Michael Hawkins' nominator would like to remain anonymous.
Mr. Hawkins recently won the Educator of the Year award. This award comes from student submissions of personal stories of how teachers positively impact their lives. This year, instructional practices have really been put to the test for all educators. Mr. Hawkins has risen to the occasion and taken a leadership role by offering professional development for building and district staff. He also creates mini how-to videos for staff. All of this is unsolicited. Mr. Hawkins also sends little cards to staff when they have done something great or when they are struggling. His students show positive gains year after year. Mr. Hawkins is reflective in his instructional practices and makes changes, as seen fit, to maximize his students' academic achievement and social-emotional well-being. Mr. Hawkins truly is the definition of, "I'm a teacher, what's your superpower."
Michael is the true definition of a life-changer. He enhances the lives of his students, family, cohorts, friends, and even strangers. He continually reaches out to help those in need. Many teachers need his help with on line teaching and Michael is there, showing teachers the best way to successfully connect with their students with on line resources. Students need continual help, both academically and emotionally. Micheal’s tireless support helps students reach their highest potential and gives them the confidence to succeed in life. Communities need help and Michael has created many community outreach programs to help families cope with loss and daily struggles. I could go on and on with how Michael has positively impacted the world. He has changed my life, and the world needs to hear about him!
I had had the pleasure of sharing students with Mr. Hawkins. The students we shared only spent a portion of their day in his classroom and have significant learning differences and challenges that the rest of the class do not have. Not only did Mr. Hawkins truly see these students as his students and work hard to help them progress in their learning, he more importantly made them feel that they were an important part of the class. I am so thankful our students had the opportunity to have him as their teacher.
Michael won Teacher of the Year this past year in our district and I can't think of a more deserving person than he. Michael has been my friend and tech support for many years and he continues to be the best at both! He always makes time for you when you ask for his help or advice. He is extremely selfless and is always thinking of others. Michael has taken virtual learning to a new level. He supports his students and colleagues alike and rocks at being a teacher! I am in awe of daily!
Mr. Hawkins is the most engaged, caring, and involved educator I know. He literally puts everything thing he is into being a teacher. The kids and their learning means everything to him. He is always educating himself and pursuing new and creative ways to reach students and help them grasp and retain new ideas. Not only is he an amazing educator but he knows how to be fun and hilarious! He is the perfect balance of being fun but also pushing the kids to reach their highest potential! I have 3 boys and I wish he could be all 3 of their teacher for years! Yes, plural, years! I don’t think, as a mom, there’s a higher recommendation.
Michael is an amazing person. He is a very unique inspiring teacher. We need more teachers like him!
Congratulations. You definitely change the lives of your students by being a dedicated, focused and creative teacher. I am proud of you
I haven’t had the opportunity yet for you to teach my kids but I’ve watched you over the last 5 years and since my son was in kindergarten I’ve always watched you interact with the students and Always admired you for how you treat them and make sure their lives are enriched. You deserve this!
Thank you for going above and beyond for all of the staff and students at Nowlin! We appreciate all that you do!
Michael is an amazing teacher and peer. He remains positive in this difficult time and works tirelessly to assist other teachers daily while constantly being the most incredible teacher for his students. His ability to read and be aware of everyone’s social, emotional and academic needs is extraordinary!
Mr. Hawkins continues to share his brilliant and helpful teaching ideas while we collaborate on ways to help our students. He is a leader every week while we meet with our PLC and always has feedback to offer when somebody has a question. As a fourth year teacher, I owe a lot to Mr. Hawkins for being another “mentor” to me and teaching me how to work towards becoming the best “upper elementary” teacher I can be.
Michael is a selfless and caring individual who gives his all to support his students. Whether it be taking a pie in the face or thinking of a new and unique way to present a lesson, you can count on him to give it all he’s got with a smile on his face.
This is year Mr. Hawkins won the district award for teacher of the year, but at our school Nowlin he has been teacher of the year since he started with us. Mr. Hawkins is a true definition of a leader and amazing coworker. He is always there to help and never says no to anyone. He always goes above and beyond for both his colleagues and students. This year has been tough for all of us as we navigate virtual learning, and I was not surprised to see Mr. Hawkins take things to the next level. He made video tutorials and held private zooms to help us become better virtual teachers. I have so many great memories at school with Mr. Hawkins, from going to 5th grade camp together, shoving a pie in each other’s faces, and racing to be the winner of a canned food drive. I am so thankful to have him as my coworker and I can’t imagine Nowlin Elementary without him. ??
Mr. Hawkins goes above and beyond for his students in any way imaginable. My son had him as his teacher last year, and Mr. Hawkins helped bring out the best in my boy. He helped my son to start to love reading, and my son looked forward to school each day, which is not a usual thing for him. He is supportive, encouraging, and just plain has the ability to just pull the greatness out in a kid. I was also on the PTA board with Mr. Hawkins and he is the biggest supporter of parents and all the school staff. To say that he deserves this award is an understatement. Thanks for all you do, Mr. Hawkins!
Amazing teacher who welcomes ALL learners!!!!
A wonderful teacher and concerned with the study of students! ????
