Above and Beyond Educational Encounters is committed to exceptional teacher training and student learning, utilizing best practices, innovative technology, and hands-on application. Guided by our trust in 'Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine' (Ephesians 3:20), we strive to deliver meaningful and positive outcomes for educators and learners alike.

Betty F. Nugent, EdD, is an accomplished educator and international trainer with over 40 years of experience in teaching, grant writing, special project coordination, and educational administration. At the university level, she has served as a student-teacher supervisor and professor of various educational methods courses.

Dr. Nugent holds degrees from Southern Adventist University, Andrews University, and Walden University, where her dissertation focused on Teaching Mathematics in Multi-grade Classrooms. 

Currently Dr. Nugent serves the Florida Conference Office of Education as the coordinator of PBL and Special Projects. As the founder of Above and Beyond Educational Encounters, she creates innovative, STEaM-focused learning experiences, camps and resources. Dr. Nugent also serves as an Adjunct Professor at Southern Adventist University and AdventHealth University.

Dr. Nugent is a published author, with contributions to the Journal of Adventist Education and Nurture and has presented at numerous educational conferences. She helps children in K-4 understand scientific concepts in her book series, Back Yard Adventures. 

Guided by her faith, Dr. Nugent believes in the transformative power of Christian education. She embraces Solomon’s wisdom to “train up a child in the way he should go” and strives to prepare students not only for academic success but also for lives of service as they prepare to meet Jesus.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Dr. Nugent cherishes her family. She was married to Evert (deceased in 2023) for 41 years and is the proud mother of EAN (wife Jodi-Ann) and Joy, and a devoted grandmother to brilliant Micaiah, beautiful Saraiah, and inquisitive Seth.

The Served

Above and Beyond Educational Encounters (ABEE) is dedicated to empowering educators through comprehensive teacher training and ongoing classroom support. Under the leadership of Founder and CEO Dr. Betty F. Nugent, ABEE researches, implements, and shares best teaching practices with PreK-12 educators. Through engaging workshops, in-service activities, virtual professional development, and personalized in-class support, ABEE equips educators with the tools and strategies needed to transform their schools and classrooms into premier learning environments for the next generation of engaged citizens.