Teaching with passion: Spotlight on Jodie Beall
Jodie Beall, a University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) honor graduate, was recently named the 2023-24 New Teacher of the Year for Santa Fe Independent School District (ISD). The Alternative Learning Center special education (SPED) teacher was selected for her outstanding performance based on interviews, recommendations, and an essay. This prestigious award highlights Jodie's dedication, skills, and passion for education, all of which were supported by her experience at UH-Clear Lake.
“During my time taking SPED classes, I learned the ins and outs of what a special education teacher does. I was taught how to write good individualized education program goals (IEP), a beautiful present levels of academic achievement and functional performance (PLAAFP), and many other skills,” said Beall. “All of these things helped me professionally because knowing how to do them when you come into the job takes a huge load off of you when you are trying to juggle all the other things the job throws at you.”
She earned a Bachelor of Science in Education with Core Subjects EC-6 and Special Education EC-12. The skills Beall acquired at UHCL have contributed to her personal growth, as she is now more understanding and has a growth mindset instead of a fixed one.
“I was a para-educator for six years before I entered my first year of teaching. Those personal experiences helped, but the educational ones at UHCL helped fine-tune them,” said Beall.
Beall’s love for SPED comes from her desire to help students. She recognizes that it takes a special person to teach special education, and she is glad to be that person. “If they can’t learn the way I teach, I’ll teach the way they learn,” she said.
Beall chose UHCL for its proximity to her home and its well-rounded amenities. She found the campus to be the perfect size — comfortable yet offering a genuine university experience. Despite the remote learning challenges during COVID-19, she was grateful for her professors' support.
“My professors teaching the clinical teaching courses had it all together and gave us so many tools that we can still use daily in our classrooms. I was so excited when we came back in person. They went above and beyond to help me succeed.”
Beall mentioned that Dr. Elizabeth Beavers, the program director of Special Education, was a major inspiration for her and her classmates. She highlighted how Dr. Beavers taught them to be better teachers and continued to offer guidance both during the program and after graduation.
“Dr. Beavers served as a mentor, provided practical teaching strategies, offered feedback, and shared insight on classroom management, which inspired me to strive for excellence in my career,” said Beall. “The work was a beast on its own, but we learned so much.”
Beall’s experience at UHCL and as an educator has inspired her in many ways, specifically, the “aha!” moments she witnesses with her students. She said that helping them learn new life, academic, and social skills is incredibly rewarding for her.
“We may do 120 overcorrections, but that 121st time, it clicks. That is what we do it for,” said Beall. “My students inspire me. They make me a better teacher and person. Someone who accepts everyone no matter the label or disability.”
Over the past year, Beall has spearheaded numerous projects at her school. She secured a grant for the school’s garden area, developed a postcard board to teach students about U.S. geography, and facilitated international postcard exchanges. Additionally, she has organized various initiatives, including painting projects and seed-to-table lessons.
“We made pizza and our toppings came from the garden. We did a round of chicks and incubated three chicks. I also have my therapy dog who comes and visits my class, and it is so rewarding,” said Beall. “My class did many hands-on activities, and I cannot wait to see where this year takes us.”
Beall’s journey from a dedicated student to an inspiring teacher reflects the powerful combination of rigorous academic preparation and passionate mentorship. Her ability to translate her UHCL training into effective teaching practices and innovative classroom projects highlights the value of supportive educational environments and the transformative role of exceptional educators in shaping their students and their own futures.
For more information about the Special Education Program at UHCL, visit www.uhcl.edu/education/departments/counseling-special-education-diversity/special-education/.