Instructor Beth Shelton receives teaching honor

Published or Revised April 08, 2009

Paris Junior College Communications Division Chair and English instructor Beth Shelton recently was honored with a regional award for her instructional skills. Fellow English instructors Toni McMillen and Pam Smith (also a former student of Shelton's) nominated Shelton for her inspirational teaching style. The Susan Faulkner Annual Best Teacher Award was presented by the Two-Year College English Association, Southwest Region (Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Colorado and New Mexico) that is an affiliate of the National Council of Two-Year English Programs. Shelton received the honor at the TYCA-SW annual meeting awards luncheon, which was held in Oklahoma City, Okla. Faulkner was an English instructor at Dallas County Community College's Cedar Valley Campus who died of breast cancer. "To me, a great teacher goes beyond just teaching students; a great teacher will teach teachers," said Smith in the nomination. "All of us remember the little ways that one inspiring instructor hooked us into enduring and eventually enjoying that tough English, Math, or History course that we were certain we might not survive. We certainly remember the instructor that inspired us to become teachers. Beth Shelton has been that one for many students throughout the years." "What an honor it is to be presented an award named for Susan Faulkner," Shelton said. "She was a wonderful teacher and I'm proud to emulate her instructional skills." Of the award, PJC Dean of Academics Dwight Chaney said: "To be recognized by one's peers, especially English professors, is indeed an honor, and Mrs. Shelton well deserves the recognition of her talents, time and energies in the furtherance of the cause of teaching English. Again, Mrs. Shelton's recognition highlights her status as a worthy recipient. Well done!" In addition to this honor, Shelton has also been named a PJC Master Teacher, is known as a dedicated sports fan of the Dragons and Lady Dragons, volunteers in college activities and in support of the United Way and Relay for Life.