Hamilton Heights School Corporation is pleased to announce that Erin Goodman has been selected as its Teacher of the Year. Goodman, who is the art teacher at Hamilton Heights Middle School, was among four outstanding professionals from the district nominated as the top pick for their building for this year’s recognition. Goodman will represent Hamilton Heights at the state Teacher of the Year competition in Indianapolis in the fall of 2022.
Fisher
Stroup
Knapp
In addition to Goodman, this year’s building nominees included: Lauren Knapp (third grade, Hamilton Heights Elementary School), Kelly Stroup, (fifth grade, Hamilton Heights Elementary School); and Eric Fisher (Industrial Technology/PLTW, Hamilton Heights High School).
“It was quite an honor to be selected first as the middle school teacher of the year,” said Goodman. “Winning at the corporation level was not even on my radar! Considering the amazing teachers that won at the primary, elementary, and high school levels, I did not think I had a chance! I am so grateful that this committee sees such value in exploratory/fine arts/electives classes. These classes are difference makers in the day for so many students! Becoming an art teacher was the best decision I ever made and applying to HHMS three years ago was the second-best decision I ever made!”
Goodman says she was destined to teach art and it has been her passion for as long as she can remember. She credits her third-grade art teacher, Mrs. Simmons, with changing her life at a time when she needed it most. Two years later, she was selected as “artist of the year” and this, added Goodman, was an impactful moment of her life. She knew where she was going and never looked back.
It’s not just the positive impact Goodman knows she can have on her students as a teacher every day, it’s that she is able to show her students how much she cares about them and this has earned her their trust and admiration. Weaved into her daily instruction is teaching her students how to think creatively, critically, solve programs, and skills needed to live, happier, fuller lives.
“Mrs. Goodman is a kind, compassionate, creative and skilled teacher,” said Bret Bailey, Hamilton Heights Middle School Principal. “She works hard to know, help, and inspire her students to become their best. We are so thankful she has made HHMS her home because she is a joy to work with and makes us a stronger team. Both students and staff respect and appreciate her generosity and thoughtfulness. The entire HHMS is honored that she has been recognized as our district teacher of the year, and we agree that she is deserving of this award because we see her excellent work each day.”
“Our four building teachers of the year are an exceptional group of educators,” said Dr. Derek Arrowood, Hamilton Heights School Corporation Superintendent. “Each exemplifies what a teacher should be – caring, skilled, knowledgeable, curious, and first and foremost, focused on the well-being, potential, and success of their students. They are highly respected leaders in their schools and within our school corporation. It is a high honor to be recognized by your peers as the Teacher of the Year.”
“Mrs. Goodman’s natural ability to relate and bring out the very best in her students was evident from her first day,” Arrowood continued. “Her creativity and compassion is contagious inside and outside her classroom. Hamilton Heights is fortunate to have so many skilled, professional, and highly effective educators leading and teaching our children. Especially in this unprecedented year, I remain grateful for all the many ways our teachers contribute to the success of our students and the quality of our community.”