Local Educator and Alumna Bethany Mather Honored with Massachusetts University Educator Alumni Award

Dr. Bethany Mather, a dedicated teacher at Farmington River Regional School in Otis, MA, and adjunct professor at the University, has been recognized with the prestigious 2024 Massachusetts University Educator Alumni Award, an accolade which celebrates Mather's outstanding contributions to education and her community. A proud alumna of Westfield State University, Mather's journey from student to distinguished educator reflects a commitment to excellence in teaching.

Graduating in 2012 with a master’s degree in elementary education, Mather also participated in Westfield State’s Teacher in Residence program, a discontinued initiative that promoted collaboration between educators by inviting teachers from elementary and middle high schools to work with professors on curriculum and professional development in addition to teaching their own classes for one year. This unique initiative fostered partnership between educators and professors, enriching Mather's teaching philosophy and practice.

Reflecting on her academic journey, Mather emphasized the invaluable support and mentorship she received from her professors at Westfield State during her time here in the graduate program as well as her one-year residence on campus. Their dedication to the craft of teaching left an impression on Mather, inspiring her to innovate and evolve as an educator.

“It was powerful knowing that my professor is talking about teaching as a teacher themselves,” Mather said about it. “It was magic for me. It was also a great way to try out higher education but also to be able to bring the elementary experience that I’d had into the classroom with undergraduates who are becoming teachers.”

For her master’s degree, Mather was drawn to Westfield State due to its tight-knit community and small classroom sizes, saying that she wanted to get to know her own peers. She emphasized the support and attention she’d received from her professors as well, praising their dedication to the craft in addition to their unwavering support of their students.

“I thought about the amazing opportunities that I’ve had at Westfield State through the education program, and it made me think,” Mather said. “The professors in it are unbelievable in terms of collaboration, thinking forward, being proactive, and constantly evolving.”

Mather's connection with her alma mater remains strong, as she continues to collaborate with former professors to enhance creativity and explore new teaching methodologies. This partnership has yielded positive results, benefiting both students and educators alike as she continues to partner with her former professors and bridge the gap between innovative modalities and the implementation of them in the classroom. Mather is also an active member of the Western Massachusetts Writing Project (WMWP) and works with several faculty members on promoting writing pedagogies in local school districts alongside co-leader Jennifer DiGrazia, Professor of English. Furthermore, Mather enriches her craft by publishing research papers on peer observation and professional learning opportunities, highlighting her passion for as an educator. 

For her dedication to both her school and students, Mather is the recipient of this year’s 2024 Massachusetts University Educator Alumni Award, an award given to one alumnus per university which highlights those who provide meaningful teaching contributions in their communities. Nominated for her exemplary contributions, Mather expressed shock and gratitude upon receiving the accolade and further reflected on how her professors at Westfield State “planted seeds” while she studied in the education program.

“I applied for the award after receiving an email calling for nominations because I thought about my own contributions to my students and school, and just recognized the amazing opportunities I’ve had at Westfield State, which have still left an impact on me,” Mather said. “The contributions my professors made on my profession and me just as a person, I’m even more proud and excited.”

“Bethany is the past, present, and future of teacher education,” Dr. Megan Kennedy, Director of Educator Preparation, Accreditation, and Outreach at Westfield State. “Bethany is very humble, but she’s done amazing things. She’s so generous and responsive to her students’ needs, and I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this award. She’s what we want teacher education at Westfield State to look like.”

The award ceremony took place on April 25 at the State House in Boston, where Mather was recognized for her outstanding achievements and commitment to educational excellence. Ultimately, Mather retains fond and important memories of the University as she continues to make strides as a professional in the teaching community.

“There is so much value to this community,” she said. “Without a doubt, you’re going to find a place where you fit in completely. You’re going to grow in the areas you’re interested in, and you’re going to be supported.”