LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

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Betsy Stewart

Position: First Grade Teacher
School: Upson-Lee Primary School
School District: Thomaston-Upson Schools
City, State: Thomaston, GA

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Music that Describes Betsy


Betsy Stewart's nominator would like to remain anonymous.

Ms. Stewart's one of the greatest humans on the planet. It's a popular belief in Thomaston, GA that she is one of the best first grade teachers on the planet, as well. Dozens of parents request their kids to be in her class every year. They realize how great of an impact she makes on her students' lives. She calls her students her kids and treats them as such. The impact she has on her community is apparent, from having test scores that show exceptional growth, to being a highly requested teacher in the school system, to having her students cry on their last day because they don't want to leave her class."

Ms. Stewart is also the contemporary music minister for First United Methodist Church in Thomaston, where she is beloved by the staff and members of the church alike. As a single mother to four children for seven years, she has had to pick up several side jobs to provide for her family. As if she has enough on her hands with two part-time jobs, she is also a dance teacher at the local dance school, where she continues to make an impact with girls of all ages.

"Her class is everyone's favorite because of how fun and sweet she is, and I have heard nothing but great things about her dance moves," said her nominator. "Betsy's also an artist who hand paints door hangs for all of her coworkers' classroom doors, and for anyone who requests one from her on Facebook."

"I truly believe Betsy is a LifeChanger because she puts everyone before herself," said her nominator. "Her family, students, coworkers, and church members all see the sacrifices she makes and how hard she works without ever asking for recognition. I know that it would mean the world to her to feel like someone appreciates her."

Comments (27)

Ken Love Posted over a year ago

If you love life, don’t waste time, for time is what life is made up of. -Bruce Lee So spend time with God, worship, pray, attend church, love your family, commit to the one you love, encourage one another, speak life, say I love you, serve, laugh, be your best self. Love God, Love People..... you never know how long the people in your life will be there. Life is but a vapor... so don’t waste it. This was a FB post by Betsy. It tells the kind of person she is. This is reflected in her relationships with school, her students, and other staff members. She loves every child in her class and they know it. She believes that " no child should be left behind" and teaches by that belief.

Marilyn Posted over a year ago

Betsy is an awesome teacher. I am so thankful she had my grandson in her first grade classroom. Teaching students with disabilities can be very difficult and challenging . However , Betsy encouraged my grandson academically, and made him feel included socially. The confidence my grandson gained in her classroom will help him become a more successful adult. I am forever hateful for Betsy Stewart, and I highly recommend her for this award !

Linda best Posted over a year ago

So happy for your deserving nomination

Kenneth B Love Posted over a year ago

I have know Betsy form the day she was born. She is a loving person and has special love for every child that comes into her classroom. Her smile tells each child that I love you, that you are special, and you can succeed in my class. She goes to great pains to make her classroom a special place to be as they go through their learning process. She believes that "no child should be left behind" and lives by that with special attention to those children who may not have the same learning abilities as others. She is humble and never speaks of her on acomplishments, but praises others.She is loved in school, her community, her church, and especially her home. I am proud that she is my daughter and the mother of my special grandchildren.

Chasity Raybon Posted over a year ago

Betsy is one of the most humble sweetest and loveable teachers my family has had the privilege to meet. My brother and sister had her and of course one of my son's had her. To this day my son is in 5th grade now and in his eyes Ms. Stewart is the best ever. He has even told his teachers up to to-date that he is her baby and he truly feels that way cause her and her team that year loved him so much that he talks about her frequently and loves to run into her from time to time. Because of her love, support and dedication to her "babies" as she calls every one of the kids that cross her door way he is and has been since 1st grade several grades ahead of him mentally. We could never thank her or repay her for the mighty impact she has had on our family. We love Ms. Betsy Stewart and she is very much deserving of this!

Carmen Ellerbee Posted over a year ago

Betsy is one of those people who lights up the room when they enter. She has a sweet spirit and gentleness about her that draws you in. Any student would be blessed to have her as their teacher. This is a well deserved honor for a hard working mother, teacher and community volunteer! ??

DeAnna Cummings Posted over a year ago

Let me tell you about Ms Betsy, she has been a part of my daughter's life since birth, and a huge part of her Dance. She has given my April the confidence to face many trials and tribulations in her 13 years of life, She stood not only with my 13 year old but myself and family through some of the darkest days, during the loss of my precious 22 year old Son. She sat and Love us without judgement, and encouraged my youngest daughter to push forward, My 13 year old was 8 then, and I am so thankful that Ms Betsy was an influence at that time and still now. My daughter is an amazing dancer and confident with herself because Ms Betsy was in her life. She absolutely deserves this recognition.

