Sherri Hunter was selected as this year’s Harmon campus teacher of the year. We sat down with her and asked a few questions on her teaching and how she feels about the award. Check back tomorrow to see the Main campus teacher of the year. 

Q: What college did you attend?

A:  Texas Tech University.

Q: What made you want to start teaching?

A: Teaching was something I always wanted to do. For a while, I tried to ignore the calling and started college as a mass communications major. By my sophomore year, I changed my major to education and never looked back.

Q: Why did you choose to teach high school?

A: I chose to teach high school because I was NOT meant to sing songs with elementary kids.  I initially started teaching middle school and gradually moved up to ninth grade. I LOVE teaching ninth graders.

Q: How do you feel about receiving the award?

A: I am very honored about receiving this award because being honored by your peers is the highest honor one can receive. I work with a wonderful group of teachers and everyone on the campus deserves this honor.

Q: What is your favorite part about teaching?

A: My favorite part of teaching ninth graders is the fact that no two days are alike. It is a transitional time in their lives, so you never know what you are going to see.

Q: What inspired you to become a teacher?

A: My parents inspired me to honor education. They raised my siblings and me with the mentality that once an education is acquired, it can never be taken away. It was the key that opened the door to our future.

Q: How long have you been teaching?

A: Completing my 21st year of teaching.

Q: What subject do you teach?

A: English I Pre-AP, Reading II.

Q: What challenges have you faced teaching?

A: The biggest challenge is time. There is never enough time to accomplish what I need or want to accomplish. The testing requirements from the state are also a challenge.

Q: What do you hope to teach your students?

A: I teach them the English I curriculum, but, more importantly, I hope I teach them to think – to think about their future, to think about right and wrong, to think about who they are and finally just to think for themselves.

Q: Who was your favorite teacher growing up?

A: My favorite teacher was Mrs. Pat Watson. She taught me sixth grade English and journalism, English II, English III, and high school yearbook newspaper. She always made sure we knew she cared about us and made literature come alive by connecting every story to us some way; she is the one who taught me to think purposefully and creatively.

Q: What have your students taught you?

A: My students have taught me teaching is truly the most rewarding career. Nothing beats the smile on students’ faces when they reach or surpass their goals. I appreciate their creativity, their love for life, and their humor. No two days are alike and I would not have it any other way. I am blessed.