Hoffman Middle School’s English Language Arts teacher Nathaniel Peake was recently selected as Hornet Nation’s Teacher of the Year (TOY). At Hoffman Middle School, Peake is known for his kindness and always being available to help others. 

Peake uses his love for literacy to help his students cultivate a love of reading.  As a product of Aldine, Peake believes in making an impact in his own community. He attended Magrill, Teague, and graduated from Nimitz High School. 

“Since I was 12 years old at Teague Middle School, I knew that I was going to be a teacher.  For me, the greatest gift you can give anyone is the gift of a new perspective on an old idea. The year 2020 has proven to us the ideas of community and connection are non-negotiables. In my classroom, my goal for my students is to build their collective knowledge by expanding their individual knowledge.”

His colleagues describe him as a caring, concerned, and connected teacher that takes the time to genuinely get to know his students. At any given time, he is willing to help his peers while wearing a great smile and sharing his infectious laugh.

“In my classroom, my goal for my students is to build their collective knowledge by expanding their individual knowledge. All answers in my classroom are accepted because when we speak our truths, we learn from them and through them.  Our students are all different and unique, and sharing their specific and one of a kind perspectives widens all of our eyes to the endless possibilities of our community’s future and the future of our students.”

In addition, Hoffman Middle School recognized Nataly Sanchez as the Rookie Teacher of the Year (ROY). Sanchez is a first-year math teacher from Marshalltown, Iowa. 

“I chose to teach at Hoffman because it is where I was a student-teacher right before graduation in December 2019. I quickly fell in love with the age group and the demographics of the students. I had amazing mentors that I could learn and gain knowledge from. I wanted to be a leader for students who look like me because I did not have that growing up.” 

Sanchez’s colleagues describe her as an extremely positive teacher who builds relationships with her students. She is patient and kind, and she accepts all learners and meets them where they are. When asked what she missed most about face-to-face learning Sanchez said she really misses being able to use manipulatives in math.  

“Being named Rookie Teacher of the Year means that my hard work and efforts have been acknowledged here at Hornet Nation. The work that I am doing here really makes a difference.

Sanchez and Peake will hold Hoffman’s TOY and ROY titles until the 2021-2022 teachers are awarded the titles. Peake shares this advice to all educators, “In this year of assessment of education all around, teachers have to model more than ever. We have a great responsibility beyond what’s in textbooks, showcasing how teachers have to be models, leaders, encouragers,  and finders of optimism when times are bleak. No matter how; there’s always a light.”

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