ASU-Beebe education students Lizzie Belew, of Beebe, and Laura Bradley, of Cabot, both sophomores, co-authored and illustrated a book last fall, winning first place for “Why is School So Hard?” in the Children’s Literature K-3 competition at the University of Central Arkansas.
Bradley and Belew met at the beginning of their third semester at ASU-Beebe and Bradley said their friendship began when they needed help with homework and studying. “After that, we sort of just ‘clicked’ and joined Educators Rising and decided to compete as a team at UCA,” said Bradley.
“Laura and I met in introduction to teaching with our instructor Penny Cook last fall. We had a few classes together and would spend time in the library and just really hit it off,” said Belew.
“As an education major, you learn so much about exceptional children, learning disabilities, and disorders,” said Bradley. “In my internship last semester, I noticed that there weren't a lot of books for children that taught them about those with exceptionalities. I felt the urge that something needed to be done, so when I got the opportunity to write a book, I chose to write about a common learning disorder that affects many children all over the world.”
“Growing up, my best friend had Down syndrome. We always stuck by each other’s side and remained friends throughout our years at school,” said Belew.
Belew was also inspired by a quote from Robert Ingersoll, “We rise by lifting others,” and said this book provided a way to lift others up.
“I wanted to make a small impact and bring a story to life as if it were from the point of view of the child who struggles, so others could have a better understanding of what their day-to-day life looks like,” Belew said.
“I really started to lose faith in my career path after my first year of college,” said Bradley. “There is so much negativity surrounding the career of teaching. My instructor Penny Cook shared her stories as a teacher and realistic concepts of education. She inspired me to jump back into what I love the most and motivated me to want to learn more about teaching.”
Originally a nursing major until last July, Belew said she realized she wanted to go into education. “I am encouraged about teaching. When I imagine my future, I want to have a classroom full of students who are excited to learn and happy to have me as their teacher. I want my classroom to be the best it can be and provide my students with an opportunity to excel in their journey throughout their educational path,” Belew said.
Bradley and Belew also competed at Arkansas State University in the spring and “Why is School So Hard?” was showcased at Abington Library during the ASU-Beebe Children’s Literature Week, sponsored by the Educators Rising student organization and the education department.
Bradley is an elementary education major and plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree toward a career as an elementary school teacher. “In five years, I see myself having a room full of children that I get to call my students. I see myself working hard to provide the best learning environment for students. I also want to strengthen the profession by creating teacher resources, activities and worksheets to share with other teachers,” Bradley said.
Belew is majoring in mid-level education with an emphasis in math and sciences. She plans to transfer to A-State and pursue a bachelor’s degree toward teaching fourth grade science. “I want to create an environment in my classroom so that it feels like a safe space for my students to learn,” said Belew.
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