High Marks of Honor for Peabody Teacher Seith Bedard

Peabody Learning Academy Director Seith Bedard was recently named the latest "Teacher of Honor" by the international educational society Kappa Delta Pi.

The award was established in 2008 and given to a select group of educators worldwide, ranging from preschool teachers to college professors.

Bedard, a former special education teacher at Peabody High was tapped to run the city's alternative high school program at the Northshore Mall in 2010 when it first opened.

The PLA is part of the school district and operates in partnership with the Simon Youth Foundation to serve at-risk Peabody youth.

“When you see ‘Mr. B.’ in a classroom with his students, it becomes clear that he’s doing more than teaching subject matter; he’s inspiring his students to push themselves and to become life-long learners,” says SYF President and CEO Dr. J. Michael Durnil. “One credit at a time, Seith helps transform kids who likely would have been drop-out statistics into high school graduates...”

The award announcement praises Bedard for giving back to the community while teaching his students about social responsibility. Bedard and PLA students take on community service projects each month, from volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, the Greater Boston Food Bank or with mentoring for children with disabilities.

Students also visit the city's elementary schools to read children's books to their younger peers.

“We are so proud of the work Seith has done to improve the lives of the students at the Peabody Learning Academy. He has, no doubt, made them better students, people, and members of the community. There is no greater gift a teacher can give,” says KDP International President Dr. Mary Clement.

In order to earn the distinction of "Teacher of Honor," an educator needs to have taught in the classroom at least three years, provide evidence of professional development, leadership, community service and exceptional contributions to the education profession, as well as demonstrated commitment to integrity and high standards in the classroom.

Bedard also received a National Administrator of the Year Award from SYF in 2012 and has been recognized by the Red Cross as a local hero in education.