We are saddened to learn of the passing of former Bethel-Tate Middle School teacher Mr. Jim Fay. We share our deepest sympathy with his friends and family.
Mr. Fay retired from Bethel-Tate Schools at the end of the 2020-21 school year, and the impact he had on our students over the years is immeasurable. He taught for 41 years and coached for 36 years.
“Jim meant so much to all of us at the middle school and impacted so many Bethel-Tate students. He was definitely one of the best there ever was,” said Dr. Christen Davis, BTMS Principal.
Mr. Fay reflected on his career in education before he retired and he shared the following, “I would tell my kids every year, that if you find a job you love, you won't work a day in your life. I truly feel I didn’t go to work every day. I was doing what I was called to do.”
He went on to share, “Assisting my kids in progressing their skill sets was always a top priority. It’s not where they started that concerned me; it was where they ended the year. I would get most excited about bringing in authentic life lessons with a variety of teaching strategies.”
Mr. Fay said he was forever grateful to the Bethel-Tate Board of Education and the Bethel-Tate community for their support and opportunity to work with their “fine young teenagers.”
Mr. Fay, we are the grateful ones. Thank you for sharing your passion for learning and gift of teaching with our students. Your legacy will live on.