James Hutchins
Position: Seventh Grade Science Teacher
School: Greenville Middle School
School District: Greenville Central School District
City, State: Greenville, NY
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Music that Describes James
James Hutchins was nominated by his colleague, JoAnn Simmons.
"It is with great enthusiasm that I nominate James Hutchins, a seventh-grade science teacher in our district," said Simmons. "Jim has been with us for the last seven years and made a huge difference in the science education of our students. When he joined us, it was clear that our students would experience hands-on science in a way they hadn't before."
Not only are expectations high in his classroom, but every one of his students is engaged while in his room. You can frequently hear them doing "dancing definitions" as you walk past his room. Science labs are engaging and build on the strong foundation he has built for them. Early in the fall, Mr. Hutchins brings in his alter ego, Dr, Hutchinsteen, complete with a crazy wig and lab coat. The kids can't get enough!
Mr. Hutchins often invites speakers into his classroom for specific learning opportunities for his students. He's taken them on field trips to collect specimens from a local nature preserve. That experience augments lessons he's done in class and fosters a teamwork approach while reinforcing the scientific method.
Mr. Hutchins has been instrumental in chairing the Building Level Team for the middle school and is an integral part of the PBIS program. His creative, out-of-the-box thinking and sense of humor bring a twist to every faculty meeting, and he has a clear investment in his school. One of his passions is data interpretation and collection. He has created many shared documents for that purpose across multiple grade levels. He has offered his time to any faculty member who needs assistance, which is not surprising, as he offers extra help to students during lunch or after school. In addition to all his teaching and committee responsibilities, he runs a science club, the science olympiad, and offers students the opportunity to play ping pong every Wednesday.
"I am confident he does many other things that I don't know about, as his quiet nature would never boast about his accomplishments. Above all else, Jim is a champion for every student. Failure is not an option," said Simmons. "It would be a tremendous honor for Jim to be recognized as a LifeChanger of the Year. He has impacted and changed the lives of hundreds of students in a way I have seldom seen before. He's truly one of a kind!"
Jim is a caring and thoughtful teacher. He understands that teaching middle school students is as much about content and skill development as it is about teaching pre-teens and teens how to be students and decent human beings. We had a recent parent-teacher conference that a student attended. At one point in the conference, Jim called the student over and spoke directly to him and not the other adults in the room about how this student had the power to change his mindset about math to help him improve. You could see how much it meant to that student to be talked to and not about in a room full of adults. Jim is always student-centered in his thinking and approach.
Jim is also very driven to improve his teaching and the school. His determination makes his class a wonderful place to learn, but the greater impact is that he inspires other teachers to do better, too. He elevates the teaching and responsiveness of the teachers around him.
Congratulations, Jim! It is a pleasure to work with you each day!
Congratulations Jim- Well deserved!
Mr. Hutchins has had 2 of my sons, as their science teacher and currently has son #3. All 3 loved Mr Hutchins as their teacher. I recall my oldest saying Mr Hutchins makes science fun so learning isn't hard in his class. I think that sums up Mr. Hutchin's teaching style perfectly. He truly has a gift for teaching.
I serve as a parent on Building Level Team committee. Mr. Hutchins leads our committee. Being on the committee I have gotten to know him better and I respect his opinion. If there is a topic that I am not sure how I feel about it yet, I always look forward to Mr. Hutchin's perspective. Most of the time, his perspective is one I hadn't thought of. He also is very funny and leads with that humor.
Mr Hutchins was the first teacher we met when my oldest started middle school. When he found out that Edward's first period was his science class he replied, " There is no better way to start the day then science class." It was apparent to me then and there that he loved his job. Congratulations! You deserve this award!
Mr Hutchins goes over and beyond for his students. Iam a mother of a student that didn’t go to school last year due to a mental illness but when she wanted to go on field trips Mr. Hutchins let her go and participate with her peers to help with her mental illness. I can say with him doing that has actually helped because she is now in person in school in eighth grade. If anyone deserves this award it would be Mr. Hutchins.
One of Greenvilles best teacher’s ! Thank you for inspiring theses teens.
Mr.Hutchins is one of the most caring teachers my children have ever had. He helped me keep my son on track and was very concerned with how he could improve parent/teacher/student relations. He is always looking for ways to improve and evolve and that truly touched my heart as a parent of a child who was struggling. He is a wonderful teacher as well who makes learning fun and leaves a lasting impact on all of his students. I am so thankful that my children have had him in their lives as a teacher and mentor.
