Teri Beckner

Kindergarten translated from the German language means a garden of children, a place where they are nourished to grow. In Mrs.Teri Beckner’s classroom, children don’t just grow, they blossom. For over thirty  years, Mrs. Beckner has nurtured, guided, and encouraged students at the start of their academic careers to learn and love learning. For that reason, Mrs. Teri Beckner is the Perth Amboy Catholic School 2025 Teacher of the Year.

Mrs. Beckner came to PACS as a kindergarten teacher in 1987, the year of the school consolidation. After leaving in 1994  to raise her family, she returned in 1998 and has been with PACS as a kindergarten teacher ever since. 

Every morning, laden with several tote bags, wrapped in a shawl, and clutching a thermos, Mrs. Beckner shepherds her excited students to their classroom. Eager to begin their day, the students greet, hi five, and bless everyone they meet. They know that their day will be filled with adventures and discoveries.

Her creative talent for engaging students is evident inside and  outside her classroom. Every student has a special place to call his or her own; not only with a cubby and a name plate, but a personal photograph. Her colorful classroom is inviting and exciting, just waiting for students to participate in all sorts of activities. A tv screen displays words and lyrics. Organized chaos prevails. Every corner is well equipped with books and all sorts of hands on materials for engagement. Music is in the air; there is a new song for every letter of the alphabet. Hats, masks, and costumes are often an integral part of the lesson. In fact, all activities are documented with photographs thus securing the memories of experiencing the excitement of learning and every student is presented with a personal photo album keepsake in June. These albums are treasured by students and alumni. 

For years, along with her partner in crime, Mrs. Wilson, Mrs. Beckner keeps track of everyone’s birthdays, making sure the entire faculty signs a card and donates to a gift. She also shares her exceptional baking skills. Mrs. Beckner doesn’t sleep, often spending the early hours of the morning baking to bring her still warm, extraordinary cakes, cupcakes, and brownies to share with the faculty. 

As if spending the day with five-year-olds isn’t enough, Mrs. Beckner is also one of the after-care teachers. Along with Miss Pattiann,  helping  students in all grades complete homework, play games, or have a snack. She also chats with the parents who come for their children. Many of them had children in Mrs. Beckner’s class in the past.

Her dedication to  her students and to all of Perth Amboy Catholic knows no bounds. There’s a saying that everything you need to know, you learn in kindergarten. Any child lucky enough to be in Mrs. Beckner’s class knows not only what they need to know, but know that they are truly loved.