Marla Ballard
Alabama Public Television (APT) announced that Mrs. Betty Esslinger has been named APT Excellence in Education recipient for October 2024. She received a plaque and a check for $500 in recognition of her accomplishments as an educator.
“Scottsboro High School appreciates Mrs. Esslinger’s commitment, compassion, and service. She loves SHS and we love her,” said Scottsboro High School in a post on social media.
“I had no idea the award was coming and no idea how or by whom I was nominated to receive it,” said Esslinger. “I am in my 54th year of teaching and still love every minute of it. I cannot remember a time when I did not want to be a teacher. My method of teaching has not changed much over the years, I am a bit old-school and prefer paper and pen versus a computer whenever possible. I like to have my students write essays about the literature they read concerning how it relates to today’s world. I also use open discussions and ask a lot of questions about how the story they read makes them feel. I think sometimes questions are more important than answers. My goal is to help them see the lessons we can take away from what we read and also find the hidden message that can only be revealed when studied upon.”
Esslinger teaches American Literature and Composition to high school students, which includes honor students. Some of her former students have gone on to become accomplished writers with published books.
“She has always gone above and beyond to help students excel,” said former student and now fellow instructor Cindy Wade. “A school principal a few years back created a special award for sophomores in honor of Betty. “It is called the Betty Esslinger Faithful, Loyal, Firm, and True Award. She has also created amazing proms for almost as long as she has been teaching and was the cheer sponsor for 25 years taking them to national competitions.”
She and another teacher started a field trip program that lasted for over 20 years, until the pandemic. The field trip took students to New England to see places like Constitution Hall, Salem, and Waldon’s Pond.
“I feel to truly understand a piece of literature one needs to understand the history surrounding it,” said Esslinger. “These field trips helped bring the literature to life for my students.”
Former student, Dr. Andrew Hodges said, “Mrs. Esslinger had the biggest impact on my education in the context of college prep, without a doubt. All of my literature and composition professors told me I was highly prepared for college writing. She instilled a deep appreciation for classic American literature in me. She was able to take teenagers hopped-up on MTV and Nintendo and make them grasp the profound truths of life hidden in Knowles, Steinbeck, and Hawthorne, etc. She had a unique way of showing us our angst and day-to-day struggles were not so different from the characters written about in classic novels. She was my generations’ bridge to those classic, historical authors, showing us the symbolism of those stories as representative of our own lives.”
“There truly is nobody else out there like Mrs. Esslinger. My relationship with Mrs. Esslinger is very unique, as I have been her student, her mentee, and her colleague,” said Megan Manning. “I am not one to care much for English class, but the way she incorporated history into the course captivated me as an aspiring history teacher. It is on the New England field trip that my love for history and career goal was solidified. Her ability to make her English class a multi-subject course is an attribute that many teachers long for, and she does it so effortlessly. She finds what her students are interested in, and incorporates it into her lesson plan. In July of 2021, I was hired as a history teacher at Scottsboro High School, Mrs. Esslinger took me under her wing and pulled me through the chaos that was my first-year teaching. I will never forget working alongside her as a Junior Class Sponsor building the homecoming float in 2022. I have never met someone who hasn’t felt at home with Mrs. Esslinger. She checks on everyone, offers advice and assistance, and her many words of wisdom. She never stops teaching you or loving you. Though she constantly tells me to call her Betty, she will always be Mrs. Esslinger to me.”
“My motivation comes from my students. My goal in inspiring students is to ensure that they not only learn the material but also are enthusiastic about the process of discovery. I often use journaling to help cultivate critical thinking skills and to develop a lifelong passion for learning,” said Esslinger. “Teachers help students develop skills needed to navigate the world, such as problem solving, communication, and empathy. By creating a supportive and engaging classroom environment, teachers equip students with the confidence they need to succeed. We are here to create lifelong learners and responsible citizens. Helping a student find their confidence and seeing them succeed is the absolute best part of teaching. Teaching requires patience, flexibility, and a deep love of learning, My advice to those interested in teaching is to reflect on why they want to teach. Teaching is about understanding the uniqueness of each student, getting to know them personally, and looking for ways to connect with them. Students will not care how much you know until they know how much you care.”
