Menu
Hopper named Banner Graphic January Teacher of the Month
A reputation for going the extra mile and putting her students' needs first has earned Tzouanakis Intermediate School teacher Cami Hopper the January Teacher of the Month award.
Following some congratulatory posts from her peers on Facebook, Hopper was in shock after learning that she was chosen as last month's winner.
"I saw it on Facebook, someone had posted on there and tagged me in it," Hopper said smiling. "I was very surprised and I had no idea."
Surprised but humbled by such an honor, Hopper credits her family, students and peers for recognizing all of her hard work.
"I was a little embarrassed when I found out that it was my husband (Bobby) who nominated me, but it was very sweet of him since he sees a lot of the things that are done behind the scenes in the evening and on weekends," Hopper said. "He also knows about the stresses that all teachers face and it is nice to be recognized for some of the sacrifices that I know all teachers make."
Hopper is now in her 13th year of teaching and has spent the past three years at Tzouanakis, teaching a multiple grades and subjects.
"Six years ago, I covered a couple maternity leaves at Deer Meadow and Tzouanakis. This led to a second-grade position at Deer Meadow, which I taught for two years," Hopper explained. "I loved it there, but because of class numbers, they asked me to come to TZ to teach third grade the following year. I loved that too."
However, teaching third grade was short lived as Hopper was once again asked to change grade levels the following year, although hesitant she has never looked back and is enjoying her new role.
"I was hesitant, but decided to go for it," Hopper explained. "I love teaching the fifth-graders now. They are at a fun age and I am able to have fun with them and enjoy their emerging personalities. It's fun to see them learn things on their own as their minds grow and to see how they process the world around them."
Hopper's dedication and passion for teaching and willingness to accept change is something that is admired in the eyes of her peers.
"It's very exciting because Mrs. Hopper is an outstanding educator," Principal Jon Strube said. "She goes above and beyond with all of her students. She's extremely passionate about literacy and doing what she needs to do to meet all the students needs. She's really a literacy leader in our building and she's very well deserving (of the award)."
Hopper has lived in Putnam County for the past 11 years with her husband Bobby, whom she met while they were living in Texas. They have two children, a daughter Lauren, a fifth-grader at Tzouanakis, and a son Tyler who is currently in seventh grade at the middle school.
As part of her award, Hopper received a $50 gift card from Banner Graphic General Manager Daryl Taylor. The teacher said she has not yet determined what she will do with the gift card, but will spend it on class improvements.
"I haven't figured it out, but it will be something for the class," Hopper said. "I've kind of been thinking about options, but I'm not quite sure yet. I've already had the kids writing suggestions of what they want to spend the money on in our classroom. They're coming up with some great ideas."
Nominations for the February Teacher of the Month will be accepted through Wednesday, Feb. 19. Voting will be conducting between Feb. 24 and March 1.
All educators who win Teacher of the Month honors will be entered into the final Banner Graphic Teacher of the Year contest in May.