By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

The “Coaches in the Classroom” feature is a weekly series that spotlights and celebrates coaches throughout Portage County, who spend their days in the classrooms and hallways leading today’s student-athletes to be tomorrow’s leaders.

Today’s spotlight is on Field softball coach Beth Dyer, who is in her 20th year teaching and 19th year coaching the Falcons.

• How many years have you been a teacher: 20.
• Classes taught?: I currently teach 9th grade World History.
• What made you want to become an educator?: I enjoyed working with young adults and wanted to be a part of their school experience. Growing up, I heard my parents talk about their interactions with students and the influence they had in their lives.
• What is your favorite part of your job?: The everyday interaction with the students. Every day is different and you never know what it will bring.
• What have you learned about being an educator that you didn’t know before you started?: I have learned that sometimes the most memorable lessons the students learn are not necessarily content related.
• Which teachers influenced you to go into education?: My parents, Bob and Linda, and Mrs. Wagner from Rootstown High School.
• How do you apply some of your coaching to your classroom?: I am a pretty structured and organized coach. I always have a plan and a purpose. I try to bring that structure and organization to the classroom.
• How do you apply some of your classroom to your coaching?: Even being organized and knowing what I want to accomplish that day, sometimes you have to be flexible. I try to get a feel for how the team is feeling that day, especially after multiple days of indoor practice. Sometimes you have to ditch your plans.
• Funniest thing that has ever happened to you in a classroom?: While I was teaching, a bird flew out of the ceiling and scared the students. It took some time to get the bird out of the classroom and into the hallway.
• Mentors in your building who have helped you along the way?: I have been fortunate to work with some amazing people. Matt Furino has always been helpful and provided advice. Dan Battaglia, even though he’s not in my building, and my dad.