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Great communities have great schools. High Point Schools Partnership creates impactful connections between our schools and the wider community to ensure students and their families are supported and can reach their full potential in High Point schools.

Part of High Point Schools Partnerships’ mission is to improve the image of our schools through storytelling. Who better to tell the stories of High Point’s schools than the people experiencing it first-hand? In this series of articles, we will highlight our 2022 High Point Extraordinary Educators as we dive deeper into what keeps them motivated in the face of constant challenges.

2022 Extraordinary Educator: Sheena Hyder

Sheena Hyder started her teaching career at Kirkman Park Elementary School 6 years ago. She feels that teaching at this school is her personal ministry. She has always wanted to make a difference in children’s lives and continues to stay there solely because she loves what she does and she loves to watch the scholars evolve into well-educated future citizens. 

Dr. Jamal Crawford, former principal of Kirkman Park Elementary School, describes Ms. Hyder as “kind, caring, and authentic” and “the teacher every child should have at any level of education.” 

According to Dr.Crawford, Ms. Hyder “is meticulous and deliberate about engaging students. There is always a ‘hum’ in her classroom with students engaging each other at all times during the day.”

Ms. Hyder wants her students to know “Togetherness is the key to seeing the results we want. There are no limitations unless you create them yourself. All things are possible and you are only limited by your own mindset.”

Q: What inspired you to become an educator?

A: What inspired me to become an educator is when I lost my mother in the third grade.  It was my third-grade teacher who invested time in me and went well beyond her responsibilities and duties as an educator.  My father was unable to style my hair and ensure that I was properly dressed as a little girl. It was that teacher who provided clothing for me, as well as took on the motherly role in my life during those difficult and challenging times.  She made an indelible mark that influenced my career as an educator. 

Q: What’s your teaching/leadership style?

A: My teaching style is to serve as a facilitator for student learning more than just a teacher of content. The ability to prioritize listening over speaking, as well as seeking to understand the different perspectives students bring to class each day. 

Q: Do you have a classroom motto or philosophy you abide by? Why?

A: “YOU have the power to make the right choices!” I want children to know that their future lies in their hands and that they can choose which life path to take. 

Q: What’s your favorite part about every day?

A: One of the best parts of my day is social-emotional learning (SEL) when students can express themselves freely. Honestly, showing up and being with my students is really the best part of my day. I just enjoy teaching. 

Q: What’s your most memorable moment as an educator?

A: My most memorable moment as an educator is when one of my former African American 3rd grade male students entered my classroom with the mindset of being a drug dealer when he grew up.  That was truly his ultimate goal.  I received a phone call from him last year, and he is now in college pursuing a degree as a medical assistant.

Q: Is there any other information you would like us to share with the community?

A: A teacher cannot do all the things a teacher “does” alone, it truly takes a village to educate a child. We are all in this together. 

Ms. Hyder is just one of High Point’s 2022 Extraordinary Educators. Tune in for the next few weeks to hear more stories and inspiring moments from our local teachers!

Thank you so much to Sheena Hyder for your dedication to High Point’s students. Congratulations on being selected as your school’s 2022 Extraordinary Educator!

To find out more about High Point Schools Partnership and our work, please visit our Facebook page and check out our page on Guilford Education Alliance’s website.

Article written by High Point Schools Partnership Staff

2021 Extraordinary Educators: Sandra Cango

Great communities have great schools. High Point Schools Partnership creates impactful connections between our schools and the wider community to ensure students and their families are supported and can reach their full potential in High Point schools.

Part of High Point Schools Partnerships’ mission is to improve the image of our schools through storytelling. Who better to tell the stories of High Point’s schools than the people experiencing it first-hand? In this series of eight articles, we will highlight our 2021 High Point Extraordinary Educators as we dive deeper into what keeps them motivated in the face of constant challenges.

Sandra Cango

For the last 4 years, Sandra Cango has been working at Kirkman Park Elementary School. Kirkman Park is a Spanish Immersion School in High Point. As an intercultural exchange teacher, Ms. Sandra Cango finds her reasons for staying to be simple truths: she loves “the school, the staff, the kids, and the community.”

Kirkman Park Elementary School’s principal, Jamal Crawford, describes Sandra Cango’s classroom as “one where teaching comes alive for her students. She is kind, creative, and always willing to help. Her classroom is always busy. Her students interact with each other like they were native-born Spanish speakers.”

According to Crawford, “Señora Cango was always accessible during remote learning and her remote classes were always well-attended. Her diligence ensured that her students were able to re-enter school and maintain their language skills.”

Q: What inspired you to become an educator?

A: I became an educator because I think it’s one of the most important professions due to the impact I can make on my students and their families.

Q: What’s your teaching/leadership style?

A: I’m a hands-on teacher, I believe this style of teaching is the best for students to learn. As for leadership, I believe in setting an example for my students and treating everyone fairly with respect. It could be called the facilitator style. I like to be the bridge for students to build their own learning.

Q: Do you have a classroom motto or philosophy you abide by? Why?

A: My motto is for my kids to never give up and that they can achieve anything they set themselves to accomplish. If they learn this from a young age, I think it will be easier for them to face the daily problems of life. I always try to begin the day with motivational quotes for my students to repeat out loud in order to believe in themselves and have a positive attitude.

Q: What’s your favorite part about every day?

A: The best part about every day is seeing the impact I’m making on my students and seeing them use what I taught them in life. Of course, I can’t leave out the hugs and the love I receive every day.

Q: What’s your most memorable moment as an educator?

A: My most memorable moment was being selected as Teacher of the Year by the school staff. This was a huge achievement because it felt like my peers acknowledged my hard work and passion for what I do.

Ms. Cango wants her students to know she will “always be there” for you and she’ll “do everything in her power” to help you succeed in life.

Thank you so much to Sandra Cango for your dedication to High Point’s students. Congratulations on being selected as your school’s 2021 Extraordinary Educator!

To find out more about High Point Schools Partnership and our work, please visit our Facebook page and check out our page on Guilford Education Alliance’s website.

Article written by High Point Schools Partnership Staff