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(Photo Courtesy of DEBORAH HARRIS)
For their dedication to the schools in which they teach, “Teacher of the Year” plaques were presented to the above Mingo County teachers at Tuesday’s meeting of the Mingo County Board of Education. Front row from left are Kim Totten, Matewan High; Amy Salmons, Williamson High; Laura Bobbera, Gilbert PK-6; Tonya Hatcher, Riverside Elementary (also main county winner); Debra Starr, Lenore K-8, and Deanna Maynard, Matewan Elementary; middle row from left, Carmella Porter, Gilbert High; Janet Damron, Dingess Grade, and Diana Wellman, Burch High; back row from left, Barbara Dotson, Williamson Middle; Jeremy Davis, Burch PK-6; James Baisden, Mingo County Vocational Technical Center; Virginia Mounts, Tug Valley High, and Kristen Huddle, Matewan Middle. Absent for photo was Margaret May, Kermit K-8.
Tonya Hatcher, who resides in Williamson, was lauded by Deborah Harris, curriculum director for the county school system, as she was presented her teaching awards that also included one for being her school’s “Teacher of the Year.”
Mingo County School Superintendent Dwight D. Dials described Hatcher as “a natural born teacher.”
Dials also extended his compliments to the 14 other teachers who received plaques in recognition of their selections as “Teacher of the Year” for the schools they represent.
“We have some great teachers in this county and all of you are to be commended,” said Dials. Joining him in greeting and congratulating each honoree after the award presentations were School Board members, Vice President Jacqueline Branch, William D. Duty, Dr. J.W. Endicott and Michael Carter.
The modest Mrs. Hatcher spoke of her love for teaching and told her audience, “You go in every day and just do what you are supposed to do.”
Curriculum Director Harris said Hatcher went far and beyond what she was assigned to do as a teacher:
“She has been an asset to her school by developing a student-led technology fair for parents; serving as mentor for new teachers; being a member of the Local School Improvement Council, and serving as a Curriculum Team member and as an active member of the Parent-Teacher Association.”
Hatcher received a bachelor of arts in Elementary Education from Marshall University, Huntington, and her National Board Certification in 2008. She has received the Hallie Harless Teacher Award; the RESA II Exemplary Teacher of the Year recognition, and the 2008 Biltmore Who’s Who Among Executives and Profeessional Women.
She began her career in Logan County as a full-time substitute, followed by a couple of years in Mingo County as a full-time substitute before finally being hired as a full-time employee. She has taught Grades 1, 2, 4 and 5 and Special Education. An active member of Mingo County’s teacher leadership team, she also is a member of the state classroom assessment network.
Harris pointed out that Hatcher is an asset to her parents and students by always being accessible to them, night or day. “High expectations permeate her classroom and communication with both the students and their parents. She uses 21st Century, Research-based strategies in her teaching, and her demeanor reflects the warm, caring individual that she is.”
The former Tonya Mickel, is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Mickel of Williamson, She is married to Julius Hatcher and they have two sons, Julius Alexander Hatcher, a student in Williamson Middle School, and three-year-old Josiah Hatcher.
In reviewing other parts of her teaching record, it is noted that she has been an asset to the Mingo County Board of Education by being a presenter in Advanced Mentoring, assessment for learning, Framework for Teaching, Teach 21, Project Based Learning, Rubric Awareness, Everyday Math for New Teachers, 21st Century CSO’s, TechSteps, and the Six Elements of 21st Century Learning.
The Teacher of the Year has also been an asset to her community by spearheading, along with her husband, a “back-2-school” community bash for all before they head back to the classroom. This event provides fun, food and fellowship for everyone and sends a message of staying in school and maintaining great character and academics.
By collaboration and contributions from churches, businesses and individuals, school supplies, recreation and prizes are provided to the children.
A reception for the honored teachers was held a half hour prior to the school board’s meeting at its central conference center at Cinderella. A beautifully appointed buffet table held many selections of food prepared by Tug Valley High School teacher Vonda Preston with her Pro Start Class, assisted by teacher Linda Newsome and school secretary Joey Dempsey.
Of particular attention at the reception was a huge, decorated cake bearing the names and schools of all the Teacher of the Year honorees.
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