EE's Beverly Karsteter Named Outstanding Elementary School Teacher by COSBA

Elbridge Elementary is beaming with pride after learning that longtime teacher and staff member Beverly Karsteter has been named the Outstanding Elementary School Teacher by the Cayuga-Onondaga School Boards Association (COSBA). She will be honored at the COSBA Annual Dinner Meeting and Recognition Program at the Springside Inn on Thursday, May 29.

Karsteter’s recognition is not only a significant personal achievement, but a historic one as well — it’s been years since an Elbridge Elementary educator has received this distinguished honor. Chosen from nominees across 10 school districts in the region, the award reflects both Karsteter’s tireless dedication to her students and her deep commitment to the Jordan-Elbridge school community.

Currently serving as the district’s Elementary Mathematics Specialist, Karsteter also wears many hats: she is the Second Grade Team Leader, a Lego League Coach, Eagle Council Facilitator (Elbridge Elementary’s student council), a JETA Professional Development Representative, and Fitness Center Attendant. Most recently, she stepped up to teach a third-grade class during the first quarter of the school year, helping to ensure students had a strong start while their teacher was on temporary leave.

“It was a huge task,” Karsteter said. “Much of the curriculum was new to me, but the class is doing fantastic! I put my MTSS Mathematics Specialist role on hold, and the district hired a sub for that while I got the classroom off and running.”

Her passion for math is evident. “Elementary Mathematics is my passion,” she said. “I am constantly intrigued by student and teacher thinking and am always looking to make mathematics relevant, challenging, and fun. My heart and mind are always focused on creating open-minded mathematical thinkers.”

Outside of the classroom, Karsteter has brought new life to the school’s Eagle Council. “We’ve had so much fun helping with SOAR assemblies, the food drive, making fun videos, giving awards, and planning schoolwide projects like our recent flower planting on Earth Day,” she said. “There’s so much positive energy that comes from this group.”

Karsteter has been with the Jordan-Elbridge Central School District for 16 and a half years, having taught in both third and fifth grades when needed — including during the height of COVID-19 when “all hands were on deck.” Before arriving at JE, she spent two years at Chittenango CSD, also as a Mathematics Specialist and technology teacher.

While she was completely surprised to learn she had won the award — “I wasn’t even aware how the nomination process worked,” she admitted — Karsteter is quick to credit the school community around her. “I wouldn’t be stepping up for many of these duties if I didn’t have the wonderful people I work with at JE, especially at Elbridge Elementary and the second and third grade teams. There isn’t a classroom or building in this district that doesn’t feel welcoming to me.”

Elbridge Elementary Principal Mrs. Brooke Bastian, who submitted Karsteter’s nomination, spoke highly of her leadership and selflessness. “Mrs. Karsteter is someone who gives her all to our school — not because she has to, but because she wants to. She leads with heart, supports her colleagues, and constantly goes above and beyond for our students.”

Karsteter’s path to teaching began after earning her Master’s in Elementary Education at Syracuse University in 2006. Prior to that, she worked with children through several non-profit organizations, experiences that helped shape her compassionate, student-centered teaching philosophy. Teaching, she says, runs in her family — from her late father, a former professor at West Point and Mount Saint Mary’s College, to her mother, who worked on Project Mercury as a NASA computer programmer, to her siblings, children, and even her great-grandmother, who taught in a one-room schoolhouse in Texas.

“It seems teaching is a natural fit,” she said with a smile.

Outside of school, Karsteter cherishes time with her large family, traveling, painting, and enjoying the outdoors. She’s also been busy caring for extended family members from her native Pennsylvania — an example of the same dedication she brings to her students every day.

Karsteter will be joined by her husband, David Walowsky, at the COSBA recognition dinner, where her colleagues, district leadership, and school community will no doubt be cheering her on.

Congratulations, Beverly, and thank you for everything you do for Elbridge Elementary and Jordan-Elbridge students. Your energy, leadership, and love for learning continue to inspire us all!