Thomas Bechtel was nominated by his colleague, Maria Vita.
Mr. Bechtel connects with all of his students, whether it's in an honors western history class or a career prep class. He is a co-advisor of Aevidum, a mental health organization. He wants students to know that he has their back when it comes to their social-emotional health. Students are comfortable sharing their struggles with Mr. Bechtel. He is caring and honest, and he does not give an air of judgement. One can often find students crying in his room telling him their troubles. He has integrity, and students can trust him to give them his professional advice.
Mr. Bechtel is a leader in his school, participating in many extracurricular activities. He is a member of the school climate committee, which strives to collect data about the community and improve the culture. He was integral in changing the schedule to support students during hybrid learning/pandemic teaching, when more students were failing than ever before. There was a tutoring time built into the spring 2021 schedule, which was so effective that it was maintained in the fall of 2021. Mr. Bechtel is also a leader in the afterschool intervention program, which supports students who are failing or behind. Additionally, he has helped coach junior varsity baseball as an assistant coach, and he recently earned his master's degree in school administration.
"I often wonder where he finds the time to be so involved," said Vita.
Mr Bechtel hss such an open heart and is a service to others person. His compassion enables others to feel safe ro confide in him and feel safe.
Mr.Bechtel is very deserving of this award. He helped my daughter this year in his classroom. He is noted to be a very fun and engaging teacher who truly cares for his students.
TJ is an amazing teacher and leader at our school. His positive and caring attitude fosters support to all his students. I am proud to be his coworker! He's a GREAT teacher and role model!
Tj’s is not only a genuine and stand up guy, but also a very caring educator in the classroom and on the field. His charisma and passion makes for an outstanding classroom environment that every student is sure to thrive in!
When you look up role model and leader in the dictionary, a picture of TJ Bechtel will be shown as he is the epitome of these two traits. He not only puts other before himself constantly, but even the smallest interaction with him will be the best part of your day! He is a clear and exceptional communicator, as I am not only proud but honored to have crossed paths with this young man!
For this award to mean anything, Mr. Bechtel must be the winner. I cannot imagine a more worthy recipient. His impact on young lives is immeasurable, and his respect for his curricula is inspiring.
We need more teachers like Mr. Bechtel!
Great Teacher, and an outstanding young man. Absolutely deserves this Honor.
TJ Bechtel is a great friend, college, coach, and leader. He works tirelessly to make everyone feel appreciated and supported and always goes out of his way to help! Without question, he is there to lend a hand or listen when you have a problem. Thank you Mr. Bechtel for the incredible impact you make on so many lives. You will always be a "life changer" to me.
Mr. Bechtel is the kind of person who would do anything and everything to help someone. He is always smiling whenever you pass him in the hallways and he’ll always be sure to say hello.
I had Mr. Bechtel last year and his class was awesome, and he greatly deserves this award.
My son has had Mr. Bechtel for two classes now and has loved both of them. He is engaging and makes the class interesting. My son never enjoyed Social Studies as much as he does now. Thank you for being such a great teacher!
Mr. Bechtal is an amazing teaher. He is a very kind, friendly guy, also willing to say hi and talk.
Mr. Bechtel seems like a very nice person. I've never had him for a class, but he is always kind in the hallway. Everyone talks highly of him. He is a great teacher for Penn Manor.
Mr. Bechtel is a great guy to work with. He is passionate about the subjects he teachers and how he can make his courses even better for his students. He continually is searching for ways to reach students and ignite within themselves a hunger for learning. He is always will lend a hand to his colleagues. He would be most deserving of this award.
Mr. Bechtel is an excellent teacher. He clearly cares about his students and spends time not only to teach effectively, but also to show each student he cares about them as a person. I relates well with students, and everyone puts in the effort to do well in his class. His students come from many different places, but are all much better off for having spent time in Mr. Bechtel's classroom. Absolutely a positive force for impacting students at Penn Manor!!
Mr. Bechtel is a transformative opportunity educator. He’s beloved by students and colleagues. He’s visible at most school events. He volunteers much of his time in various curricular and extracurricular programs. Speaking frankly, Bechtel encompasses energy and optimism that most teachers wish they had. He sees the good in people. Because of that, he is able to inspire students to reach their full academic potential.
