Educator of the Week: Paula Hughes
It’s time now to recognize this week’s Educator of the Week, brought to you by the Tennessee Education Lottery.
Paula Hughes is a career and technical teacher at Scotts Hill High School in Reagan.
She teaches economics and computer science, and is a Future Business Leaders of America advisor.
Hughes worked in manufacturing before becoming an educator. The career swap was inspired by the birth of her children and the desire to be on their school schedule.
This is now Hughes’ 18th year teaching.
“I love being here with the students,” Hughes said. “I love being the positive energy for them. I come in excited, because I’m a morning person, and I get them excited to be there, even if they don’t like economics or they don’t like computer science, it is my goal to really get them to be okay with being in the school building and learning and being involved with each other each and every day.”
Hughes also shares how the HOPE Scholarship is an amazing opportunity for students who are underprivileged to attend college without the burden of paying full tuition.
When it comes to teaching style, Hughes explains the fast-paced environment of her class.
“We have bell ringers, we have words, we have lesson, then they are always working on a project of some sort, but really just filling their entire time in my class with activities so that it goes fast enough that they don’t have time to get bored,” said Hughes.
Hughes shares a challenge about living in a texting-focused environment.
“Kids don’t know how to even talk with their neighbor in class, so we try to make sure that they are having to communicate, they’re having to present, they’re having to create speeches and talk because it’s a part of everyday life,” she said.
For future educators, Hughes presents a reminder.
“Kids need us. They need us everyday,” she said. “Some are emotionally detached, they have really hard home lives and they need people just to love them. I try really hard to love each of these kids as my own everyday, so that they can at least leave here knowing that they are loved.”
Hughes is now eligible for the Tennessee Education Lottery Educator of the Month award.
To vote for her or any other nominees, go to the Tennessee Education Lottery website.
To nominate an educator for our Educator of the Week award, email us at educator@wbbjtv.com.
