BethAnne Klaver’s fancy footwork fuels success of local fundraiser
Each year since 2010, commitment and dedication take center stage during the annual Dancing with the Williamsburg Stars fundraiser to support Big Brothers Big Sisters and Literacy for Life at the Rita Welsh Adult Learning Center. This year, just months after starting a new job with the Training and Technical Assistance Center (T/TAC) at the William & Mary School of Education, Project Specialist BethAnne Klaver made her swing dancing debut as one of eleven Williamsburg stars volunteering their time and energy to causes close to their hearts.
"I wanted to support both Literacy for Life and Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Virginia Peninsula," Klaver explains. "Both organizations have missions that are closely tied to the work I do in my career." Klaver brings a wealth of experience to her current position with T/TAC, where she provides direct support to school divisions to improve outcomes for students with disabilities. Before joining T/TAC, she worked for Williamsburg-James City County Schools as a special education teacher and instructional specialist, then Special Education Coordinator. Prior to that, she taught for Colonial Beach Public Schools.
Cultivated since childhood, Klaver’s passion for dance provides a creative outlet that balances her responsibilities as a professional educator. “Dancing has brought me a lot of joy throughout my life,” she says. “I have taken classes in ballet, tap and jazz and taught various dance classes at a small studio prior to moving to Williamsburg. I really loved teaching dance classes in the evenings, especially the preschool classes; it was a nice juxtaposition to my day job as a high school teacher.”
The months leading up to the performance were a whirlwind of rehearsals, costume fittings, and fundraising efforts, demanding a significant time commitment. Although she is no stranger to dance, she faced a new challenge learning to dance with a partner. “My professional partner teased me a lot about always trying to lead instead of letting him lead,” she laughs. “We did a swing dance which was fun and energetic. It also gave us the opportunity to be a little silly, something we both love to do!”
Klaver found immense satisfaction in the camaraderie of the whole experience. “I can’t say enough good things about the people involved in making this event happen every year and the other stars who participated in this year’s show.” Klaver also expressed admiration for friend and fellow participant W&M Law Professor Stacy Kern-Scheerer, whose exceptional performance with her dance partner earned them first place in the competition. “Stacy’s dance was spectacular, and I was excited to see her win!” The 2024 event raised nearly $130,000 for the two charities.
Despite the demands of the event, Klaver also devoted her time to volunteer within the School of Education. Serving as a University Supervisor for the student teaching program, she played a pivotal role in training and mentoring future teachers, contributing to the program's recognition as a statewide and national model of excellence.
Klaver's commitment to education, service and community engagement, both personally and professionally, embodies the values that define the School of Education at William & Mary. Her contributions epitomize the commitment and dedication it takes to fuel positive change and transform students, schools and communities.
