Grades/subjects you teach: kindergarten instructional assistant
E-mail address: hamme@chatham.k12.nc.us
Date, place of birth: June 14, 1986, in Chapel Hill
Education (high school & college attended, degrees): Northwood High School, 2004; Pitt Community College, associate’s degree in business; UNC-Greensboro, business administration (in progress)
Brief work history: Instructional assistant/bus driver at Pittsboro Elementary School 2010-19; instructional assistant/bus driver at Perry Harrison Elementary School 2019-current
Honors/awards: 2015 Chatham County Schools Instructional Assistant of the Year; 2015 Chatham County Schools Bus Driver of the Year; 2019 Chatham County Schools Instructional Assistant of the Year
Hobbies/interests outside of educating: I love working out and watching my kids play sports. I love going to the beach and the mountains. Kayaking down the New River, in Todd, just north of Asheville, is a hobby my boys and I both love.
Family: I have two sons. Sadler, 10, is in 5th grade, and Anderson, 9, is in 3rd grade. Both boys attend Perry Harrison Elementary School.
What led you to a career in education? Truthfully, I never wanted to be in education, because I grew up in a house of educators. Some will say it’s in my blood and it just comes natural.
Who were your favorite teachers as you went through school, and what did you learn from them? In 4th grade, at Pittsboro Elementary, I had Mattie Smith. Mrs. Smith gave us life experiences in the classroom and outside the classroom. She pushed us to be our best. I was a very shy kid in school (no one ever believes me when I say that). I can still remember my writing prompt from the EOG that year. It was my worst subject, but Mrs. Smith had taught me that I had a voice when it came to writing. I remember being excited about going to school, knowing Mrs. Smith would be there.
Many others made an impact on my life, including Mrs. Ameila O’dell, Mrs. Carol Jean Hurley, Mr. Jason Johnson, Mrs. Elsbeth Johnson, Mr. Phillip Little and Ms. Amy Salter.
Has becoming an educator been all you expected it would be? Being an educator always has its ups and downs. You want every child to succeed and believe in themselves.
How has education changed since you were a student? Education today can sometimes forget that children are still children and not a number on a chart. The standards and expectations of a student today start earlier and earlier.
What “makes your day” as an educator? When I walk in the door every morning and see the students excited to see me; even if it was a struggle to get out of bed at 5 a.m.
What’s working in schools today? Our county does an amazing job at providing our students with various forms of online platforms that support differentiated learning experiences in both literacy and math. In addition, there are online platforms, such as Seesaw, that allows parents to connect and see what their child is learning each day in school. This provides students who may not have internet access at home to still be able to have access to resources while they are at school.
What’s not working? What currently isn’t working is that there is a need for more support for parents to not only support teachers but to get involved with their child’s education. The opportunities are endless when it comes to parent support and helping out in our school communities. Educational staff are doing a phenomenal job at their jobs, but there is always a need for an extra pair of hands within the classroom to support the already great things that are occurring in Chatham County Schools.
What’s your favorite memory of your first year in education? My favorite memory from my first year is being able to join Chatham County Schools and be able to have such a positive affect and change so many lives of the children of Pittsboro.
How would your “educator” persona handle you as a student? I was a shy kid that needed just a little more. I am drawn to students that need just one more scoop. My educational persona would handle me by providing the extra support needed to help keep me on track and focused.
Best piece of advice for other educators? Give yourself grace. The most important thing to remember is to be flexible. Planning is important, but a teacher needs to be able to quickly modify plans when new situations arise. Also, it’s important to give all you can to your job, but you need to take care of yourself mentally and physically as well!
For students? You will succeed. I believe Wiliam Spady said it best: “All students can learn and succeed but not in the same way or on the same day.”
For parents? Get involved. Teachers give their all to your kids every day, even on difficult days. Teachers are only with your child for 180 days. Your child is yours forever.
What about your job would most surprise your friends who are not educators? Most are surprised to know how demanding school has become for even kindergarteners, and that I just don’t go to work and play all day.
If you could somehow magically instill one truth into the heads of your students, what would it be? “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.”
When you think about today’s kids, you: They’re exposed to technology and have lost the social and emotional aspect of being a kid.
If one of your students was asked for a one-word description of you by a student who hadn’t had you as an educator, what would that one word be? Hardworking.
Favorite movie about school or education: “The Ron Clark Story”
How would you summarize your philosophy as an educator? I believe that the classroom within itself is a living community. In order for said community to thrive, everyone — administration, teachers, students and parents, must contribute to this community in order to maintain a positive atmosphere and make not the classroom community but the school within itself thrive.
What five things must every educator know?
1. Not every lesson is perfect.
2. Your students are watching you, even when you think they aren’t.
3. Drink one cup of HOT coffee every morning.
4. Self-care isn’t selfish.
5. Show up.
What’s special about your education space at your school? It is welcoming and inviting to not only my students but to anyone who may need the space.
What’s special about your school? Perry Harrison is a family like none other and I have been welcomed with open arms. It’s almost as if I have been here for years.
Most unusual question you’ve ever gotten from a student? “What are you doing in Food Lion? Why are you not at school?”