Central High School honors Pamela Belyeu for her 22 years serving students of Coosa County
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Central High School honors Pamela Belyeu for her 22 years serving students of Coosa County
Special to the News
The last day of school for teachers was bittersweet as we bid farewell to an exemplary teacher and a true friend to both the students and staff at Central Coosa, Pamela Belyeu.
Staff members surprised Belyeu with a celebration to honor her 22 years of service in Coosa County Schools. There were tears and laughs, special mementos and gifts to enjoy a time of relaxation in retirement.
Principal Lee could not hold back the tears as she spoke about the inspiration that Ms. Belyeu was to both the students and staff at Central High School.
Other staff members shared the positive impact Belyeu had on their lives, such as Coach Hunter who referred to Ms. Belyeu as his “work mom.”
Various staff members presented gifts to Ms. Belyeu, including Coach Thomas who created a song for Ms. Belyeu, as well as a diploma from Coosa County University, and Ms. Rathel, who presented a canvas of letters from students.
Looking back on Belyeu’s 22 years of service, she served as the seventh and eighth grade math teacher at Central High School, but she started her career at Rockford Elementary as a special education teacher for one semester.
By the second semester of her first year, Belyeu transitioned into teaching seventh and eighth grade math, where she remained until the Coosa County school consolidation.
From 2003 to 2005, Belyeu served as the eighth grade math teacher at what was then Central Middle School.
Belyeu recalls, “At the time, we had no gym, no lunchroom, no administrative offices, nor library – but we made it work.”
She added, “Looking at where the school system is today is a true testament to the hard work, dedication and perseverance of our superintendent, administrators, teachers, staff, students, and community members.”
From 2005 to 2009, Belyeu taught at Alexander City Middle School. Although she loved her students and coworkers there, Coosa County always felt like home, and we are grateful she returned to Central Coosa in 2009 and has remained with us ever since.
When Belyeu returned to Central Coosa, she served as the ninth and tenth grade math teacher, math intervention specialist, but eventually returned to her favorite role, teaching seventh and eighth grade math. Along the way, she also earned her Master’s Degree in Secondary Mathematics Education, as well as her STEM Certification.
Belyeu was not only a beloved teacher to her students, she was a role model and inspiration to her fellow teachers. She taught every child the way she would want someone to teach and invest in her own child.
Belyeu said, “If you approach education with that mindset, you can never go wrong.”
Belyeu added, “Teaching was always about more than math for me. My goal was to make a positive difference in the lives of my students and encourage them to become kind, productive and successful individuals. I truly believe the purpose of any profession is to positively impact others whenever and however you can. Our future depends on it.”
Belyeu said some of her best memories were the everyday moments, hallway conversations, laughter with coworkers, and the relationships she built over the years.
Belyeu saw her coworkers as her family, and the bonds she formed throughout her career are ones she will cherish forever.
She added, “One thing I can honestly say is that teaching was never boring. Students always found a way to make me laugh, think, or shake my head before first period was even over.”
Besides serving as a math teacher, Belyeu also tutored students after school, coordinated the Student of the Month recognition program and created educational videos for our SAFE program. Belyeu always strived to support students and the school system in any way she could and give her very best effort in everything she was asked to do.
Belyeu’s plans for retirement are simple, she will rest for a little while. After that, she hopes to continue serving others in a capacity that will allow her to still make a positive difference.
Belyeu closed by saying, “I want to sincerely thank everyone for the love, encouragement and support I have received throughout my career. I have been truly blessed to work alongside people I consider family. You all made work feel less like work and more like home, and for that I will always be grateful. I love you all, and I will forever treasure the memories we created together.”
Congratulations, Ms. Belyeu, on your retirement, and we look forward to sharing information from the other retirees we honored; including Marty Adams, Amy Carlton and Bridgette Smith; in future editions of “The Coosa County News.”
