Beth grew up in the small town of Isle, Minnesota. Similar to the Methow Valley, she was lucky enough to have a cross-country skiing unit in PE class. After graduating from Carleton College, Beth ventured west, living in Chelan and coordinating a family literacy program in Entiat, and then moved further west and worked in the high school counseling office at Bellevue Christian School. Beth and her husband Matt have lived in the Methow Valley for a year, and they look forward to many more winters of skiing!
Beth holds a Masters degree from Seattle University and a Ph.D. from the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California, where she researched teaching and learning in the context of theological education. While in Berkeley, Beth also worked in graduate school admissions and coordinated a writing tutoring program at Longfellow Middle School.
Beth comes to this position with a range of perspectives on post-high school planning. When asked about her new position, she stated, “I’m thrilled to be stepping into this role and look forward to providing personalized support to make sure each student has the resources needed to reach their goals.”
Following her selection we asked LBHS Principal, Crosby Carpenter to briefly describe his impressions of Beth. He was quick to state, “Beth brings a wide range of educational, career, and life experiences to this position, as well as an innate ability to authentically connect with each student. We’re thrilled to have Beth on board and look forward to her continuing the work Erika Spellman has championed in preparing students for life beyond high school.”
Working in partnership with the Public School Funding Alliance (PSFA), the MVSD has significantly increased its investment into the expansion of the College and Career Advisor position. Utilizing the generous support provided by PSFA, the MVSD has grown the position from less than 200 hours four years ago to nearly a full time position beginning this fall.
When asked about the district’s strategic investment into this position, Superintendent Venable stated, “When I spoke to last year’s graduating seniors during my exit interviews, a few themes emerged… Continue to expand opportunities to participate internships and apprenticeships, continue to eliminate barriers in the form of fees, and expand the College and Career Advisor position. Working through our budget development process, equipped with the feedback provided by our students at the forefront, we’ve initiated action by eliminating Pay-to-Play fees, we’ve expanded our Mentorship Coordinator position filled by Kelleigh McMillan at the ILC (using a grant from the Community Foundation of North Central Washington), we’ve expanded our Family and Community Engagement Coordinator position (Funded by a Local Support Grant, this includes the coordination of LBHS student-interns) filled by Katharine Bill, and we’re expanding the College and Career Advisor position, thanks in large part to the generous support provided by PSFA.”
He went on to state, “The College and Career Advisor position serves as the third leg in the stool. The position matches up well with our broad range of course offerings, expanding community-based internships, and the generous support provided by PSFA, Methow Valley Education Foundation, and others in support of the planning for life beyond high school and scholarships.”
Please join us as we welcome Beth Anderson, MVSD’s College and Career Advisor and thank the Public School Funding Alliance, Methow Valley Education Foundation and the Community Foundation of North Central Washington for their generous support of all of our students and graduates. What a great place to raise children!