Behind every great student is a great teacher. These teachers make learning fun by thinking outside the box and creating classroom experiences that resonate with their students. They serve many roles in their schools, as spelling coaches, school bee coordinators and judges; more often than not, they are motivators who encourage their students to be the best they can be. In the “Teacher Feature,” we celebrate these educators and their commitment to their students' education.
Many of our former featured teachers are veterans of their school spelling bee programs, and we love sharing their expertise and the practices that they use to make their bees the best that they can be! However, today we are excited to put the spotlight on a newcomer to the spelling bee. Amber Hughes is a sixth grade reading teacher at Laurel Highlands Middle School in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, a school that held its first spelling bee this year thanks in part to her efforts.
According to Mr. Mike Rozgony, the middle school's principal who nominated today's "Teacher Feature" recipient, Mrs. Hughes is "phenomenal with the kids" and always does her job with enthusiasm. She "supports all school initiatives without hesitation" but is particularly dedicated to Laurel Highlands' student voice and student government groups. In fact, her involvement in a student voice activity led to the school's enrollment in the Scripps National Spelling Bee. When the student group made it clear that they were interested in participating in more academic competitions, Mrs. Hughes took their comments to heart, and the school researched competitive educational programs before deciding to take part in the spelling bee.
As a reading teacher who emphasizes vocabulary and spelling on a daily basis in her classroom, Mrs. Hughes was a perfect fit to lead her school's spelling bee efforts. She inspired the student council to create care packages for all participants in the bee to show the spellers that their classmates are proud of their hard work and effort. The students will also make a special package for the winning student with inspirational quotes and letters from fellow classmates, and signs will also be displayed around the hallways to show excitement and support for the school's spelling bee winner. Mrs. Hughes' enthusiasm for the spelling bee program has inspired students throughout the school to show their support for the winner. Mr. Rozgony believes that "her love for teaching and inspiring students is remarkable," and Laurel Highlands' successful first spelling bee program is just another example of her dedication to her students. By building positive relationships with her middle school students, she is showing them from the very beginning of adulthood that their opinions do matter and that they can make a difference in the world around them.
The Scripps National Spelling Bee would like to thank Mrs. Hughes for valuing her students' opinions and helping them realize their goals by dedicating herself to the school spelling bee. Her encouragement of student voice groups will have a lasting effect on those students and their belief in themselves and their ideas.
If you would like to nominate an educator for an upcoming “Teacher Feature,” fill out this brief survey about the teacher you wish you nominate.