Richmond Hill Elementary School surprised second-grade teacher Heather Tucker recently when she was named the school’s 2013-14 Teacher of the Year.
Tucker was honored in front of her coworkers during a ceremony at the school.
“I was shocked when my name was announced. We have so many amazing and inspiring teachers at our school that I honestly never thought I had a chance of winning,” Tucker said in an email.
Tucker has taught at Richmond Hill Elementary since December 2007. She teaches health, language, math, reading, science, social studies and spelling. Working with students is her favorite part of being a teacher, she said.
“The students are the best part of this job by far,” Tucker said. “It is so much fun getting to know a new class each year and watching how they grow in every way throughout the school year.
 “I also love getting to know the families of our students. We have such wonderful families in Richmond Hill. It is so rewarding when we are able to collaborate with the families and see the students succeed.”
Teachers at RHES are nominated and then voted on by their peers, Tucker said. She said she being recognized is a wonderful feeling.
“I am very honored to be named Teacher of the Year,” she said. “It feels wonderful to be recognized. All teachers put so much time and effort into their jobs that it is nice to be recognized for it.”