Connor James named Hamilton Heights’ Teacher of the Year

Submitted by Hamilton Heights School Corporation

Hamilton Heights School Corporation recently announce that Connor James has been selected as its Teacher of the Year.

James is the CTE Business and Preparing For College and Careers Teacher at Hamilton Heights Middle School. He is also the Reaching New Heights Contact. He was among three outstanding professionals from the district nominated as the top pick for their building this year. He will represent Hamilton Heights at the state Teacher of the Year competition in Indianapolis in the fall.

In addition to James, this year’s building level nominees included Erin Spaulding (Heights Elementary School, Kindergarten Teacher) and Landi Lockwood (Heights High School, Science Teacher). Honorees for the Building Level Support Staff of the Year were Natalie Watson Barnett (HHES, Instructional Assistant), Joelle Bolen (HHMS, Instructional Assistant – HBM Mosaics), and Lori Rickey (HHHS, Instruction). Tyler Stewart (HHSC Facilities Manager) was recognized as the first District Level Support Staff Member of the Year.

Erin Spaulding was named the 2025 Teacher of the Year for Hamilton Heights Elementary School. (Photo by Jen Kauffman)

Landi Lockwood was named the 2025 Teacher of the Year for Hamilton Heights High School. (Photo by Jen Kauffman)

Hamilton Heights Building Support Staff of the Year and District Level Support Staff for 2025 (from left) Lori Rickey (Hamilton Heights High School), Joelle Bolen (Hamilton Heights Middle School), Natalie Watson-Barnett (Hamilton Heights Elementary School), and Tyler Stewart (Hamilton Heights School Corporation). (Photo by Jen Kauffman)

James, who begins his fifth year at HHMS in August, is deeply committed to building a strong curriculum that fosters essential communication skills, encourages problem-solving, and broadens students’ perspectives. His work goes beyond the classroom – he actively connects students with real-world experiences that help them develop career readiness. His efforts extend to broader initiatives where students explore college programs and career pathways. His passion and dedication to student development underscores the profound impact that strong mentorship and innovative education can have on shaping tomorrow’s leaders.

Through James’ leadership, HHMS has been able to offer enriching opportunities that ensure students are prepared to confidently navigate academic challenges, make informed decisions about their future, and engage in meaningful career exploration. By fostering a learning environment that emphasizes real-world applications and personal growth, he ensures that students transition into high school equipped with the tools to succeed – not just in the classroom, but in life. His work exemplifies the power of education in shaping confident, capable individuals ready to take on the world.

“I felt humbled and honored,” James said upon being selected with this honor. “Authentically, I felt the weight and gravity of the moment. I’m sitting in a room full of former and current educators and support staff who relentlessly serve students. I was thinking to myself these are truly brilliant people. To have my name called was just such an honor.”

Jams continued, “This weight was instantly lifted when I saw my almost three-year-old sprinting toward me with my HHSC TOR plague. I was so proud of him for not dropping it and his joy was contagious. I was also grateful to my wife, Megan, my mother, Lorri James, and my brother, Cameron, for being there to help share this news with me. Each of them (and others who were unable to be there) have all played a crucial role in helping me pour my heart and soul into students.

“I also thought about how grateful I am for our HHSC students. None of this would be possible without amazing students. I’m so grateful for the wonderful former and current students I have had the honor of teaching. They inspire me to keep pushing. It was a remarkable moment that will stay imprinted on my heart for a very long time.”

HHMS Principal Dr. Bret Bailey said that James understands the importance of his career and does whatever is necessary to positively influence students’ lives.

“Mr. James is an outstanding teacher who transitioned into teaching from the private sector for the purpose of making a difference for students,” Bailey said. “He works collaboratively with a number of community business partners to create transformative and immersive learning experiences for all students at HHMS. While he impacts the school, community, and his classroom through hard work, creativity, and vision, he also finds innovative ways to reach and support individual students who can be disengaged and difficult to motivate at times. He cares deeply about each student and does not give up. He does what it takes to inspire and encourage them to be their best. We are honored to recognize and celebrate Mr. James as our HHMS and HHSC Teacher of the Year.”