Teacher Appreciation Week: Anna Behrends - Big Ridge Elementary
May 7, 2025 -For third grade teacher Anna Behrends, education isn’t just a career—it’s a calling sparked during high school swim practices. “My swim coach asked if I would be willing to stay after practice and teach kids how to swim,” she recalled. “Just watching them learn new skills and overcome challenges really inspired me to want to become a teacher.”
Seven and a half years later, Behrends is still going strong at Big Ridge Elementary, where she teaches math and science to third graders. It's the only school and grade she’s ever taught, and it’s clear she’s exactly where she’s meant to be.
What drew her to elementary education? “Really, their imagination and creativity,” she said with a smile. “Even today, kids ran up to me at recess and said, ‘Miss B, we have to show you this.’ They made a fairy garden, and the fairy was a little grub that they had found. They were taking very good care of it.”
Behrends brings that same imaginative energy into her classroom, especially when teaching her favorite subject: science. “They’re so curious about the world and how it works. Just to see their faces light up and be like, ‘Oh, that makes sense,’ and make connections—that’s the best.”
One standout lesson is her unit on animal adaptations. Students research real animals and create their own creatures using combinations of adaptations, environments, and predator-prey relationships. “It’s so cool and interesting, and they love learning about animals,” she said.
But for Behrends, teaching goes beyond content. Her philosophy is centered on creating a classroom culture that feels like home. “I want to make sure that I'm creating a joyful classroom where everyone feels welcome, included, and valued,” she explained. “If they feel like I'm invested in them, which I am, then I feel they're more willing to learn and work with me on things.”
Behrends brings her positive energy to the entire school, and she appreciates the supportive, fun staff culture. “We had a spa day with bubbly waters and skincare products,” she recalled. “It was a great break and a chance to just connect.”
That sense of community is what she values most. “The support system we have here, how we all collaborate to do what’s best for each other and students is amazing,” she said. “We’re there for each other.”
Despite the challenges, she finds joy in the little moments like the ABC Countdown to Summer, a tradition that celebrates each day with themed activities. “Today was J, so we did June and July birthdays. Tomorrow’s Kindness Day,” she said, eyes lighting up. “At the very end of the year, we have Exchange Memories Day, and they’ll take their kindness jars and memory books to remember third grade by.”
Teaching has taught her, too. “I think I’ve grown in confidence, believing in myself. Just like I support them, they also support me,” she said. “And I’ve figured out how to be extremely calm. Even if I feel a certain way about something, I make sure I appear calm in any situation.”
So what keeps her coming back year after year? “Definitely the students. Definitely my team. And Big Ridge. It’s just a great place to teach and learn.”
During Teacher Appreciation Week, there’s no better time to celebrate educators like Anna Behrends and others who lead with joy, create safe spaces, and inspire tiny leaders to one day change the world.
Thank you, Miss Behrends, for your unwavering dedication, passion, and the incredible impact you have on your students every day!