Mr. Bechtel is an excellent teacher. He clearly cares about his students and spends time not only to teach effectively, but also to show each student he cares about them as a person. I relates well with students, and everyone puts in the effort to do well in his class. His students come from many different places, but are all much better off for having spent time in Mr. Bechtel's classroom. Absolutely a positive force for impacting students at Penn Manor!!
TJ Bechtel is a positive colleague who is always willing to help students and go the extra mile for them.
I had Mr.Bechtal in 10th grade and his class is easily the most memorable. He always finds a way to keep everyone involved and make everyone feel welcomed. He's a good person and genuinely cares about ALL the students at Penn Manor.
Mr. Bechtel is a great coach and a great teacher.
Mr. Bechtel is absolutely one of the best teachers I’ve had throughout my entire educational journey. He always made class so fun and took a genuine interest in all of his students. He is such a positive light to Penn Manor and I’m so glad I got to have him as a teacher during my time there.
I am thankful for Mr. Bechtel's positive attitude each day. He is always saying things like "I appreciate you." He is personable with both students and staff. He helped create videos on mental health that were shared with students and staff throughout the school. He cares about each person's well-being as well as their academic and personal success. He often does random acts of kindness including bringing donuts to students and colleagues. Penn Manor High School is a better place because of TJ Bechtel. He is a teacher-leader in that he thinks of ways to make the hallways safer. He identified an area in the school that needed supervision in the morning and it helped address some discipline issues. In addition to his commitment to improving school climate, Mr. Bechtel builds positive relationships with a wide-range of students and staff in the community. CONGRATS MR. BECHTEL ON THIS HONOR!!
Mr. Bechtel is one of the best teachers I’ve ever had. He is sincerely a great person, he always greets us with “Goodmorning ____” and a big smile. He not only cares about his students academics but he also cares about his students personal life and the things we go through. He is very understanding. Sometimes we do these sticky notes called “Mount Rushmore’s” and he’ll ask us what our top four of a certain thing is and we read them aloud to the class, it helps him get to know us personally and we also get to know him. You can tell Mr. Bechtel loves teaching and is always looking for ways to improve.
cool guy, love your class
Mr. Bechtel is one of the best teachers out there. He always finds ways to put students first and make our time with him enjoyable. I am so glad to have him as my teacher.
Mr. Bechtel was my Civics and Government teacher last year. Even with the pandemic he always made class fun. I'm not very fond of history, but I don't remember ever being bored in his class. He is a courageous person and always has a smile on his face. I was in a college prep class last year and he really wanted me to go up to honors so that I could have him this year and I really wish I did. I don't like the stress that an honors English or history class gives me, so that's why I decided to not take it, but Mr. Bechtel even went out of his way to talk to my mom about bumping me up. He cares about everyone so much even if you're just in a club that he runs, like Aevidum. He loves to have fun and laugh, too, which makes everyone so happy to be around him. Overall, Mr. Bechtel is a great person and teacher in the Penn Manor School DIstrict.
by far my favorite teacher I ever had in high school. always made class fun. his class was 100% the highlight of my day. miss you mr. b!!
ive never had him before till this year, but he is definitely one of my favorite teachers. hes one of the most happiest and nicest teachers ive had and makes history actually enjoyable and not boring. and he definitely helps if you are having a bad day. i also like how he talks in the beginning of class about our days and random stuff instead of getting right to the subject, and actually takes the time to get to know us.
TJ has always said that he just wants to help people and make a difference in their lives. Anyone who knows TJ can say he proves that in his presence. He is truly a genuine caring person and I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this recognition. So proud to be his Mom!
Thomas has such a passion for teaching and truly enjoys watching others grow and succeed! Anyone who has the pleasure of coming into contact with him, or the privilege of being one his students, is incredibly fortunate.
TJ is dedicated to his work, students, family, and friends! He’s the best teacher I know!! So happy for you and congrats on this great achievement!!!
I look forward to coming to Mr. Bechtels class everyday. He is very engaging and passionate about his teaching. I think he is very kind and always makes me smile.
This is my second time hiving Mr. Bechtel he is an amazing teacher and person! He is always in such a good mood and finds a way to make yours better if you're having a bad day. He is awesome and if you don't know him yet. you should definitely make it your mission to get to know him. It's worth it trusts me!! :)
A great teacher and makes learning about history fun.Instead of being really boring to learn about.
