After 22 years of inspiring students and making a lasting impact with Hampton City Schools, Heather Woodruff, a dedicated and passionate educator, has been honored with her first Teacher of the Year award.
Woodruff has poured her heart into teaching for over two decades, inspiring generations of students with her passion and charismatic attitude. This year, her commitment has been recognized as she receives her very first Teacher of the Year award after 22 years in the profession. Known for her teaching methods, and position as an administrator at Bethel High School, Woodruff is a beloved figure here at Bethel. This award highlights her efforts and the impact she’s made in this school and many others.
“I feel like she won Teacher of the Year because she’s very supportive of her students…” Madison Dunlap, a junior in Mrs. Woodruff’s 2024-2025 class stated, “…She helps students academically and for future endeavors. She’s just overall an amazing teacher.”
Woodruff’s ability to prepare her beloved students for the future is only a singular reason why she was chosen to carry this honor. The Teacher of the Year award recognizes educators who go above and beyond, making a lasting impact on their students and school community.
“I think every teacher is unique in what they do and how they connect with their kids,” Woodruff said. “One of the things that helps me in my classroom is understanding that everyone learns differently. I strive to connect with each student in a way that works for them.”
Woodruff’s impact in the classroom today is the result of years of schooling and dedication. Her mind has always been set on becoming an amazing educator. Her journey into education began long before she stepped into a classroom, back when she was just a child, already drawn to the idea of shaping young minds.
“I think I always knew I wanted to be a teacher because,” Woodruff continued, “[…] my teachers would throw away worksheets, and I’d take them home to play school during the summer. I just really liked it, I don’t know why.”
It’s clear that Woodruff took that dream, seized it, and made an impeccable impact within her environment and her students. “Her class was a class I was able to actually learn in,” Jerome Rooney expressed. “She’s a great teacher.”
