Melisa Hunt- Houston County High School

Melisa Hunt is the 2018-2019 Teacher of the Year for Houston County High School. Hunt was born and raised in Warner Robins, and attended Parkwood Elementary, Northside Junior, and then graduated from Northside High School. After high school graduation, she earned her associate’s degree from Macon College, bachelor’s degree from Georgia Southern University, and master’s degree from Georgia College. Her teaching career began in 1993 at Houston County High School, and then in 1995, she moved out of state. Hunt’s husband retired from the Air Force, and she came back to teach at Houston County High School in 2013. Hunt and her husband have a son who is attending Berry College for a nursing degree, and a daughter who is in her first year at Augusta College.

Why teaching/What brought you into this field?

“All of my life I planned to become a child psychologist. In the second year of my major, my sister talked me out of it. She asked me, “Do you really want to be in school for a minimum of eight years?” “Absolutely not,” was my response. Little did I know then, that I would be in school for the rest of my life and that I would be very thankful for every second of it. God had different plans for me and He has led me through many moves, many schools, and many changes. I am very thankful for my journey.”

Any inspiration from past teachers?

“My kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Teagle, from the Little Red School House, was one of the most amazing teachers I have ever met. She loved, disciplined, and taught us how to be students. She remembered each of her students for many, many years after her retirement. Another teacher who made a big impact was Ms. Vicki Carraker, now Jones. She was one of those teachers who would always make time to listen.”

What do you enjoy most about teaching?

“The best part of teaching is helping students learn to believe in themselves, pushing them to be their best, and then watching them succeed.”

What is the most challenging part of teaching?

“The most difficult part of teaching is fitting everything into a 24-hour day. High school is more than the hours spent in a classroom. I love to watch students do what they love – sports, fine arts, and other extra curricular activities. It allows me to see students from a different perspective. We always have multiple activities taking place at the same time; it is impossible to be everywhere I would like to be.”

Advice to students

“Never doubt your abilities and never settle. Work hard and be the person you dream to be.”

Advice to parents

“Enjoy every moment with your kids. Push them to always to their best, give them responsibilities (it doesn’t hurt them, it helps them), and teach them to be kind to everyone.”