Polk State Education grad earns Teacher of the Year at Scott Lake Elementary

Polk State College alumna Courtney Bedsole has been a teacher for just two years in Polk County Public Schools. At Scott Lake Elementary School, she has made an immediate impact.

A fourth-grade teacher, Bedsole was named Scott Lake’s Teacher of the Year in April.

“It’s so special because there are so many great teachers and wonderful people who work so hard every day,” Bedsole said about the recognition. “We’re fortunate to have a great group of administrators who support you and help you grow.”

The Polk State experience

Bedsole earned her Associate in Arts from Polk State in 2019 and worked for six years as a teacher at Mulberry Christian Academy. She returned to earn her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education in December 2023. With professors like Niqui Young-Pringle-Brown, Terri Hubbard and Joanne Scharff, Bedsole received valuable hands-on instruction that she’s been able to implement in her classroom.

“I’ve learned so much from them that I use to this very day,” Bedsole explained. “Everything from classroom management to lesson planning – these are tools that aren’t always seen by others but are vitally important.”

The Polk State Education Program integrates English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL); Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM); Exceptional Student Education (ESE); and Reading K-12 endorsements. This customized, standards-based approach is designed to provide graduates with a competitive edge in employment. For Bedsole, however, it’s the people who make the program special.

“We had such good relationships with our professors,” Bedsole recalled. “They shared so much knowledge and experience from throughout the careers. The professors root for you, believe in you, want you to succeed and push you to be the best you can possibly be.”

Bedsole and her best friend and fourth-grade partner teacher at Scott Lake, Hanna Mcdonnell, graduated together. After beginning their Scott Lake careers as third-grade teachers, they each moved up to fourth this school year while essentially retaining the same set of students.

“We made it our goal to work at the same school,” Bedsole added. “To see that happen is a dream come true.”

A lifelong dream

Working alongside her former Polk State classmate, however, isn’t the only dream come true for Bedsole. Teaching is something she’s wanted to do since she was a little girl playing “school” with friends and family in her home.

“I always wanted to be a teacher from the time I was a little girl,” she reflected. “Mulberry Christian called me and thought I’d be great. I took a leap of faith and that changed my life. I can’t imagine doing anything else.”

In addition to her work in the classroom, Bedsole oversees large school events at Scott Lake. The school holds afterschool events, lawn parties and trunk or treats that provide a safe environment for families to spend time together and promote community involvement.

“My biggest goal as a teacher is to make sure all of my students’ needs are met and to put them first,” Bedsole explained. “We try to provide love and support any way we can. You never know how their home lives are. You may be the only person loving them, cheering them on and supporting them.”

What Bedsole finds rewarding about the profession is seeing students improve academically. It’s those moments that serve as reminders of why she shows up to work each day.

“I try to find something positive to make me smile each day,” Bedsole noted. “When you see struggling students work hard and finally have that ‘light bulb’ moment, that makes it all so worth it.”

Advice for prospective teachers

Bedsole was already teaching private school when she made the decision to return to college to pursue a bachelor’s degree. Supporting that decision where Mcdonnell, her parents Steve and Darlene Bedsole and her husband, Antonio Perez. Bedsole said having a support system at home was key.

“My husband, parents and best friend always pushed and supported me,” Bedsole shared. “When I was working two jobs and going to school, my husband was my No. 1 supporter. They all helped me get through even when it was hard.”

Bedsole offered advice for those considering the profession.

“Start studying as early as you can for the certification test,” she urged. “If you’re considering education, your heart has to be in it. We need teachers who truly love what they do and truly care about the students.”

While Bedsole’s heart is for younger students and the classroom, she hasn’t ruled out serving in an administrative role. Bedsole would also like to return to the Polk State Education Program in a part-time role in the future.

“I would love to get a master’s, go into administration and teach at the college level,” Bedsole added. “I would love to come back to Polk State as an adjunct one day.”

The Polk State Education Program partners with Polk County Public Schools to provide multiple different programs, including the Eagle Educator Bridge Pathway Program, which supports paraeducators and long-term substitutes in becoming full-time teachers. The starting salary for teachers in Polk County is currently $47,500 – higher than the national average.

“Polk State has a great program,” Bedsole concluded. “The Education Program has made such a positive difference in our community. I’m proud to be a Polk State alum.”