After spending her childhood sitting in the classrooms at Gulf Shores Elementary, Middle and High schools, its only fitting Beth Pearse now teaches in the school system.

Pearse, now stands at the front of one of those classrooms and teaches fourth grade language arts at Gulf Shores Elementary.

“I attended Gulf Shores Elementary, Middle and High School as a child, and I am so glad to have the opportunity to give back to the community that helped me become who I am today,” Pearse says.

After graduating from college, Pearse taught for two years in Tuscaloosa before returning home.

Compared to previous years teaching in Gulf Shores and Tuscaloosa, Pearse says she has been able to focus on teaching language arts classes this year.

“This is my first year to teach only language arts, and I love it,” Pearse says. “I taught science and social studies previously with language arts heavily integrated into the curriculum.”

Pearse says a life at the front of the classroom was something she has thought about since she was very young.

“I have known since I was in second grade that I was meant to be a teacher,” Pearse says.

“I have been fortunate enough to have the opportunities throughout my life to lead me to my lifelong dream.”

Pearse says she enjoys working with her students, and knowing that she is helping shape their character.

“I love being around children and watching them develop into not just a student, but also into a contributing member of their community,” Pearse says. “All children have so much potential if we just lead them in the right direction; that is an amazing thing to be a part of.”

Pearse says her favorite part of her career is working one-on-one with her students and watching them learn new skills and abilities.

“I love watching the students learn and grow as people,” Pearse says. “There is nothing more rewarding than to see a child have an ‘A-ha moment’ for the first time. My students bring me so much joy on a daily basis, and I hope that I can do the same for them.”

When she is not busy with her day job, Pearse says she keeps busy with family and hobbies.

“When I am not teaching you can usually find me spending time with my family, going on the boat or at some sort of sporting event,” Pearse says.