One of the requirements for the application for the History Teacher of the Year was a recommendation from a supervisor. His recommendation is one reason I became the 2021 Missouri History Teacher of the Year. In Principal Bozarth's recommendation questionnaire, he responded to some questions from the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. One of the questions asked him to provide three attributes (and examples) that might qualify me for the award. His response covered setting, culture, and professionalism:
Mr. Hoggatt applies a unique creative approach to his lessons. He routinely finds ways to incorporate lessons with project-based learning, immersing his class in tea party situation or placing them in a decision-making process to simulate the Continental Congress. Visitors will notice period artwork and documents displayed in his classroom and projected for students to observe or evaluate.
Mr. Hoggatt also builds a classroom culture that is unlike any other. His students are initiated as “Hoggatteers” from day one, and embrace a family approach, which encourages them to go outside their comfort zone while embracing mistakes as learning opportunities.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the level of wisdom & discernment that he brings to the Cecil Floyd school family. His years of experience and institutional knowledge are second to none within our staff, and he often brings clarity in a decision-making process for this school’s trajectory. Many teachers across the district respect Mr. Hoggatt’s vision and approach.
I'm humbled by his response. While these are areas where I strive to shine, I am not successful as often as I wish. I guess that's true for many people. It is comforting that these are areas that are actually recognized by the boss.
For more about the award, go to the History Teacher of the Year page.
