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Timothy Beikman teaches American government, geography, junior high careers and junior high Americana. (Photo by Brooke Stebbins)

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Beikman challenged by teaching, coaching responsibilities

"I was a junior in high school when I decided I wanted to be a teacher. I always enjoyed being a part of the school atmosphere and thought 'Where else can I do that?' I enjoy being around kids, which kind of keeps me young, too."

Timothy Beikman is the new geography, government, and international relations teacher at Silver Lake High School, filling Kelly Lampe's previous spot. Beikman moved to Silver Lake from Smith Center.

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Beikman will also serve as the head boys' basketball coach in the winter. (Photo by Brooke Stebbins)

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"I moved to Silver Lake from Smith Center after six years of teaching there because it was a time for something different, something that would challenge me more as a teacher, kind of get me going again as far as teaching new classes, new offerings, and coaching boys' basketball," he said.

    Moving to Silver Lake was easier than Beikman thought. He discovered there were more hobbies to explore and experience now that he's closer to a bigger town like Topeka.

    "The biggest difference between the two schools would probably be location. With Silver Lake being closer to a larger town, I get to experience a little bit of a difference between what the kids do in their free time, as opposed to coming from a small town out in the middle of nowhere, the kids have different things that they do in their free time. Kids are pretty much the same, no matter which way you go," he said.

    Beikman said teachers get the experience of a lifetime working with every level of student.

    "The kids are about the same from everywhere. You have the high-end students, the low-end students, kids who are going to cause you problems, anywhere you go. Kids are going to be kids. So far, I've had great experiences teaching here at Silver Lake. Nobody has given me problems, but I'm sure my day is coming," he explained.

    Government is always changing, and Beikman loves teaching the class for that reason.

    "The class I most enjoy teaching would be government because it constantly changes. We always have new leaders and new policies going on, so I enjoy teaching the kids that. I am also continually learning myself about the changes the government has," he said.

    Beikman's ways of teaching differs from other teachers in the school.

    "Each teacher chooses their own way of teaching, what works for them. I have my ways that work best for me, and other teachers have other ways that work for them," he said.

    Students like Beikman's teaching as well as he enjoys it.

    "I love Beikman's teaching style because he makes the class fun and interesting. I think Beikman is a kid at heart," senior Jess Hawkins commented.

    Beikman explained that growing up in a small town is just as easy as teaching at one.

    "I grew up in a small town of Linn, Kan., just north of Clay Center. I went to grade school and high school there, and went to Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kan., and graduated from there in '95. It was a small school, but I enjoy the small-school atmosphere," he explained.

    Beikman has been teaching for 12 years, and this is his first year coaching boys' basketball.

    Beikman teaches geography because he likes to visit and discover new places when driving, then sharing his experiences with his students.

    "Geography is interesting to me because I like to know where things are, and I just like to see the countryside. If I ever have to go anywhere, I like to drive so I can see everything in the surrounding area. Our country has so many different places, also in the world, that you can visit, that we will cover in geography, and I like to learn about those kind of things," he said.

    Beikman loves the outdoors and anything he can enjoy while the weather permits.

    "In my spare time, I like to be outdoors. I like to ride my bike, play softball, fish, anything outdoors, as long as the weather is okay," he said.

    Challenges for new teachers are especially difficult. Beikman doesn't seem to have that problem, yet.

     "As a teacher, you expect to have new disputes, especially as a new teacher. My goal is just to get better as a teacher. I'm trying to reach out to every student, and make sure that they all have an equal opportunity, and hopefully by the end of the year, be a better person overall."

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