For much of her life, Rebecca “Becky” Tholen never envisioned herself as a teacher. She had other plans. But when her children became teenagers, she decided to look for work. What she found changed everything.

 

“You know, I never thought my path would go here,” Tholen said. "I just wanted to do something that makes a difference for someone. I started with the schools and was lucky enough to be able to become an aide here with our resource department. I just saw all of the magic that happened with the teachers and the students, and I thought, 'I want to be a part of that. I want to make a difference in that way.'”

 

Now, as an established first-grade teacher, Tholen delights in helping her students find the joy of education.

 

“My favorite thing about teaching is the students,” she said. “They are so kind, and I love how willing they are to work hard. I love to see when that light goes on, and they’ve got it! They become confident. A lot of magic happens in first grade, so I just love being with the students. The students are definitely the best part of teaching.”

 

Wellsville principal Glen Harris expressed admiration for Tholen’s impact on students and families.

“Becky has become the magic for the kids in her classroom,” he said. “This is just her third year, but Becky is making an impact on students, parents, and the staff at Wellsville Elementary. Her first-grade colleagues love being able to work so closely with her. It’s an honor to recognize her important and lasting work.”

 

“I’m inspired by my students - their kindness to each other, their willingness to work hard,” Tholen said. “It’s these kids that inspire me to want to come every day and do my best so that they can learn and be successful and confident in who they are and what they can do. Teaching makes the world a better, more hopeful place. Watching these sweet little children learn and grow gives me hope for the future. I love that. It’s all about the kids.”