Teacher Feature: Rita Tarver at Meadowview Elementary School

The Black Belt News Network is proud to present Teacher Feature, a storytelling series that highlights the extraordinary work of teachers and educators across the Black Belt. Each week, we shine a light on an outstanding educator who has been nominated by their school or community for the difference they make in the lives of students.

If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance your favorite teacher deserves to be recognized. Nominees receive a short questionnaire and are invited to share a photo, giving the community a closer look at the people shaping tomorrow’s leaders.

Our third teacher to spotlight is Rita Tarver, fourth grade teacher at Meadowview Elementary in Selma.

Have a teacher you admire at a school in the Black Belt? We want to hear about them. Nominate an amazing educator in your community by answering the same questions and sending a classroom photo to news@blackbeltnewsnetwork.com. Your submission could help us tell the next inspiring story in the Black Belt.

Name: Rita L. Tarver

School: Meadowview Elementary School, Selma

Grade or subject you teach: Fourth Grade

Hometown: Demopolis 

College: Selma University, Alabama State University, University of West Alabama 

Family: Husband George Tarver Sr. and sons George Jr.& Artur 

What you love about teaching/education: I believe teaching is my gift from God, a discovery. This gift hasn’t always been packaged in a perfect box in the right size or color. Sometimes it was empty with a sprinkle of curiosity. Other times it was mute and mismatched. At the end, I found I wasn’t the gift, but the students were the gift to me.

I love to see students make connections that bridge their understanding to more complex concepts in the classroom and the world around us.

Favorite subject to teach: Math

What’s one of your biggest accomplishments so far: My current class came in sixth place in a national competition, Magma Math, this fall.