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Great communities have great schools. High Point Schools Partnership creates impactful connections between our schools and the wider community to ensure students and their families are supported and can reach their full potential in High Point schools.

Part of High Point Schools Partnerships’ mission is to improve the image of our schools through storytelling. Who better to tell the stories of High Point’s schools than the people experiencing it first-hand? In this series of articles, we will highlight our 2022 High Point Extraordinary Educators as we dive deeper into what keeps them motivated in the face of constant challenges.

2022 Extraordinary Educator: Sheena Hyder

Sheena Hyder started her teaching career at Kirkman Park Elementary School 6 years ago. She feels that teaching at this school is her personal ministry. She has always wanted to make a difference in children’s lives and continues to stay there solely because she loves what she does and she loves to watch the scholars evolve into well-educated future citizens. 

Dr. Jamal Crawford, former principal of Kirkman Park Elementary School, describes Ms. Hyder as “kind, caring, and authentic” and “the teacher every child should have at any level of education.” 

According to Dr.Crawford, Ms. Hyder “is meticulous and deliberate about engaging students. There is always a ‘hum’ in her classroom with students engaging each other at all times during the day.”

Ms. Hyder wants her students to know “Togetherness is the key to seeing the results we want. There are no limitations unless you create them yourself. All things are possible and you are only limited by your own mindset.”

Q: What inspired you to become an educator?

A: What inspired me to become an educator is when I lost my mother in the third grade.  It was my third-grade teacher who invested time in me and went well beyond her responsibilities and duties as an educator.  My father was unable to style my hair and ensure that I was properly dressed as a little girl. It was that teacher who provided clothing for me, as well as took on the motherly role in my life during those difficult and challenging times.  She made an indelible mark that influenced my career as an educator. 

Q: What’s your teaching/leadership style?

A: My teaching style is to serve as a facilitator for student learning more than just a teacher of content. The ability to prioritize listening over speaking, as well as seeking to understand the different perspectives students bring to class each day. 

Q: Do you have a classroom motto or philosophy you abide by? Why?

A: “YOU have the power to make the right choices!” I want children to know that their future lies in their hands and that they can choose which life path to take. 

Q: What’s your favorite part about every day?

A: One of the best parts of my day is social-emotional learning (SEL) when students can express themselves freely. Honestly, showing up and being with my students is really the best part of my day. I just enjoy teaching. 

Q: What’s your most memorable moment as an educator?

A: My most memorable moment as an educator is when one of my former African American 3rd grade male students entered my classroom with the mindset of being a drug dealer when he grew up.  That was truly his ultimate goal.  I received a phone call from him last year, and he is now in college pursuing a degree as a medical assistant.

Q: Is there any other information you would like us to share with the community?

A: A teacher cannot do all the things a teacher “does” alone, it truly takes a village to educate a child. We are all in this together. 

Ms. Hyder is just one of High Point’s 2022 Extraordinary Educators. Tune in for the next few weeks to hear more stories and inspiring moments from our local teachers!

Thank you so much to Sheena Hyder for your dedication to High Point’s students. Congratulations on being selected as your school’s 2022 Extraordinary Educator!

To find out more about High Point Schools Partnership and our work, please visit our Facebook page and check out our page on Guilford Education Alliance’s website.

Article written by High Point Schools Partnership Staff