Congratulations to Stephanie Beasley the JCPS Certified Employee of the Month for September 2025!
Mrs. Beasley shares her passion for all things health related and her love of teaching in the Spotlight Q&A below.
Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Stephanie, but I go by Mrs. Beasley in the classroom and mom at home. I reside in the McGee’s Crossroads area with my husband, Bryan, and two children, Randall and Emily.
Things that interest me involve anything health related, spending time with my family, being active in church, and last but not least, going to Chipotle!
When did you begin your career with JCPS?
My career with Johnston County Public Schools began with my love for students and healthcare.
I was hired as the Allied Health Science Teacher at Cleveland High School in 2021, and it has been a blessing ever since.
Have you always been a Health Science teacher?
Have you always been at Cleveland High?
Healthcare has always been my passion, specifically radiology. I am currently nationally registered in radiography, mammography, and computed tomography, all of which have assisted my professional journey in various ways.
Upon becoming a Health Science Teacher at Cleveland High School, I have truly deepened my love for assisting students through not only healthcare, but their lives as well.
Are you from Johnston County originally?
Originally born in Charlotte and adopted as an infant, I have been a Johnston County resident my whole life.
As a graduate from Clayton High School, and now serving health science students at Cleveland High School, JOCO pride has been instilled in me.
Where did you attend post-secondary school?
I earned my Associate of Applied Science Degree from Johnston Community College, Bachelor of Science in Health Arts and Master of Science in Health Services Administration degrees from the University of St. Francis in Joliet, IL.
My most recent academic accomplishment is obtaining an Educational Specialist Degree from South College in Knoxville, TN, where I am proud to have walked the stage with my son, Dr. Beasley!
What inspired you to pursue a career in teaching?
I cannot remember a particular moment that I wanted to become a teacher but I do remember being 4 years old, lining up all of my stuffed animals, and ‘teaching’ them using my chalkboard.
As a child, my asthma contributed to annual hospitalizations until I reached middle school. Being the patient, I understood what it was like to be on the receiving end of patient care. I wanted to give back what had been given to me.
So, I took my fascination with healthcare and combined it with my love of teaching, and chose to teach others about anatomical structures, functionalities, and how to help people medically.
What lessons has the profession taught you about education, students, and yourself?
Being a lifelong learner, I have not forgotten what it is like being a student.
The elements that have helped me grow academically and professionally are the ones which I implement in my classroom: safety, incorporation of visuals, involving students through hands-on activities, and providing resources necessary that serve beyond the classroom.
Most importantly, I aim to treat every student with respect, dignity, and kindness.
As an educator, building strong relationships with your students is paramount. What approaches do you use to create trust and bond with them?
I have great confidence that my students trust me, as I am honest and open with them in both instruction and regular conversation in the classroom.
I exhibit no favoritism, and often promote safety and respect to be enforced and reciprocated, as these are key characteristics of quality healthcare.
Professionalism is also a key feature of my classroom, as we practice transparency with particular topics of health and life occurrences.
Describe a memorable teaching experience that had a lasting impact on you. What made it special, and what did you learn from it?
Part of the Health Science I Curriculum Unit 1 is recognizing and responding to emergencies. Although signs of a stroke are not included in this unit, I teach what a stroke is and how to detect the signs using FAST (face, arm, speech, time) at the beginning of the semester.
About two weeks into the semester, a student was absent for one week. Upon her return, she said she went home and noticed her mom was exhibiting signs of a stroke by what she had learned in class. She called 911, her mom went to the hospital, and it was indeed a stroke. Today her mom is doing fine.
That taught me that we never know as educators the impact of what our topic may be, so we need to put our hearts into everything we teach.
Looking ahead in your career as an educator, what goals would you like to accomplish in the field of education?
Within the field of education, I aim to provide my students with the tools and information necessary to enable their success in healthcare, or any other profession.
Part of the health science curriculum is to teach students how to create a cover letter, resume, and conduct an interview.
I take these life skills seriously and go into detail about the significance of each step involved.
Additionally, as a HOSA (Future Health Professionals) club advisor, I have guided our chapter to successfully compete in Regionals, States, and International HOSA competitions.
The privilege of traveling with my students and witnessing their personal and professional growth through the realm of healthcare is rewarding, and makes all efforts worthwhile.
This year’s theme for the 2025-2026 academic year is Forward, with a focus on our North Star - Student Achievement and Academic Growth.
My North Star has always been student achievement and academic growth, as it explains my presence and efforts I intentionally put in each day.
How do you plan to carry this theme into your classroom and continue building on your award-winning strategies?
I plan to move my classroom and students forward by supporting their success while also cultivating a safe, accepting learning environment that can hopefully foster the newest healthcare professionals.
No matter where a student has come from, I hope that my teachings can provide that student the reassurance and encouragement they need to pursue their true passion as I did.
I also encourage great respect amongst my students and with me, as that is the key to growth in healthcare, or any career.