MORE: Excellence in Teaching: Springfield CTC teacher ‘phenomenal’
Hall is a first-grade teacher and was named a recipient of the Springfield Rotary Club’s annual Excellence in Teaching Awards. She will be honored by the group lunch on Monday, March 19. The Springfield News-Sun is a sponsor of the award.
She has never lived in Enon, Hall said, but she considers it her hometown.
“The best part is the relationship I build with the parents and with the kids,” Hall said. “It’s such a small town and I know half the town and have had all the kids and their kid’s kids.”
Having that familiarity with the community and Greenon families is special, she said.
“Parents know what to expect from me and most of them had me or their neighbor’s kid had me and it makes everything so easy,” Hall said.
READ: Excellence in Teaching: CTC teacher inspires students
Hall taught kindergarten in the district for seven years before moving to first grade. First graders are great to teach because the kids are usually excited about school, she said.
“First grade is a lot of work,” she said. “But they start to read and you see the most growth. They are fun, they still think I’m fun and they love school,”
The state requirements are one of the tough parts of her job, she said, but her goal is to always prepare students for their future.
“The most important thing for my job is to make them love school and learning and that will continue to carry over for the rest of their life and set them on a good path,” Hall said.
EXTRA: Top students, teachers honored
Her former students mean a lot to her, she said.
“I am always proud of my former students,” Hall said. “No matter what just remember the people of this town and the people of this school support you.”
Hall is an outstanding educator who connects and engages with her students and their families to make first grade a great experience for every student in her classroom, said Enon Principal Darrin Knapke in a statement.
“She is a dedicated teacher who wants the best for her students, the school and the district, and collaborates with her colleagues to create meaningful, hands-on experiences for students,” he said.
About this series
Carrie Hall was named a recipient of the Springfield Rotary Club’s annual Excellence in Teaching Award and will be honored by the group on March 19. She is one of four winners, and the Springfield News-Sun is profiling each winner. The Springfield News-Sun is a sponsor of the award.
About the Author