, daughter, other relative, friend, student or anyone who faces challenges in life.
Linda Kellett, Parent
Bea Weatherly has a passion for learning and teaching. Her students are the beneficiaries of this passion. I have worked with Bea for ten years, and I have seen exceptional learning and teaching happening in her classroom.
Teacher / Counselor
Bea is innovative in the area of Language Arts. She has put together a Speech masters program to encourage students in the area of public speaking. After presenting speeches to be judged by their peers in class, students have a chance to participate at an annual Speech Masters Evening. Each year she invites a guest speaker, often a representative from the Provost Toastmasters.
Teacher / Counselor
Bea led her students in the exploration of scientific concepts with an exciting hands-on approach in which they were encouraged to postulate and try to reach conclusions by devising their own tests and experiments. Bea also inspired colleagues to take the same open approach.
Elementary Vice-Principal
Bea is a gifted teacher whose passion translates to superlative learning experiences for her students. She is a devoted, talented professional.
Elementary Vice-Principal
You're my favourite teacher…you made learning fun and made it seem so easy.
Student
Bea is an energetic, enthusiastic teacher who brings out the best in every student in her class. She has excellent rapport with her students. She is a kind, compassionate person whose thoughtful, generous, caring manner is appreciated by her students. They respect he, speak highly of her and thoroughly enjoy being in her class.
Learning Assistance Teacher
I am very impressed with Bea's work ethic…I feel that Bea is an outstanding teacher whose students make significant progress academically and socially. Their motivation and desire to learn is unparalleled. The grade five program that Bea offers to her students is commendable. Each year many parents request that their child be in Mrs. Weatherly's class.
Learning Assistance Teacher
Bea has administrative experience, and has expertise in developing programs and integrating Special Needs Children in the regular class. Bea has worked extensively with me in developing Individual Program Plans, providing anecdotal records and applications for grants for Severe Disability Funding, and has been involved in many parent I.P.P. meetings. She is a tremendous asset on an I.P.P. team.
Learning Assistance Teacher
Bea has made many contributions to our school. She participates in our “Mentorship” Program in which she shares her expertise with beginning teachers. She is a member of the Special Education Committee, has been the Professional Development Chairperson for many years, and is in charge of our school technology programs. When our administration is away, she becomes the acting administrator. She is valued by all our staff for her commitment, hr willingness to help, and her skills as an outstanding teacher.
Learning Assistant Teacher
Bea taught my daughter in grade three. One highlight that year was putting on the play, Charlotte 's Web. Mrs. Weatherly is still my daughter's favourite teacher, and she blossomed in her class, both socially, and academically.
Parent
Bea Weatherly teaches an extremely diverse group comprising of English as a Second Language students, several students with mild/moderate learning and behavioral disorders, as well as a number of students with social and emotional difficulties…she maintains high expectations for her students…her students have shown remarkable growth as a result of her dedicated approach to teaching.
Principal K-6 School
It is impressive to observe the high level of engagement evident in her students' keen participation and in their obvious enthusiasm for their teacher.
Principal. K-6 School
Bea's strength is her ability to orchestrate the various physical, social, cultural, and emotional complexities within her classroom community into an environment that is conducive to learning. Her considerable experience is obvious as she skillfully facilitates a cohesive and fluid classroom community in collaboration with her grade five students.
Principal
Bea demonstrates genuine care and respect for each student and successfully establishes positive relationships with her students. She is always seeking the right ‘hook' to engage her students.
Principal
Bea has gained trust and respect from parents and colleagues who feel comfortable approaching her with questions and concerns. Her friendliness and openness foster positive professional relationships with all members of the school community.
Principal, K-6 School
In the spirit of continuous growth it is recommended that Bea continue to sustain her exemplary performance as a master teacher! She demonstrates a high caliber of professionalism and sets a fine example for her colleagues.
Principal, K-6 School
Throughout the year Bea has exemplified the highest standards in her practice. Her work is student-centered and it is impressive to watch her interact with her students. Her many gifts and talents are highly valued by the staff.
Principal, K-6 School
Bea believes “learning is more meaningful when students lead the way, and her responsibility as a teacher is to design learning activities based on students' perception of needs and, of course, the curriculum.
Vice-Principal, K-6 School
Bea takes enormous pride in seeing the children grow, change, gain confidence and voice.
Principal
While reading Bridge to Terabithia, she helped children focus on the discussion of issues and as a springboard for writing of speeches; issues include gender, values, competition, body image, smoking, bullying, first impressions, relationships, and idols. She brings science to life (literally) each spring by incubating and nurturing chicks or ducklings. This gives her students an opportunity to look at science in a very real way. It also proves to be an “outstanding memory” that helps create a culture of caring.
Vice-Principal, K-6 School
One of the most poignant moments each year is Speech masters Evening. This night brings together families to listen to their children speak on a self-selected topic in front of an audience of 50-60 people. Highlights of the evening include the proud faces of children and parents alike, the growth shown by children over the course of the year and the interplay between the Masters of Ceremonies and the speakers. It is my guess the trophies, awarded to each student, become significant representations of confidence and pride for her students for many years afterward. Speech Masters enables students to develop voice, both written and spoken, empowering them to become aware of their ideas and express opinions on a variety of topics.
Vice-Principal, K-6 School
Bea exhibits poise and confidence; she is calm and gentle.
Vice-Principal
Bea believes a positive self-esteem is a prerequisite for learning. She is truly a child-centered educator. She believes that tending to the emotional, social, physical and learning needs of all individuals in a classroom, encourages students to achieve excellence. She believes that it is important to encourage students to guide their own learning. This is done by shifting the control from teacher to student.
Vice-Principal
Mrs. Weatherly laughs often with her students and students feel her classroom is a fun and safe place to learn.
Vice-Principal
One of the great strengths that Bea possesses is her ability to teach presentation skills.
Vice-Principal
Bea establishes effective classroom routines and is truly a master teacher with regard to classroom management.
Vice-Principal
Mrs. Weatherly consistently demonstrates respect towards her students and they truly like Bea because of the way she treats them.
Vice-Principal
One of Bea's passions is the art of speech making. Even students who at one time feared talking in public, are now eagerly volunteering to have speaking roles in school assemblies.
Vice-Principal
Ms. Weatherly is an excellent educator who has an absolute love of teaching.
Vice-Principal
