Harris Middle teacher is 'a ball of energy'

Harris Middle School teacher Amanda Hill, center, helps eighth-graders Austin McCullough, left, and Tiffany Graves, right, in an afternoon math study session. (T-G Photo by Mary Reeves) [Order this photo]

Mandy Hill knew she wanted to be a teacher the first day she walked into kindergarten.

"My teacher was Elaine Weaver -- I'll never forget her," she said.

Hill, who teaches eighth-grade math at Harris Middle School was recognized recently by Nashville's WKRN Channel 2 and the Tennessee Lottery, who named her the Educator of the Week.

"I didn't even know I'd been nominated," said Hill. "I don't know who did it, but I think it was a couple of my students from last year. They came by my room and giggled about it."

Of course, it could have been some of her students from this year, too. Even though the school year is fairly young, they're crazy about Mrs. Hill.

"She's funny. We play games sometimes," said Austin McCullough. "If we don't understand something, she'll teach us different techniques and help us find the one that helps us learn it the best.

"It's all about cooperative learning," said his classmate, Tiffany Graves. "I like the way she teaches."

"She's a big ball of energy!" said Kayla Eveland.

"Only sometimes," said Hill, laughing.

"She makes everything so easy to comprehend," said Andrea Stones.

One thing the students all agreed on was that Hill always makes time for them, offering one-on-one assistance and after-school tutoring if needed.

A native of Illinois, Hill grew up in Franklin County, where she still lives with her husband, Chris, and their 4-year-old daughter, Alexis. She got her degree at MTSU and has been teaching for 10 years, nine of those at Harris. Math was an easy choice for her -- she has always loved the numbers.

"I've always had a strong background in math," said Hill. "I took pre-calculus and trigonometry in high school as electives -- I didn't even need the credits."

When the news station called her to let her know about the honor, she was surprised, but didn't exactly jump up and down and shout.

"I had just been out sick for three days when they called," she said. "I couldn't get too excited -- I'd end up coughing!"

But she does appreciate the recognition.

"A lot of teachers -- we don't get a lot of positive feedback. We don't normally get to hear the good things," she said.

The award from the station made her feel good, but recently, Hill got another bit of positive feedback that made her feel even better.

"I actually had a kid I had five years ago come by and say, 'Thank you,'" she said. "I asked for what and he said, 'For everything you did. I didn't appreciate it then, but I do now.'"