Meet 'Miss Bev' Godusky, Preschool Teacher

Name: Beverly Godusky

Where do you live?

"I live in Lower Macungie Township for almost nine years. It was a hard decision to move out of Emmaus. I am truly a hometown girl at heart. I still consider Emmaus my home town."

What is your official job title?

Director of Emmaus Moravian Preschool. Also the head teacher for the Monday/Friday and Tuesday/Thursday classes.

What inspired you to do what you do?

"I have been inspired quite by accident to find this career. Initially, coming out of high school I was trained in secretarial work. I found I was not feeling a sense of accomplishment in this field but then I became a mom which is a goal I always wanted.  

"I had taught bible school, Sunday School, babysat children in my home and babysat for aerobics classes at . I have always enjoyed working with children.  

"While my daughter was in preschool I had the opportunity to substitute and found I thoroughly enjoyed this work.  The day went by so quickly and I wanted to do this more. This was the beginning."

How long have you been educating children? Did you begin at Emmaus Moravian Church?

"Jeanne Puskaritz, also an Emmaus Moravian Church (EMC) member, approached me about a job at St. Anne's Episcopal Church. I took that job.  

"While there I worked under Kathy Conrad in pre-K and then decided to go to school to get my ECE/Early Intervention. While working there, Jeanne also asked me about starting up a one-day-a week program at Emmaus Moravian.  

"Parents could sign-up their children week-by-week. During this time I was running back and forth between St. Anne's and EMC also becoming the 3's teacher for three years at St. Anne's.  

"EMC wanted me to work more days there, so as hard as it was to leave St. Anne's, I decided to trust in myself and lead EMC to becoming a bonafide preschool. I have now been at Emmaus Moravian for 16 years."

What do you enjoy most about working with the children?

"It is hard to answer...because there are so many experiences throughout the day that I savour.  

"I enjoy seeing the children happy at preschool while being enthusiastic to learn. I enjoy reading to them and seeing their faces immersed in a book we are sharing.  

"I enjoy watching their expressions as a caterpillar becomes a butterfly. I enjoy listening to their stories and sharing in their lives. I enjoy seeing them grow and become good students at 'big school.'"

Tell us about a few of the most special moments you've had in your career with children.

"Special moments for me include seeing the progress a child makes when they first come to our school and how much knowledge and enthusiasm they have learned by the time they leave.  

"Graduation feels to me like I'm letting go of my children and as special as we make this ceremony, it is very hard for me. I truly miss them.  I am getting misty just saying this.  

"A special moment is a child's hand slipping into my hand and them telling me, 'I love you, Miss Bev.'"

What do you do in your free time?

Read, do Sudoku, watch television and just relax.

What's your favorite children's book and why?

"Are You My Mother?" by Dr. Seuss 
"I love doing different voices for the characters in the book."

What's one thing many people might not know about you?

"...that I am shy."

What do you love most about teaching in Emmaus?

"I love teaching in Emmaus because the families that come to us from this area are kind, loving people. My co-worker, is also an Emmaus hometown girl. We both enjoy our time with the children.

"Another reason I love teaching at my church is because I am proud to be an Emmaus Moravian."

Every Friday the Emmaus Patch will help you to get to know another of the many people who make our hometown such a wonderful place to live. If you would like to recommend someone for us to highlight in the future, please tell us in the comment box or email jennifer.marangos@patch.com.