Panthers Return Home | Beth (Diehl) Shelby
For Panther alumni who once roamed the hallways as students, the decision to return to Washington Township Schools as staff members is a full-circle moment in their personal and professional journeys.
Check out these Panthers who have returned home to Washington Township to make an impact in the very community that shaped their own academic and personal development.
Beth (Diehl) Shelby
Visual Art Teacher at NORA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | North Central High School Class of 1992
How has Washington Township played a role in your life?
Washington Township has been home for as long as I can remember. I am proud to be a product of Washington Township Schools, attending Fall Creek Elementary (K–3), John Strange Elementary (4–5), Eastwood Middle School, and graduating from North Central High School with the Class of 1992.
After college, I was grateful for the opportunity to return to the district that had invested so much in me. In 1997, I began my career teaching Visual Art and coaching at North Central High School, where I served for 12 years. After taking a few years away from the classroom, I returned to Washington Township in the fall of 2013 as the art teacher at Nora Elementary. This year marks my 14th year at Nora.
Washington Township is the only school district where I have ever learned, taught, and coached. Every stage of my journey has been shaped by the people, opportunities, and sense of community found here. It is a privilege to help inspire creativity, encourage students to discover their unique gifts, and invest in the next generation of Township learners.
It is a special blessing to spend my career giving back to the community that gave so much to me.
What is different in WTS today? And what has stayed the same?
Washington Township has certainly changed over the years. I’ve watched buildings be renovated, schools open and close, technology transform the classroom, and generations of educators and leaders bring fresh ideas and new perspectives. These changes have allowed our district to continue growing and meeting the needs of today’s students.
What has remained constant is the commitment to excellence. Washington Township has always been a place where students are challenged, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential. There is a shared belief that every child matters and that great schools are built through strong relationships, dedicated educators, and a caring community. That mindset has been a defining characteristic of Washington Township throughout my lifetime, and it’s one of the reasons I feel so fortunate to have spent my entire educational journey here.
How has the Washington Township Schools Foundation impacted your experience working in the district
The Washington Township Schools Foundation has had a tremendous impact on both my teaching and my students. Through its generous support of classroom grants, the Foundation has helped turn ideas into meaningful learning experiences. Every grant I’ve submitted has been funded, allowing me to provide opportunities in the Nora Art Studio that would not have been possible otherwise.
Because of the Foundation’s investment, our students have been able to explore new materials, create ambitious projects, and experience art in ways that inspire creativity, curiosity, and confidence. Those experiences make learning memorable and remind students that their creativity is valued.
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