Teacher of the Year by Braelyn Arnella-White
Teachers are very important people. Their influence extended beyond their classrooms and lived on through the people they taught. Michelle Hanus, in building eight at Melbourne High School, was a wonderful teacher and candidate for that year's award.
Ms. Hanus taught international students English at Melbourne High School. “Throughout my years of teaching I taught students from so many different countries, I was continually inspired by their unique perspectives,” Ms. Hanus said. She created strong bonds with her students by maintaining an “intentional chaos” teaching style. She used paper and technology to teach, which created an accessible environment for everyone.
Ms. Hanus had moved here from Japan. She had never thought about being a teacher before, but as an English speaker in a foreign country, she kept getting asked to teach English. After some consideration, she became a teacher there, then moved to the US where she became a teacher at Mel High.
Caption:
Chad Kirk and teacher of the year, M.s Hanus pose for a photo after Ms. Hanu learned about her award. “I learn more from them than they do from me.” Photo by Jen Williams.