Kathryn ozley Posted over a year ago

Betsy is one of the best teachers my child has ever had! She is always a shining light for the children of this community. From the class room to dance, to making sure less fortunate little girls have a mum for homecoming, she puts the children first! I will forever be thankful for the love and devotion she should to my child!

Tim Lewis Posted over a year ago

You are an awesome example yourself. Our little town, or state, our country, and our world needs more Betsy’s!! One way our family has been blessed is having you be part of our 2 daughters, Kelli and Katelyn, lives during dance. Thank you for being a blessing to us!!

Sherry Green Posted over a year ago

Amazing teacher, mother, and friend. Our community is so much better with her in it.

Jamie Arkins Posted over a year ago

This teacher changes lives! She might even be teaching a future President of the United States. Please award Betsy Stewart!!

Ashlie webb Posted over a year ago

Betsy taught in second grade and then I had the privilege of working for her for a few years and she helped me through a tough time and she is always leading me to Jesus. She is always smiling even through her own struggles. She is always uplifting and is true soul for Jesus and shining his light. Betsy has helped me in so many ways. I love her to pieces and so thankful for her friendship!

Peggy greene Posted over a year ago

I’m so proud to say I know u!

Kelli Owen Posted over a year ago

I have known Betsy for most of our lives and I cannot think of a more deserving person for this award. She always puts others first and continues to persevere no matter what life throws at her

Jennifer Adams Posted over a year ago

Betsy was my daughter's teacher and Caitlyn loved her class. Even though the year ended early due to the pandemic Betsy still showed great love for her students. She created a zoom call with the students and it was a beautiful moment to see the kids talk with one another and thier teacher. She always wanted the best for her students and made sure they received it. Thank you Betsy for all you do!!

Mandi Hadley Posted over a year ago

Such an amazing woman that deserves the world ! She has persevered so much and she is a beautiful example of never quitting !

Mary Bess Daniel Posted over a year ago

Betsy Stewart made a difference in my daughter’s life. She was my daughter’s first grade teacher, and she made her feel special and loved each and every day. I have also worked with Betsy for many years, and I have seen first hand that she is a wonderful teacher that gives her all to her students and truly cares about each one of them.

Alicia Neighbors Posted over a year ago

Betsy is such a deserving person of this award. She always has a smile on her face no matter what! Her positive out look daily has to make a huge impact on the children’s lives daily that she comes in contact with. It is a rare trait to find such a sweet person inside and out! It is very evident her focus is her faith and family. What a wonderful example she is to many children!

Kyle Fletcher Posted over a year ago

Betsy Stewart has been a mentor to so many people in our community and her best attribute is nothing gets her down. She has overcome many obstacles as a single mom and her teaching skills are unbelievable. She’s the complete package when it comes to compassion, knowledge and unconditional love. I’m proud that Betsy is my friend. Kyle Fletcher

Ashli Posted over a year ago

Betsy is hands down one of the best people. My son is blessed to have her as a teacher this year. He is learning so much from her academically and he adores her! She exudes joy.

Caitlynn Posted over a year ago

Super sweet and a pleasure to work with!

Shelley Hendricks Posted over a year ago

You are so deserving of this award. Thank you for all you do. We love you!

Tina Rogers Posted over a year ago

Betsy Stewart is a life changer for sure . For one who worked with her for many many years I have seen her persevere through the thick and thin. She has raised a beautiful family , worked many jobs, encouraged many others when actually she was the one who needed the encouragement and you would never know because 99% of the time she had a smile on her face. She continues to this day loving and ministering both children and adults trusting and believing Gods plan for her life is the very best.??

Carla Cagle Posted over a year ago

I was blessed to have Betsy as my son's first grade teacher! I couldn't ask for anyone better to influence my child in such a critical period of learning! She is truly an inspiration to everyone she meets!

Madison Williams Posted over a year ago

Congratulations Ms. Betsy!

Lindsay Beddington Posted over a year ago

You are the absolute best!

Nancy Gandy Posted over a year ago

Betsy is one of the hardest workers I know. I have watched her find time to support each of her children by attending sports games, dance, gymnastics, etc. while working three to four jobs. She has been through some tuff times in her adult life, however, Betsy has approached each challenge with a positive attitude and I can’t ever remember her not having a smile on her face. I know she loves teaching children. I have known Betsy since she was born and I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this award than her.