MONTICELLO, NY — In 2008, Elizabeth Bedford began her teaching career here at Monticello as a student teacher. Now, with nearly 15 years of teaching experience under her belt, she has returned to the district as assistant principal of the Robert J. Kaiser Middle School.
Bedford has taught a variety of grade levels, from elementary through high school, at Sacred Heart School in Newburgh, and the Enlarged City School District of Middletown.
She holds multiple degrees in education.
“Being an educator at all levels has helped to prepare me for how to best empower our students to succeed,” she said. “Likewise, I have always collaborated with my colleagues in order to best prepare the students for the future. I am excited to collaborate with all the stakeholders to ensure the best academic and social outcomes for our students.”
Although her student teaching time in Monticello was short, it made an indelible impression on her, and she is happy to return to where her career began.
“I was fortunate enough to be a student teacher at Emma Chase Elementary School,” she said. “I was welcomed by the administrators, students, teachers, staff and families. I didn’t realize how rare that was until later in my career, and always thought about my time at Monticello fondly.”
With experience in elementary, middle and school levels under her belt, she realized she wanted to make a bigger impact.
“It is truly a full circle moment for me to have begun my teaching career in the district and now start my leadership career. I am excited to be a part of the Monticello family again.”
She wants to make the school “a safe, positive, inclusive and welcoming environment for all students and families,” she said. “Likewise, I hope to further strengthen relationships with families and the community to create a collaborative educational experience.”