Bethany Schklar is pictured with her husband, Joshua Schklar, and son, Noah, in this photo provided by her family. Normal Park Museum Magnet School fourth-grade teacher Bethany Schklar died Friday evening at Erlanger hospital from injuries sustained in a car crash earlier this week.
She is survived by her husband, Joshua Schklar, and son, Noah. They provided the following statement through family friend James Arnett:
"Throughout this dark time, the doctors, nurses, and staff at Erlanger have provided dedicated and deeply compassionate care, for which we and her family are thankful. Although we have known and loved all our lives, we have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from all of her communities – her family and friends; her Chattanooga School District colleagues, students and families; her faith community; and her dance and running communities. It has become abundantly clear that everywhere Bethany shined her light, she shone brightly and was a beacon to all. In lieu of flowers, we encourage people to continue sharing their favorite stories, photos, videos, and jumping selfies on social media to brighten the path on this long journey ahead."
The mother and teacher's positive attitude was fully on display as she sometimes posted selfies of herself jumping. Community members have been posting photos of themselves jumping with the hashtag #JumpingSelfieforBethany to show their love and support.
Bethany Schklar, 37, was born in Illinois but grew up in the Netherlands and Brazil, according to her teacher biography on the school's website. Her parents' job took them around the world.
She went to Hope College in Michigan to study dance performance and choreography but fell in love with education after working at an after-school program. She went back to school to become an elementary teacher. She taught second grade in Nashville before moving to Chattanooga, and started at Normal Park in 2015 after a stint at Orchard Knob Elementary.
"I feel fortunate to have found my way to Chattanooga, and NP," she wrote in her bio. "I'm passionate about teaching, world culture, the arts, and dance. In my spare time, I like to run, read, hike, and plan my family's next adventure."
Normal Park Principal Carrie Willmore released the following statement following the news of Schklar's death.
"Mrs. Schklar was an extraordinary teacher, friend and mentor to our school community. She had recently been voted by her colleagues as our school's teacher of the year for the 2018-2019 school year. Mrs. Schklar was a valued member of our faculty and impacted many in our community. This will be a difficult time for all, and the Normal Park community will continue to support each other and the Schklar family."
Schklar turned left onto Brainerd Road at the intersection with Elmwood Drive on Monday morning when her vehicle was struck by a car traveling from the tunnel going straight.
Schklar and the driver of the other car, Neshala Massengale, 34, were transported to a local hospital. Massengale was in serious but stable condition, according to a news release from the Chattanooga Police Department.
A passenger traveling with Massengale also suffered injuries, but they were not serious, according to the release.