Misty Gilbert, Sheila Hopson named Hope Rotary Teachers of the Year
HOPE, Ark. — An elementary school teacher with a penchant for service in the classroom and community and a high school teacher with a knack for mentoring students present and past are the 2019-2020 Hope Rotary Club Teachers of the Year.
Beryl Henry Elementary School sixth grade teacher Misty Gilbert and Hope High School teacher/student council sponsor Sheila Hopson were presented with certificates and cash awards by Hope Rotary Club President Steve Harris in outdoor ceremonies earlier this month.
Hope Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Bobby Hart expressed his pleasure at the selections.
“We are happy for both of these terrific educators and people,” Hart said. “They each do a wonderful job of reaching students and making an impact on their lives. Our school system is grateful for their efforts and we appreciate Rotary for recognizing them”
Misty Gilbert
Gilbert has taught sixth grade at BHE, and is in her sixth year on the campus, having taught for six years at Clinton Primary School previously. She has double AA degrees from the University of Arkansas-Hope in education and applied science (business technology), as well as a technical certification in office systems technology from UA-H/T. She holds a BSE (math/science) from Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia.
Gilbert chairs the Response to Intervention committee at BHE, where she deals with student data used to improve teaching practices. She was also instrumental in developing the Positive Behavior Support and Reward System at BHE which involves academic, behavioral, character and citizenship recognition of students. Gilbert also assists with management of the BHE Kickboard initiative on student activity.
“As part of encouraging and motivating students to display good citizenship at school, she leads an initiative to develop a school store which rewards our students for their positive efforts and display of good character,” said Principal Dr. Roy Turner said.
Turner said Gilbert is a relationship-builder.
“She’s very dedicated to teaching and always engages Beryl Henry students in meaningful and fun instruction,” he said. “Mrs. Gilbert has the ability to build positive relationship with her students and they love being in her class.”
Sheila Hopson
Hopson has taught for 15 years, the last two years at Hope High School where she is sponsor of the HHS
Student Council, HHS Yearbook, and is involved in workforce education.
“The success of students in her classes is due mainly to great classroom management, structure, and the fact that she works diligently with her students in building positive working relationships,” Principal Bill Höglund said. “Ms. Hopson not only mentors and encourages her current students, but does likewise for students who have graduated under her tutelage as well as monitor and support new arriving teachers on the campus.”
Hopson took her BSE at Henderson State University in Arkadelphia and a MSE in curriculum and instruction at Concordia University.
Höglund said Hopson deals with an academically diverse range of students at HHS.
“Mrs. Hopson models the importance and value of lifelong learning,” he said. “She places her students first and has written and obtained two grants for her classes. These grants will be utilized to enhance and provide supplemental support within the curriculum and develop skills in her students that will lead to their success.”
Hopson, Höglund said, simply does not allow students to give up on themselves.
“Students do not give up on themselves because they know that they have a teacher who believes in them,” he said. “In turn, the students believe in themselves and this produces results.”
The daughter of James “Jackie” and Shirley Ogden, Hopson is the mother of one son, Devonty “Trevay” Bradshaw.
(Ken McLemore is communications director for Hope Public Schools. He can be reached at 501-519-0530)