Elmorris Hopkins named Ashdown's Teacher of the Year; Dee Ward and Lonni Dollarhide named campus winners
High school English teacher Elmorris Hopkins has won the Ashdown School District's "Teacher of the Year."
Lonni Dollarhide was named Elementary Teacher of the Year, and Dee Ward was given the award for Junior High Teacher of the Year. Elmorris Hopkins was also named High School Teacher of the Year.
We were lucky enough to catch up with Mr. Hopkins at home on the evening of his victory.
Hopkins was surprised that he won.
"I was a little shocked myself because the teachers nominated were great candidates and wonderful teachers," Hopkins said.
Hopkins said he teaches AP English, concurrent credit composition, and English.
"I try to be creative and entertaining in class while ensuring complete learning," he said.
The correct reading material is a key to success
The Teacher of the Year said he tailors reading to the class, so reading material changes every year.
"Basically, as far as Ashdown curriculum is concerned, we discuss which books work best," he said. "I change them based on the class because every book doesn't fit every group."
Relevancy to the students is vital, Hopkins said.
"I try to make everything we read and write relevant to students' lives, so I have to keep up with what the teenage world is like and stay updated and on top of current events," he added.
Hopkins studied at Henderson State University in Arkadelphia for his first degree, and he attended Texas A&M-Texarkana for his Master's degree.
Support comes from fellow teachers
"Other teachers in the district give me so much support," Hopkins said. Teachers discuss how to align our curriculum better. We sit down as often as we can."
He said teachers in other grades also communicate.
"I have such great support from previous English teachers, so students are prepared when they reach me," Hopkins added.
A good family makes a great teacher
"Once the initial shock wore off, I immediately texted my family in a group chat," Mr. Hopkins said. Their response was terrific, and they were sending me wonderful posts."
Hopkins gushed: "My family is my greatest support."
Photos below of Award Recognition:
Ashdown Schools also honored Lonni Dollarhide as Elementary Teacher of the Year.
Dee Ward was named Junior High Teacher of the Year.
Elmorris Hopkins was also named High School Teacher of the Year and District Teacher of the Year.
Editor's note: We salute Elmorris Hopkins, Dee Ward, and Lonni Dollarhide for their success in shaping the minds of students.
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| Dee Ward receives the award for Junior High Teacher of the Year from Ashdown Superintendent Casey Nichols |
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| Lonni Dollarhide receives the award for Elementary Teacher of the Year from Ashdown Superintendent Casey Nichols |
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| Elmorris Hopkins receives the award for High School Teacher of the Year and District Teacher of the Year from Ashdown Superintendent Casey Nichols |