Beverly Ahrensdorf has taught English to 7th and 8th grades at the Pepper Middle School for the past 36 years, facing challenges like violence, language barriers, and cultural differences.

But she has continued with persistence and dedication because she loves her students.

“I’m very much like a mother in terms of scolding and patting them on the back. I teach all boys — they’re just so funny and lovable, I just can’t tell you.”

An accident while in college led Ahrensdorf to change her plans from working overseas to teaching in Southwest Philadelphia.

“It’s a challenge and it’s just been so rewarding, I wouldn’t have changed it for anything.”

Story by KYW’s Karin Phillips

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