KATHRYN BEALER DECH

My story actually begins when I was a sixth grader in a one room school house.  Having six classes to manage and instruct, time allotted to each class was limited.  Therefore, our teacher, Mrs. Luella Smith, requested that I oversee the first graders in their seatwork assignments.  I enjoyed helping the first graders and determined to become a teacher. 

After high school I lived in Germany for two years while my husband John served in the U.S. Army.  Then I spent three years in Lancaster while John completed his seminary schooling and became an ordained clergy.  Finally it was my turn.  I received my BS in Elementary Education from Bloomsburg College.  I went on to receive my Masters in Education with a Reading Specialist Certificate and my Doctorate in Reading from Lehigh University.  I taught in the Bethlehem Area School District for 33.5 years, starting as a kindergarten teacher and finishing as a reading specialist.  I feel I have been greatly blessed in the past and continue to be blessed as I enjoy my retirement.

 

Kathryn Bealer Dech and husband John