The first woman in her family to finish her education, Betty J. Brown was inspired to pursue a career in education after being mentored by her two aunts. She excelled during her own studies, earning 150 units above her degree requirements. She graduated from California State University, Chico, with a Bachelor of Education. She then spent her fulfilling career as a teacher in the Gridley and Richfield Elementary Districts in California. In addition to her primary appointments, Ms. Brown also served on the board of directors of the School Site Council, and was a member of the County Language Arts Committee and the Learning Council.
As an active member of her community, Ms. Brown also volunteered extensively with local organizations such as the Tehama County School Board. She also served as a coordinator for a writing contest in the community for more than a decade. As an accomplished educator, she was honored with the National Educator Award from the Milken Family Foundation and the Literacy Award from the Tehama County Reading Council. Throughout her career, Ms. Brown has been proud of the lasting relationships she has cultivated with her students. She often reconnects with former students in adulthood who have done well for themselves after taking her classes. She has been grateful to provide a safe and secure learning environment for all of her students.
In her spare time in retirement, Ms. Brown now enjoys reading, biking, skiing, traveling and spending time with her family, cats and friends. To remain abreast of developments in her field and community, Ms. Brown has maintained affiliation with the American Association of University Women, the Tehama County Reading Council, the Corning Chamber of Commerce, the Tehama County Shrine Club Wives, Delta Kappa Gamma and the Maywood Women’s Club.
Ms. Brown would like to be remembered by her peers as someone who was pleasant, as well as someone they could talk to and communicate with. In light of her professional accomplishments, she received the Service to the Chapter Award from the Beta Lambda chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, as well as the Service to the Area of Public Service Award in 2019. Ms. Brown was previously honored with the National Educator Award from the Milken Family Foundation in 1994, and numerous Literacy Awards from the Tehama County Reading Council between and 1995 and 2001.
The factors or attributes that Ms. Brown feel have played a role in her success is that she is trying to make difference and bring humor into difficult circumstances, being expressive and keeping it light, along with try to understand others. In addition, she is always trying to make a difference and make life better for young people, as well as adults. One of the things that Ms. Brown thinks she has done a lot of is bring humor into situations where people might get angry. She believes we never truly understand others, but we try.