Bethanie Kendardine: from student to teacher at WF

“I just kind of had a feeling that I would be in school my whole life.”

West Florence's new Latin teacher, Ms. Bethanie Kenderdine, got her passion for being a teacher at a young age. She loved the teacher, her classes, getting school supplies and just basically anything school-related. She also used to make her little brothers play school with her.

Education

So what do you do with all this passion to become a teacher? Well, you go to more school, of course! Kenderdine first attended Furman University where she started taking ancient Greek, which turned her interests to the classics. She then transferred to the College of Charleston and got a Latin degree, along with an art history degree.

“The College of Charleston is an amazing place,” Kenderdine said “The experience of living in downtown Charleston is priceless.”

Before college, Kenderdine actually attended and graduated from West Florence High. Her love of Greek and Roman mythology started right here in this very building in Mrs.Summersett’s mythology class.

Career

Kenderdine has taught a couple different subjects besides Latin. She has taught Art History, several different World History classes, and Computer Applications. She taught these subjects at Dillon Christan School, Thomas Hart academy, and the South Carolina Governor's school in Hartsville. Kenderdine has taught 4k through 12th grade, though she prefers high school.

“If you become a teacher, it’s good to get your toes wet in a lot of the different grades,” said Kinderdine. “That’s the only way that you’ll find out what you feel like is meant for you.”

Teaching

“My favorite thing about teaching is definitely the relationships with students that I make,” Kinderdine said.

When the beginning of the school year starts, Kinderdine makes it a priority and spends a lot of time towards creating community in the classroom and creating relationships with the students. She also tries to create an atmosphere of respect by showing respect to her students.

Now at West Florence

From a senior saying goodbye to West Florence to a new teacher saying hello again years later, Kenderdine said the experience has been a bit strange but at the same time very nice. Even though it’s a new job for Kenderdine, it still has elements of familiarity. She came in knowing the layout and teachers by whom she was taught. Kenderdine says she enjoys working here so far and she’s excited for the years to come.

“When I came here I already had friends and teachers to help me out,” she said.