Special education teacher Janis Beach is considered an asset to Beechwood Elementary. She doesn’t acknowledge the word “can’t,” nor does she allow her students to giveup.

Beach was recently voted teacher of the week.

Principal Tamika Billings, fellow teachers and students at Beechwood elementary praise her for the passion she has for teaching.

“Mrs. Beach is a very dedicated, hard working teacher. She goes above and beyond each day to make sure all of her students needs are met and she has a passion for teaching and learning,” said Billings.

“Even the kids take care of each other,” said Beach as she spoke highly of Beechwood.

“There’s a place where these kids are loved and accepted,” she said as she proudly talked about her students. Beach loves Beechwood and says she will teach as long as she is physically able.

Beach has taught SPED at Beechwood for the last five years, but she hasn’t always taught elementary stu

dents. She has taught ages five to 45.

Before teaching at Beechwood Beach taught at an alternative school, Halls Ferry Elementary School, Culkin Elementary and Warren Central High School.

“People ask what’s the difference between high school and over here? Bigger bodies. Kids are kids. They all learn the same way,” she said.

Beach truly has a passion for saving people through education and teaching people how to save themselves. She has given swimming lessons for the last 20 years.

“I’ve always known I wanted to be a teacher,” said Beach, who has taught special education for the past 20 years. She said she knew she wanted to teach SPED since she was in second-grade, though she had no personal connection with SPED growing up, “it’s just something that God made me to do,” she said.

Beach is an active member of Elevate Church. She is involved in the children’s ministry there and Super Kids church, a Sunday school program dedicated to special needs children.

Beach, who is not from Vicksburg, comes from a military background and has traveled all over the United States and has lived in Puerto Rico. She went to college at Florida State College, Hinds Community College and later Mississippi College where she received a Master’s degree in psychometry and special education.

Beach worked for the office of Special education in the Vicksburg Warren School District where she worked as a psychometrist. Beach said she only stayed there for three years because she had a calling to the classroom.

“I like making a difference,” she said.