Teacher appreciation feature: Beth Romano

Beth Romano said she has wanted to be a teacher since childhood thanks to her grandma, who taught students who were new to the country. 

“It was when she brought me to her school's multicultural festival that I saw firsthand how much of an impact she made on her students’ lives and how much they appreciated her leadership,” Romano said. “I have tried to model her kindness and caring nature in my own practice to make learning fun and welcoming for all.”

Romano has been teaching various subjects for the past 18 years, starting as a biology teacher in New York and spending the past 13 years at BMS, where she currently teaches tech ed/Project Lead the Way, family & consumer science and culinary arts. For the past several years, she has also facilitated the school’s yearbook production and a club called Future Chefs. 

“Beth is a master of all trades who designs real-world learning experiences for her students,” said BMS Principal Kim Monette. “She incorporates student voice and culture into her classroom and stays open to new ideas and opportunities that provide an authentic experience.  Her passion for her students and their experiences are her driving force.”

Romano said she is especially proud of one of her more recent projects, called Bulldog Cafe, which is a student-run pop-up restaurant during each trimester’s conference night that serves a full, free meal to attendees. Her students also have made dozens of lasagnas from scratch and donated them through an organization called Lasagna Love, helping to fulfill a core mission of Romano’s classes - helping each other. 

“I want to thank my family, my admin team and co-workers at BMS for all the support and guidance over the span of my career, and mostly to my students,” she said. “They continue to inspire me with their perseverance and educate me with their own lived experiences.”