Henrico's Top Teachers – Beth Mayo, Jackson Davis Elementary School, physical education

As the sole physical education teacher for a school of more than 500 elementary students, Beth Mayo faces challenges on a daily basis – even during routine, normal times.

This year, however, the PE environment at Jackson Davis is anything but normal.

While a new school building is under construction on the back portion of the current campus – an area that formerly included the gym, track, and open grassy area for PE classes – Mayo has only a classroom for her work space. The displacement, she said, has forced her to "think outside the box, literally, and get creative with my use of space."

In spite of the upheaval, her "amazing" students have adapted well, Mayo said. "We have made the most of our time in this transitional space."

One observer of the transition, however, contends that Mayo's students have coped so well because their teacher is the "amazing" one. According to this nominator, Mayo has been "very creative and innovative" in coping with the open-campus setting: teaching gym in a classroom, storing equipment in a metal freight container, and making do with a small grassy area outside the classroom for outdoor lessons. "She gives the students a lot of opportunity to engage with the activities," added the nominator.

In fall and spring, for example, Mayo leads the Richmond Sports Backers program Kids on the Move. She enlists the fifth-graders to lead warm-up and cool-down sessions each week, and empowers the younger students to play key roles as well. For the final day in fall, when parents are invited to join students at the gym, she has each of the class levels brainstorm an activity for the adults.

Keeping the children moving outside of school is a priority for her, Mayo said. During the spring session of Kids on the Move, students train for the Monument Avenue 10K, and in fall and spring, she hosts after-school run clubs.

Teaching every grade at the elementary level is especially rewarding, Mayo said, because "I get to watch my students grow every year [and see] them make so much progress."

Former students who return to school for a visit are another huge reward of teaching, she said. Whether the older students share stories of their favorite memories, or come to volunteer at school events, Mayo said, "I just love seeing how much they’ve grown, and hearing that I may have had an impact on their lives.

"Fostering relationships is one of my favorite parts of teaching, and I love that students want to connect far beyond their time with me in elementary school."

She especially enjoys hearing from former students that they made a sports team for the first time, or that they continue to pursue running – "all because the spark was ignited during the after-school run club."

Mayo also cherishes homemade cards and artwork from students, and decorates her office with student letters and drawings. Among the special notes she has received from students is a card from a graduating fifth-grader who clearly took her lessons to heart.

“Thank you for teaching me," wrote the student, "that fitness is most important for my body over time! You have been the BEST P.E. teacher!”

Another note that Mayo treasures came from a parent who appreciated her leadership of extracurricular activities in particular.

"We are NOT a running family, but our child has brought home the spirit of the run club, and inspired all of us to get moving," wrote the parent. "We have enjoyed the ways you continue to engage not just the students, but entire families through your programming . . . Thank you for continuing to champion the importance of health, sportsmanship, and excellence in our children. It’s powerful!”

While Mayo mused that it took years to realize that teaching might be her calling, the experience of growing up around a dedicated teacher undoubtedly had an influence.

Her mother, who taught special education for 43 years at schools that included Pemberton Elementary, Carver Elementary, and Quioccasin Middle, was "passionate about advocating for her students," Mayo said. "She gave so many of her students a voice, back when no one was fighting for, listening or trying to understand students with disabilities.

"She is a saint in my eyes, as she always showed so much love, grace and patience with her students . . I strive to do the same every day for my students."

Mayo noted that she attended Jackson Davis herself many years ago and returning there to teach has been "a full circle moment." But it's her role model and mentor, she emphasizes, who continues to keep her energized and engaged.

"My mom has and will always be my inspiration." Mayo said. "I still seek her advice and wisdom today, because her love of education still burns bright!”