In Ohio County Schools, we love to recognize hard working students and staff. This year, a new (to us) teacher joined the OCS family: Mr. Andrew Bellevage.
Bellevage is in year 10 of teaching. For the last several years, he’s lived in Wheeling but commuted to Hancock County Schools where he served as a high school English teacher. This year, once the commute became a challenge, he decided to apply for a position at Bridge Street Middle School for their Title I Reading Specialist. “I really wanted to tap into utilizing my master’s degree,” Bellevage states. He holds an undergraduate degree in English and two M.A. Ed. degrees in both curriculum and instruction and as a reading specialist. “This gave me a chance for a positive change,” he adds.
In the last year, Bellevage credits the family environment at Bridge Street Middle School with helping him to feel at home. He’s also embraced growing and shaping the theater program. “Theater gives everyone a home, and this program has allowed a lot of students to really blossom and come alive in 9th period theater class,” Bellevage states.
During instructional time, Bellevage often works with small groups using his background as an ELA teacher to break down texts in a way that’s easier for students to understand. He also spends a significant amount of time in science classes, an area that doesn’t always have the support of a reading specialist. “I just try to focus on being as helpful as possible when I’m in a classroom,” Bellevage states.
Bellevage completes PLC (or professional learning community) with the 7th grade team. 7th grade team leader, Mrs. Shawna Safreed, spoke on just what an amazing hire Bellevage was for the school: “He’s just so incredibly devoted and a great addition to BSMS. Not only is he patient with students, but he goes above and beyond his classroom duties by volunteering so much time in the theater program. He is a shining example of what it means to be an exemplary teacher, and we’re so fortunate to have him on our staff,” she states.
Bellevage focuses on continued growth. “My goal is to be better next year. That’s what we have to do as teachers. Continue growing. How cool is it that we get to be with kids as they grow and change? We get to be a moment and memory in their lives. The academics fall into place while we have the opportunity to model being good people.”
No truer words have ever been spoken! We are SO happy you’re here, Mr. Bellevage!
#InstructioninOCS #ReadingSpecialist #StaffShoutout