Position: Second Grade Teacher
School: Tyndall Academy
School District: Bay District Schools
City, State: Panama City , FL
Heather Piddington was nominated by an anonymous parent of a student.
Mrs. Piddington is not only an extraordinary educator, but a mentor to those in the teaching community. In October 2018, her community suffered a direct hit from a Category 5 hurricane. Bay County, FL was a war zone. Mrs. Piddington submitted positive photos in the newspaper to encourage growth from the tragedy.
"At that time, my first child entered her room after her teacher had been mandated to leave with her military spouse," said the nominator. "My child had not attended Bay District for two months, and we were thrilled to be back. Mrs. Piddington reached out when we were notified our child would be moved back to Tyndall Elementary at the time. She informed us she would be happy to have our child, as that was where the remaining classmates who returned were at. That thoughtful act brought my child and I to tears. Our home was heavily damaged, and she gave us a light of hope. Her positive attitude got us through this time of rebuilding and growth."
"After our child moved on to third grade, Mrs. Piddington would still check in and give her hugs," said the nominator. "For the 2020-2021 school year, we were blessed to have Mrs. Piddington yet again. COVID-19 was difficult, but Mrs. Piddington did not miss a beat! In the classroom, she appeals to all learners. She challenges our child currently in her class and encourages her to push herself academically and in the arts. Mrs. Piddington knows her students and embraces who they are and who they want to be. Our third child hopes that they will also be able to have Mrs. Piddington when they get to second grade in two years."
Mrs. Piddington has won Teacher of the Year due to these qualities. She mentors and supports her colleagues as well as other military spouses. Incoming families are generally greeted by her in spouse pages as she shares her knowledge and helps them find information. Tyndall Academy and Bay District are better places with Mrs. Piddington in them!