Hiland Park Elementary teacher leads with love

PANAMA CITY, Fla. ( WMBB ) – Robert Beck has called Hiland Park Elementary School home for the last 10 years.

Teaching 2nd grade, one of the goals he works to accomplish each and every year is establishing solid relationships with both students and parents.

“He goes above and beyond for his students and his families,” said Hiland Park Elementary Assistant Principal Erica Johnson. “Everyone here loves him and he does a special job at building relationships with their students, but also going a step above and building relationships with their parents to make sure that they feel welcomed in his class and that he’s doing everything he can for their students and for them to put them on the path to success.”

Beck treats every student like they are his own son or daughter.

When you talk to him the word that pops up most, is love.

“I tell them from the first day they come to my classroom, you’re mine until I or you leave the face of the earth as long as you want me to know what’s going on in your life,” Beck said. “I want to know, I care, I love you.”

Students both past and present feel that love, many of whom remain in contact with Beck today.

“He has students go back to see him when they’ve left his classroom,” Johnson went on to say. “His students each year are excited to come to school because they feel so welcomed. He goes above and beyond, does everything that he can do to make everybody feel welcome in his classroom.”

No matter how much praise he may receive, Beck always directs the attention back to his kids.

“They’re important, they’re meaningful, they have a purpose. There’s something in store for them as they move on in life,” said Beck. “I want them to understand that it’s important, and I want them to know that I care, and I want to see and hear about it afterwards. It moves my heart and makes me well, and I’m so proud of my children who become adults, it’s just indescribable.”

That is what makes Robert Beck a Class Act.

If there is someone out there who you believe is a Class Act be sure to nominate them today .

Janitors, bus drivers, and cafeteria workers can all be nominated for this award.

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