Mr.Bechtel makes sure all of his student's are important and feel included..
TJ is most deserving of this recognition. His dedication to his students, family and friends is admirable. He always gives 100% of himself in whatever is asked of him.
I feel very blessed to know him.
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Tj's positive, uplifting energy is radiant from the second he walks in a room. He is always willing to lend a hand, a laugh or a smile and he genuinely and deeply cares for people. You can feel it in your conversations with him; you can see it in his actions. I truly can't think of anyone that is more deserving of this award.
Tj is an outstanding young man who loves teaching and bringing out the best in everyone. He is very deserving of this award. He’s definitely making a difference in this world.
This young man is ALWAYS VERY KIND and CARING! He always is sporting a SMILE and KIND and CARING DEMEANOR! ????
I’ve known TJ since he was in kindergarten. He was always so kind and caring. When he decided to be a teacher I knew he would be awesome.
TJ, you are a true inspiration. You work incredibly hard to help your students and players achieve their goals. You deserve every ounce of recognition for all of the amazing and selfless things you do to make this world a better place.
TJ deserves all the recognition in the world. His selflessness and kind nature are second to none, and his attitude is always infectiously positive. Anyone that is fortunate enough to be friends with or students of TJ can be sure that their lives have been benefited from his presence.
TJ is an incredibly dedicated individual who shows his devotion to not only his students, but also his family and friends each and every day! He is very deserving of this award!
Tj is a fantastic person, a wonderful mentor and friend! He truly cares about what he does and I am where I am today because of his help and guidance!
Congratulations TJ! Can’t think of anyone more deserved for this amazing nomination!
Mr. Bechtel is hands down the best teacher i’ve ever had the pleasure of learning from. he is always there for his students and will do anything in his power to make everyone feel heard and supported. cant get any better than Mr B!
TJ is one of the most kind and giving people in the world. He cares about his students, family and friends and makes a difference in their lives. He is one of a kind and deserves all the praise in the world!
Mr. Bechtel made every class memorable. I actively looked forward to his history class every day and always left with a new appreciation and knowledge on the class topics we covered as well as some life-related topics.
I will never forget one day after class he stopped me before I left and asked me if I was okay because he noticed I wasn't as talkative and bright. I could tell he was genuinely concerned and that was the first time I felt seen by a teacher.
He's attentive to his students, creative, funny, wholesome and a wonderful person which makes him an even better teacher.
I'll never forget the endless inside jokes our class made with him and how much he made learning fun. His class will always be the highlight of my high school career. 10/10 (he always said to never give something a perfect 10 but he definitely gets a pass on this)
Mr.Bechtel has helped me in so many ways, i got involved in avedium because i knew with him as a teacher i would enjoy it and benefit from it. He truly deserves this because he spends majority of his time trying to make other people happier.
Mr Bechtel truly deserves this world. His class if the reason I actually look forward to school, he makes learning fun, the way it should be. He makes every kid that walks into his classroom that they are loved and are worth something. He doesn’t treat us like we are dumb for asking questions, he takes every we ask into consideration and does his best to support us in his answer. Mr.Bechtel is an amazing teacher and has worked hard to build this trust with his students and that’s not an easy thing to do.
TJ is the kind of teacher every students needs. He is approachable, easy to talk to and cares about each and everyone of his students. He is actively involved in helping students succeed and creates an inclusive climate. TJ is dedicated to his students and is involved in committees within our school to improve our school climate. Students love being in his class because he makes learning fun and relevant to the real world and he goes the extra step to connect with students. As a collogue, TJ is approachable and offers outstanding leadership qualities.
Mr. Bechtel was my child's teacher the year she experienced a heart breaking loss. Through student rumor mill, our daughter learned that a special adult in her life died. She was an emotional mess and Mr. Bechtel offered her the grace and comfort she needed during this traumatic time. His kindness was without compare and a need for my child. I appreciate his relationship with students and am thankful for his approach to students.
Mr Bechtel was there for me when it felt like no one else was while going through a difficult life event. He is one of the greatest people I am blessed to know.
