Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation names two Teachers of the Year

ST. JOESEPH COUNTY, Ind. -- To help kick off National Teacher Appreciation Week, two women were named Teacher of the Year on Monday by the Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation.

Elsie Rogers Elementary School’s Amanda Fox and Penn High School’s Becky Hope were honored with the title by school superintendent Dr. Jerry Thacker.

Fox, a Notre Dame graduate, teaches the fourth grade at Elsie Rogers, and was in the process of giving a math lesson when Dr. Thacker and several board members visited to surprise her with the honor. 

Ms. Richhart, a fellow educator who nominated Fox for the award, noted how Fox used computer science to expand the technological skills of her students.

Fox has taught in the corporation for eight years.

One of Penn High School’s art teachers, Becky Hope was also surprised when she learned she won Teacher of the Year.

Upon opening the door to her classroom, a large group consisting of colleagues, school administrators, students, her husband and former Penn High School principal Dr. Steve Hope and Dr. Thacker all shouted “surprise!” as she was presented with the award.

Other educators at Penn know Hope for her positive attitude and energetic personality. “She is one of the most positive, creative and supportive people that I’ve ever worked with,” said Barb Miller, a fellow art teacher who nominated the award-winner. “I can’t think of anyone else more deserving of this honor.”

Hope holds several responsibilities as leader of the Penn Visual Arts Department, primary educator for AP Studio art classes, manager of a senior showcase and sponsor for the student-led Art Club. 

“I am proud of the Visual Arts Academy which provides an opportunity for our youngest artist and P-H-M students to be creators, listeners, questioners and writers about art,” said Hope. “I feel fortunate every day to work with students who are willing to be challenged, to explore and investigate.”