Beryl Henry Elementary School sixth grade teacher Misty Gilbert and Hope High School teacher/student council sponsor Sheila Hopson were presented with certificates and cash awards by Hope Rotary Club President Steve Harris in outdoor ceremonies at each recipient’s residence May 14.

Hope Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Bobby Hart expressed his pleasure at the selections.

“We are happy for both of these terrific educators and people,” Dr. Hart said. “They each do a wonderful job of reaching students and making an impact on their lives. Our school system is grateful for their efforts and we appreciate Rotary for recognizing them”

MISTY GILBERT

Gilbert has taught sixth grade at BHE, and is in her sixth year on the campus, having taught for six years at Clinton Primary School previously. She has double AA degrees from the University of Arkansas - Hope in education and applied science (business technology), as well as a technical certification in office systems technology from UAHT. She holds a BSE (math/science) from Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia.

Gilbert chairs the Response to Intervention committee at BHE, where she deals with student data used to improve teaching practices. She was also instrumental in developing the Positive Behavior Support and Reward System at BHE which involves academic, behavioral, character and citizenship recognition of students. Gilbert also assists with management of the BHE Kickboard initiative on student activity.

“As part of encouraging and motivating students to display good citizenship at school, she leads an initiative to develop a school store which rewards our students for their positive efforts and display of good character,” BHE Principal Dr. Roy Turner said.

Turner said Gilbert is a relationship-builder.

“She’s very dedicated to teaching and always engages Beryl Henry students in meaningful and fun instruction,” he said. “Mrs. Gilbert has the ability to build positive relationship with her students and they love being in her class.”

A member of Old Liberty Community Church, Gilbert is active in Goodwill, the ROC Sheltered Workshop, Washington Volunteer Fire Department, and in numerous community projects in the Washington area, as well as United Way and church activities.

“During the time that we are out of school, she has devoted her time to helping the Hope Public School Food Services pass out food to our students in the district,” Turner said.

SHEILA HOPSON

Hopson has taught for 15 years, the last two years at Hope High School where she is sponsor of the HHS Student Council, HHS Yearbook, and is involved in workforce education.

“The success of students in her classes is due mainly to great classroom management, structure, and the fact that she works diligently with her students in building positive working relationships,” HHS Principal Bill Hoglund said. “Ms. Hopson not only mentors and encourages her current students, but does likewise for students who have graduated under her tutelage as well as monitor and support new arriving teachers on the campus.”

Hopson took her BSE at Henderson State University in Arkadelphia and a MSE in curriculum and instruction at Concordia University.

Hoglund said Hopson deals with an academically diverse range of students at HHS.

“Mrs. Hopson models the importance and value of lifelong learning,” he said. “She places her students first and has written and obtained two grants for her classes. These grants will be utilized to enhance and provide supplemental support within the curriculum and develop skills in her students that will lead to their success.”

Hopson, Höglund said, simply does not allow students to give up on themselves.

“Students do not give up on themselves because they know that they have a teacher who believes in them,” he said. “In turn, the students believe in themselves and this produces results.”

Hopson has been at the fore in student-sponsored blood drives, clothing drives, and food drives at HHS, as well.

“Ms. Hopson has mastered the elusive art of being fair, firm, and consistent, having rules yet maintaining relationships, and keenly remembering that, though she teaches numerous content/subject areas… she is really teaching ‘children’ whom she freely offers love, acceptance, and grace,” Hoglund said.

The daughter of James “Jackie” and Shirley Ogden, Hopson is the mother of one son, Devonty “Trevay” Bradshaw.

Hope Rotary Club President Steve Harris and members of the local organization honored the Rotary Teachers of the Year, 2019-2020, with presentations at their homes May 14. At left, Harris recognizes Beryl Henry Elementary School sixth grade teacher Misty Gilbert, center, as her daughter Hannah looks on. Harris and Rotarians Les Patterson, left, and John Watkins, right, also recognized Hope High School teacher Sheila Hopson at her residence. — Hope Rotary Club for Hope Public School