The HISD Office of Talent presented Hartsfield Elementary School’s DeShawn Beatty with its Teacher Appreciation Award.

When Beatty realized she was being recognized for her tremendous work in the classroom, she began to cry. It’s been a tough couple of years for the first-grade teacher.

“My kids are my strength. I lost my son, and I lost my mother last year,” Beatty said through tears. “I keep coming to work because they give me my strength, and I love my kids.”

Beatty taught kindergarten last year, but she made such an impact on her students that Principal Travis Johnson asked her to move up with them to first grade.

“It’s been hard, but she keeps coming back day after day after day. And when I tell you, these are some of the best kids, every year,” said Johnson.

Get to know more about Beatty below:

Q: Since this is an Animal and Environmental Science Magnet school, what is your favorite animal?

Beatty: Elephant

Q: What was your favorite subject in school?

Beatty: Science

Q: Where is your favorite place to eat in Houston?

Beatty: Soul Garden

Q: What made you become a teacher?

Beatty: Initially, I was going to be a dietitian. I saw a lot of my friends becoming educators, so I just changed my major. I wanted to make a difference in children’s lives.

Q: What is your hope for your students this year?

Beatty: I hope that they can become the best that they can be. I want them to always strive to be the best, and I always want them to know that mistakes are OK.