You always hear those stories about students that have teachers who are their heroes. Sometimes it’s hard to imagine how someone getting paid to teach you every day from 7:30 am to 2:00 pm can change your life. But, even in our own community we have plenty of those special people, and it starts with some of our own teachers here at Bel Air High School.

Behind one of our classroom doors here at Bel Air, we have a teacher named Katie Forbes, which kids call, “Mrs. Forbes.” Mrs. Forbes teaches 10th grade English II and English IV – English for the 21st century.

Going back in time, Forbes started out in public relations in events and media. When asking Forbes about her first job she said, “…in every position I held, I was always the trainer.” So as her life continued, Forbes had kids and she said “…the events life just didn’t work…” and that is when she found her calling as a teacher. She started teaching in Bel Air Middle School before moving over to Bel Air High School where she is now a high school English teacher.

English class is more than just reading and writing—it’s an opportunity for students to discover their voice. Forbes creates the perfect atmosphere for that. Her classroom is a perfect mix of calm, beach, and English! She has soft lighting and big beach tapestries, and posters all around the classroom. Just her decorations already bring in the inviting feeling that makes you excited and want to be sitting in her classroom.

What makes a good teacher is not only what they do in the classroom, but what reaches students outside of the classroom. Forbes leaves lasting impacts that students will carry on with them into their future and beyond.

When asking Kendall Cretaro, one of Forbes previous students, what makes her love Forbes as a teacher, she responded with, “She will always stop what she’s doing to make sure you are okay and is the best support system you could ever ask for.”

From many people who have had Forbes it is a common trait of her’s that is talked about, how comforting she is. It goes beyond being just a teacher; she is someone who a student can always lean on when they feel like they have no one. Forbes will sit down and listen if you just need to talk, will give you advice if you feel lost and have nowhere to go, or just give you a big hug if you’re feeling lonely or just need some extra love that day.

Kara Nolan, another previous student, was asked the same question to which she responded, “…she seems to be a person with an open mind, and one that knows what to say when you need her.”

Forbes has that mother’s instinct that she always has something to give when you need help. She gives advice that just sticks to you that you will always think about. She gives advice about the future and not just for in the classroom but for our lives as humans in everyday situations.

I was a student who had Forbes both in middle school English and in high school and to say that I will always remembers Forbes is so true. She taught me how to love myself and be proud of what I’m doing. She taught me how to get through hard things when I came into her class crying one day. She has given me life lessons that I will carry through with me. She always made my voice feel seen and heard. I was a part of her classroom, and she made sure that I always knew that.

Katie Forbes continues to be all her student’s biggest cheerleaders, and that spirit in her does not seem to ever dim. Forbes is an unforgettable teacher and a staple at Bel Air High School. So, when someone asks if teachers really are heroes, Forbes students can confidently say, “Yes!”