Submitted
John Walsh, sixth-grade Math/Honors Math educator at Hamilton Heights Middle School, has been named the Husky Hero for the month of January.
Walsh, who is approaching his 33rd year as an educator, has earned immense respect and admiration from students, teachers, and families through his joyful, inspiring, and compassionate style of teaching.
“Being nominated and selected as a Husky Hero is an outright privilege!” Walsh said after being presented with the award. “All teachers in the Hamilton Heights School District are caring and share the outpouring of love into their students. Knowing that I am a part of that caring, empowering group of individuals, including administrators, teachers, instructional assistants, and stakeholders, is a true compliment. I was given the blessing of returning to teaching after a brief retirement, and I could not be more grateful!”
Here are several comments from those who nominated Walsh for this award:
“All the amazing work he [Mr. Walsh] is doing this year especially for his high ability students to help them learn to deal with stress and anxiety,” Pat and Amber Jones said. “He has gone above and beyond for his students this year in teaching them so much more than academics. Our older son had him as well and learned so much through his Walshtown experience he gave the kids. He always gives so much more than he has to.”
“Mr. John Walsh is the definition of a Husky Hero!” Tara Louks said. “He was set to retire last year and left for a short period only to return to HHMS. He makes every child in his classroom feel welcome and valued. He goes above and beyond for our kids! He has taught in our school for over 30 years! John Walsh should be considered as your next Husky Hero recipient.”
“Mr. Walsh makes his students feel important and cared for as individuals,” Carter Pitcher said. “He incorporates mental wellness into his classroom and makes sure his students feel supported and encouraged. He promotes positive reinforcement and excellence in his students and encourages them to push harder for themselves rather than for others. He teaches respect and accountability in addition to his math curriculum.”
“John is a special teacher who goes above and beyond for his students,” HHMS Assistant Principal Jill Landers said. “He doesn’t just tell them they are important; he shows them. When you walk into his classroom, you can feel the focus and calm. Students are ready and excited to learn, and Mr. Walsh sets that standard.”
Walsh said what motivates him in his role as a mentor, teacher, and academic coach is the ability to allow his students to see the absolute best in themselves.
“Teaching is so much more than the instruction of curriculum; it is modeling to students that each person is valued, supported, and encouraged no matter any circumstance,” Walsh said. “Teaching self-respect and accountability, as well as the inclusion of self-worth and mental wellness, is paramount in creating successful students and empathetic members of society.”
Walsh continued, “Each day is a new opportunity for growth for not only the students, but for me, as well. I end each of my class periods with the following statement: ‘Go spread some joy!’ During my brief retirement, I felt helpful in my role; however, I missed the joy in being useful. This is why each day is filled with a sense of joy that I hope is now being transferred to my present and future students. This award is a special reminder to me that I am a part of a caring and loving community who supports and encourages its teachers, and I am eternally grateful!”
Do you know a Husky Hero? Nomination forms and information about this special recognition program for Hamilton Heights employees are available at bit.ly/hhschuskyhero. The Husky Hero Recognition program is made possible through the Hamilton Heights Educational Foundation in partnership with Craig and Amber Bowen (FC Tucker). #hhedfoundation
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