Teacher at Broadwater Elementary receives “One Grade at a Time” award.

Q2, Western Security Bank, City Brew Coffee and the Education Foundation for Billings Public Schools have teamed up for “One Class at a Time.” The program recognizes teachers who do their best to help their students. This week we honor a teacher who knows the importance of learning to read early in life.

“Read to children when they are babies, read to them when they are older, and there is nothing they cannot do if they can read. This is such an important skill.”

Meet Taylor Vanderby, a first grade teacher who comes from a family of teachers and knew from a young age that this is what she wanted to achieve in her life.

“My mother was a teacher,” Ms. Vanderby said. “When I was in high school, I went on mission trips and saw the impact you could have. Then I started working on a boys and girls farm and I really enjoyed it. That’s when I fell in love with teaching because I saw the impact I could make on children.

She is a huge advocate for reading and is passionate about ensuring her students gain a comprehensive understanding of this necessary skill.

“It will stay with them for the rest of their lives.”

How will she use this award?

“I’ll get more books. I feel like kids could always use more books, and I’ve moved classes around a lot so I’ll get more books for first grade.”

As a teacher who cares deeply about her students’ reading skills, Ms. Vanderby received a $500 scholarship from the Education Foundation for Billings Public Schools, proudly sponsored by Western Security Bank, as well as a gift card in the amount of $150 from City Brew Coffee. Congratulations!

If you would like your teacher to be the next recipient, nominate HERE.