Mr Hutchins is the kind of teacher that brings learning to life. Teaching young people to love to learn is just as important, if not more so, than the subject it's self. Mr. Hutchins does that. Which is one of the reasons why the incredible Mrs. Simmons nominated him. It is my hope and prayer that not only will Mr. Hutchins will receive this honor which in turn will honor the late beloved Mrs. Simmons.
Mr. Hutchins is a huge asset to our district and community. Despite their different learning styles and strengths, both of my boys thrived in his class. He was instrumental in introducing them to science fair projects and the scientific methods for research, Science Olympiad competitions and the finer points of playing ping-pong.
I served on a shared decision making committee with Mr. Hutchins for 3 years and witnessed first-hand his desire to make the school and community better. He is always thinking, always giving of his time and always challenging himself and others to do their best.
He is so deserving of this honor because he truly is a life changer for his students.
Jim is a teacher who strives to bring fun into his classroom. He wants to expand opportunities for his students and strives to improve the academic and social offerings at Greenville. He is a teacher leader who often volunteers his time and goes the extra mile for his students and colleagues! Jim is student-centered and community minded and a true asset to the Greenville Central School District. It is truly special that JoAnn Simmons nominated Jim, as she too was an amazing educator. Thank you Jim for all that you do for our students and their families, your colleagues, administration and the greater Greenville community!
Jim Hutchins is the kind of teacher you feel energized just being around. His creative mind and sense of humor are among his best qualities but what I admire most is the attention and care he provides for his students. He has such empathy and perspective. I am lucky to work with Mr. Hutchins!
Mr. Hutchins gives his all to his students and school every single day. He puts students first and has gone out of his way to ensure that they are not only thriving academically, but also socially and emotionally. If he sees a student in need, he does all he can to help them, whether that means staying after school with a struggling student, giving up his weekends to provide enrichment opportunities to his Science Olympiads, or creating a safe space for students to play games in his room during recess. Greenville is extremely lucky to have such an incredible role model and champion for all students!
Jim inspires me daily to be a better teacher. He is organized, interesting and smart. He balances academic responsibility with child centered learning. He totally understands what Middle School students need developmentally. His classes are fun for students and students love to share what he teaches and talks about. Jim also is a great team player who incorporates reading comprehension skills and strategies into his assignments. He doesn't teach his content in isolation.
Finally, he is a teacher leader for the Building Level Team and the PBIS Committee. Mr. Hutchins definitely deserves this award!
Mr. Hutchins is involved in so many clubs and committees at school in addition to all of his teaching responsibilities. He also uses the fitness center with me on some mornings before school and over the summer!
Jim, I'm thrilled that JoAnn nominated you, you truly deserve it. It isn't easy motivating middle school students to learn difficult content, but you make it look easy. You're an excellent role model for both students and teachers. Thanks for all the cool ideas you've shared over the past few years, my students and I are grateful.
Thank you, Jim, for all you do for our school community!!!!
Congratulations Jim! Such an asset to our school!
Jim is always looking for ways to make learning inclusive and fun. He does so much more than teach. Congratulations on being nominated!
Jim is an enthusiastic and professional teacher. His work in the class room is excellent, and the students reap the benefits. Moreover, Jim is often a leader among colleagues contributing to learning opportunities during professional development. Thank you Jim for all your hard work!
Greenville is super lucky to have you as one of their teachers. Your hands on way of teaching gives every single one of your students a passion for science. You are definitely changing lives for the better. Congratulations!!!!
Awesome teacher! Proud to be a colleague!
While I unfortunately never had Mr. Hutchins as a teacher myself, if he’s even half as great a teacher as he is person, then I can confidently say he is the best teacher ever. I did however have Mrs. Simmons, the wonderful woman who nominated him, as a teacher. Given that she nominated Mr. Hutchins, I think that should give everyone an idea of just how special of a teacher he really is. I’m so happy that Mr. Hutchins is getting recognized for the amazing educator (and person) that he is ??
Ping pong and Science teacher extraordinaire!
Proud to be your daughter!! I love watching you change lives and better our community through your love and kindness.
Jim I’m so proud of you!
I’m grateful to JoAnn Simmons for her thoughtfulness in nominating you for this well deserved award!!
I love you ????
