NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Norfolk Public Schools’ Teacher of the Year said educating students doesn’t even feel like a job.
“My students are amazing,” said Melissa Hales, a special education teacher at Crossroads School. “I say every single day, ‘they’re the best in the school, they’re the best in the district.'”
“They have a lot of disabilities they come in working with, and they’re happy to be here,” she said. “They’re a hard-working family environment. They’re very supportive and loving. So it makes my job so easy.”
The educator has 25 years of teaching experience, was born and raised in Norfolk and attended Norfolk Public Schools.
She’s grateful to have the opportunity to help young learners like her former teachers helped her.
“I feel like you’re giving back,” Hales said. “You’re giving back to the future. You’re contributing to helping these students become independent and what they’re going to be in the future.”
She said a big motivation for her to teach was her grandmother, who taught for 30 years.
“She would be so proud,” Hales said.
As far as her students, Hales encourages them to be the best version of themselves.
“Positive self-image and being a strong self-advocate,” she said. “And whatever way that may be. Some of them are nonverbal. So teaching them a way that they can communicate their needs and what their wants are, and having them focus on their strengths and being positive about everything.”
Hales’ students said they enjoy every moment with her.
“She’s the [most] awesome teacher ever,” said seventh-grader Kymani Smith. “She’s always there when I need her.”
“She got Teacher of the Year, and I’m so happy,” said eighth-grader Yasnia Pearson.
“I love you Ms. Hales,” Kymani said.
Hales is a part of WAVY’s Excellent Educator series.
10 On Your Side asked her what makes an excellent educator.
“A teacher that teaches the whole student inside the school, outside the school,” Hales said. “You’re fully immersed in their life and caring about every aspect of your student. It’s not a 9-to-5 job. It’s when you’re needed. You’re there going out into the community when they have events, sporting events, dance recitals, letting them see you present and supporting them.”