Middle schoolers and gardens don’t typically mix well together, but one seventh grade science teacher at Hastings Middle School makes it work.
Jayson Stoddard was recently named the 2015 Educator of the Year for Hastings Public Schools – a prestigious award.
It was not an award he strived to earn, nor was he expecting to receive it.
“It is a bit humbling, especially after considering all of the amazing teachers I have had the opportunity to learn from or work with,” Stoddard said.
Stoddard has a unique teaching style, and it is one that he would describe as loud, fun, engaging, and meaningful. He wishes for students to feel comfortable in class, and have the ability to embrace both failure and success.
“Mr. Stoddard was my favorite teacher in middle school. The way he taught was entertaining, so I never got bored in his class,” sophomore Zury Espinoza said.
For some students, school can seem tiring and tedious. But Stoddard always tries his best to engage his students by not only teaching them about science, but also by teaching about crucial parts of life at the same time.
“I never disliked going to science like I sometimes disliked my other classes. The way he taught us with enthusiasm was really effective,” Espinoza said.
Another reason Stoddard was nominated was because he played a key role in the creation of HMS’ first garden, “The Community Garden”. The Community Garden is run by Stoddard, other teachers and students, and any parents or community members wishing to contribute.
“My only wish is that the garden would have been there while I was in middle school. I love gardening, and it’s really convenient for the middle schoolers. So the only thing I would have changed would be when the garden was created,” sophomore McKenna Lamoree said.
Because of his many contributions to Hastings Middle School, Jayson Stoddard was the perfect candidate for Teacher of the Year.
