Upon meeting Becky Short, one immediately experiences her warm personality and cheerful disposition. It is quickly apparent why children respond so well to her presence and instruction. Ms. Short, known to her preschool students at Northside Elementary as Ms. Becky, is simply a natural when it comes to working with kids. Along with her innate abilities to help students grow and learn, Ms. Becky, who is a Preschool Instructional Assistant, is also a kindhearted, trustworthy, dependable teammate for her colleagues. To everyone’s joy and to her surprise, Becky Short was named the recipient of the Woodford Outstanding Service Award for Northside Elementary for the 2021-2022 school year.
To begin her career, Becky worked at a daycare facility and also babysat for families. In 2001, she transitioned from childcare to a public school setting by joining the transportation department in Fayette County Public Schools. Becky was a bus monitor in the district and enjoyed the interaction with students on a daily basis.
When she moved to Versailles about ten years ago, Becky transferred to Woodford County Public Schools as a bus monitor. The opportunity eventually opened for her to substitute teach in schools in between her work with the transportation department. Becky quickly felt right at home working closely with children once again, and teachers looked forward to having her in their classrooms. In fact, Chloe Lee, Preschool Teacher at Northside, would request Becky whenever she needed an additional hand. This is the origin of Ms. Becky and Ms. Chloe’s career partnership. The two are now a dynamic duo as they spend their days educating and caring for three-, four-, and five-year-olds. Becky, smiling, says of her colleague, “I wouldn’t be here without her. Chloe pushed me to be in the classroom permanently. I was just subbing back and forth. I wasn’t sure I could be in the classroom full-time, but she pushed me. I wouldn’t be able to do it without her.”
The feeling is absolutely mutual. Ms. Chloe describes Ms. Becky as “the best assistant in the world.” Chloe continues, “Becky is such a valuable member of our Northside family and is a dear friend to me. Our students love her and look up to her. She truly embodies a dedicated educator. I am lucky to have her, and our students are lucky, too!”
For Ms. Becky, watching students grow and learn is the most rewarding part of her job. She observes as their capabilities and skills expand, and she also sees them grow physically to become big kids. Ms. Becky loves how excited students are when they learn something new. She says, “They especially love hands-on activities. Anything they can get sticky-icky with, I let them do it.” Laughing, Becky adds, “I love it. They enjoy it so much, and I can see how much their minds work.”
Not only is Becky’s fun-loving personality ideal for working with kids, but she also brings such pleasure to her colleagues. Scott Hundley, Principal of Northside, says, “Have you ever met one of those people with a laugh that is infectious? That person is Becky Short. While her laugh lets others know she is a warm, kind person, she is also as reliable as they come. One thing I always know is that our youngest Thoroughbreds are in great hands in our preschool classroom.”
Becky treasures Northside. She says, “It’s so rewarding to be at this school. Everybody is like family. It’s why I have been so attached to this school.” With her passion for Northside, her work ethic, and her love of children, it is plain to see why Becky is the recipient of the Woodford Outstanding Service Award. Upon receiving the award, Becky says she “felt overwhelmed and so much love.” She laughs and continues, “I felt like a celebrity.” It meant everything to Becky to be recognized for simply being herself. To be told, “This is for you. You have done a great job,” was everything to her.
In line with her beautiful character and humility, Becky adds, “I told Chloe I’m sharing the award with her. It’s not just mine, it’s hers, too, because I wouldn’t have gotten it without her.” Woodford County Public Schools is so grateful for this powerful partnership in Northside’s preschool classroom. The bond between Ms. Becky and Ms. Chloe will benefit children for years to come.
Congratulations, Becky, on receiving the 2021-2022 Woodford Outstanding Service Award for Northside Elementary!