Mr. Bechtel is simply one of the best at Penn Manor. He is willing to provide for his students in and out of the classroom. He is always willing to volunteer outside of the classroom to provide valuable and memorable experiences for our students and community. Mr. Bechtel is incredibly deserving of this recognition and Penn Manor is lucky to have him as one of our teachers!
Mr. Bechtel was one of my favorite teachers in high school. He went the extra mile for students and cared about each individual. I’ll never forget when he wrote out a pro/con list during my senior year to help me decide where to attend college, and he wasn’t even my teacher at the time. He definitely deserves this recognition.
Congratulations, Mr. Bechtel! Katie and I are so happy for you. Well deserved!?? Katie has multiple disabilities and was in Mr. Bechtel’s class for her sophomore and Junior year. He was an amazing example of what a teacher who accepts ALL students as equals in an inclusive classroom should look like.
Not even sure where to start with my praise of this guy. Not only am I blessed to teach across the hall from him, but I am blessed to call him one of my best friends. He is one of the most selfless and genuine people I know and will stop anything at a moments notice to make your day just a little bit better. There are not many people that I can say that truly make OTHERS a priority in their life before themselves. It is clear as day that his students see this and quite frankly, I can’t see anyone more deserving of this recognition.
Congratulations on your nomination--rooting for you!
Last year I had Mr. Bechtel as my Western World History teacher, and he was my favorite teacher! At the beginning of the school year, students already struggled between wearing masks, constant schedule changes, learning at home, or not being able to see their friends. Mr. Bechtel understood how students felt and did the best he could to make every student excited to learn and comfortable with each other under the circumstances. He would bring in donuts for our class every once in a while, so we could start off our morning on a good foot. Every day, we would start off our class with a Mount Rushmore activity. Each student in our class would have to come up with their top three items of a category. For example, one day, we had to list our top three favorite donut flavors. This was just one example of how he wanted to get to know his students. With our class being earlier in the morning, this was a fun way to start off our class. While Mr. Bechtel actually taught the class, he made sure to constantly connect what we were learning to events that happened in history, events that the students have been a part of, and his personal experience or life. Even in lectures, students were always engaged in his lessons. I only had him for a semester, but I would see him in the hallways at school. When I did, Mr. Bechtel always looked extremely happy and excited to see me. Just seeing him that happy always made my day! He is one of the kindest, most caring, and selfless teachers I ever had, and he deserves this award:)
TJ is one of the kindest, honest, caring persons. To extend these amazing and admirable qualities to kids who need a strong support system inside and outside the classroom is just what the world needs. Thank you TJ for all you are doing!!
Mr. Bechtel made my history class much more interesting as well as creating a comfortable environment for students. I always felt like I could to him about anything in class, and even outside of class.
Mr. Bechtel was my homeroom teacher in the past and he was a very kind, understanding, and genuine teacher!
Congratulations on your nomination of Life Changer. I know that many students look forward to working with you in your classes and how you have always been there to support each one of them. You made classes exciting and you heard the students. It was a pleasure working in your class. Best of Luck to you.
Congratulations TJ!! I am not surprised to hear you're a great Teacher and Mentor. Your accomplishments speaks of your commitment to your students and to your community. You have a huge heart which you have no problem sharing. This is a well deserved award to recognition wonderful hard working young man. Thank you for molding our future generations.
TJ is the perfect choice for this recognition. He gives everything 110%. He is thoughtful, kind and always strives to make things better. He loves teaching and cares about his students and truly wants the best for everyone!
TJ is by far the most selfless, trustworthy, humble and loving human I will probably ever meet. I have the pleasure of being friends with TJ for over 20 years and he is truly one of a kind. I couldn't think of anyone more deserving of this recognition and honor.
T.j. is a very nice young man!
Mr. Bechtel makes his classes fun and engaging. Each day I'm learning something new in his class. He is friendly and a good person. This year has been tough but Mr. Bechtel is able to make my days (and many other students' days) better. He is one of the best teachers I ever had. :)
Mr. Betchtel is one of the teachers that will not make an ordinary lesson and use PowerPoint on a daily, he makes these lessons that can connect to what he is teaching with a personal story or a reference of some sort that makes you really get what he’s trying to put across, and every day I can leave the classroom saying I learned something and I can put it in the real world and say “ hey I remember that from civics class” and I can finally understand what other people are talking about now and know how they feel because of the way Mr. Bechtel taught the lesson.
Mr. Bechtel is one of my favorite teachers I've had. His class is always fun and he doesn't make us sit around and just watch presentations. He helps us be more active while learning and he makes learning fun. I always look forward to my fourth block class with him because it's an amazing way to end the day. He always takes time to say hi and he always has a smile on his face. He allows his classroom to be a place of talk, and gives everyone an opportunity to be a part of something. His room is always a safe and judgmental free zone and It's such a wonderful thing to be a part of.
Amazing teacher who creates a creative and supportive environment for all students and keeps students engaged and active in lessons.
I think he is deserving of this award. Mainly because he explains each topic really well and give us enough practice that we understand the topic but not overwhelm us.
Mr. Bechtel has been amazing throughout this year
Mr. Bechtel is a one of a kind teacher. He really tries to connect with us and really engages in the history that he teaches. He builds trust within the classroom. He respects all of his students, as we do to him. He truly deserves this award.
Mr. Bechtel is an energetic and dynamic Social Studies teacher who has a way of teaching history in a style that appeals to students in today's world. He truly cares about his students and colleagues. Penn Manor School District is very lucky to have him. He is truly deserving of this award!
It has been an absolute pleasure to work alongside of TJ Bechtel. He is dedicated, thoughtful and and excellent problem solver. He is truly deserving of this recognition. Penn Manor is lucky to have him!
A great teacher that inspires others to be the best version of themselves and makes classes very fin interactive and connect to all their students including me, and will strive for the students to succeed and will do anything for them not to fail.
It has been such a pleasure working with Mr. Bechtel. He has a bright future ahead of him and will positively affect many students' lives.
I had the honor of having Mr. Bechtel as a teacher my senior year, and every single class period was entertaining and enjoyable. I learned something new everyday, and he made every single student feel smart, heard, and loved, while also making us think in a way we hadn’t before. His personality, work ethic, and teaching style made a rough year more tolerable, and he undoubtedly deserves this award.
Not surprised TJ that you are having impact. Great job!
Mr. Bechtel was hands down one of the best teachers I’ve ever had. Not a day would pass where he wouldn’t ask how I was doing. He would never pass you in the hallway and no say “hi” with the biggest smile on his face. He would do whatever it took to make sure that his students never failed his class. It was such an honor to have Mr. Bechtel twice as my teacher.
TJ Bechtel is well deserving of this recognition. He is kind, respectful, selfless, and demonstrations excellent leadership skills. All of which are used to help students, colleagues, and Penn Manor succeed, grow, and thrive!
Anyone who Hannah chooses to surround herself with just has to be amazing! Sounds like TJ is making a huge difference in his community and they are lucky to have him!
If you know TJ, you know that he is incredibly passionate about everything he does; teaching and coaching are no exception. Not everyone is lucky enough to find their true calling in life but watching TJ interact with students and players proves he was born to do this. This man gives 110% even if it means sacrificing for himself. He is a true leader both in and outside of the classroom and loved by so many: me most of all.
So proud of you TJ Bechtel! The world could use so many more teachers like you and there is no one more deserving of this award!
Mr. Bechtel offered me and my family so much support after my older brother was diagnosed with cancer. He took the time to offer me outside recourses that would help my family, and he checked in on me daily. I never had him as a teacher, but he will forever be the teacher that impacted me the most.
Although i only spent a year around Mr.Bechtol in the aevidum club he truly was such a great support system and positive aspect of my life. he gave continual support to us as students and treats us all like family. he is a great person and deserves this title 100%.
Last year was not easy for anyone, but Mr. Bechtel made it a priority to check in on myself and my classmates. He made sure we were alright. He puts his heart into his job while opening up his classroom to be a safe environment for all. He has a positive, contagious, upbeat personality that makes his classroom so special. It creates a more collaborative atmosphere that promotes participation and acceptance. It was a privilege to be taught by Mr. Bechtel.
Although I never had Mr. Bechtel as a teacher in class, he was still one of the most supportive and encouraging teachers I’ve ever met. There was never a day that I walked down the hallway and he didn’t say hi and ask how my day was, and I always felt comfortable talking to him and knew he would provide support no matter what.
