Creative lessons earn Hunt honor as R-1 Middle School Teacher of the Year

Creative and innovative immediately came to mind for staff, students and their parents when describing the Poplar Bluff Middle School 2019-20 Teacher of the Year and Middle School grade level Teacher of the Year.

James Hunt has transformed his classroom with “Harry Potter,” “Jurassic Park” and a diner complete with him serving as a chef.

“I believe my classroom is a community in which everyone can learn and every student learns in their own unique way,” Hunt said. “Through my teaching, I try to keep all of my students engaged in the lessons and I also assure them that every member of my classroom has something important to contribute in their learning. I believe empowering my students and creating fun lessons will help make a memorable impact.”

Sixth grade teacher Jessica Gordon praised the fun environment Hunt creates for students to learn.

“He uses a ‘Harry Potter’ theme to divide students into ‘Houses,’ which builds community and buy-in for classroom and behavior competitions,” she said. “Student always seem motivated to learn in Mr. Hunt’s classroom.”

Parent Jennifer Funke said her son has found a renewed excitement and energy for going to school thanks to Hunt.

Middle School math and science teacher James Hunt has transformed his classroom with Harry Potter, Jurassic Park and a diner complete with him serving as a chef. This type of creative and innovative teaching style helped lead him to be chosen as the Poplar Bluff Middle School 2019-20 Teacher of the Year and Middle School grade level Teacher of the Year. Photo provided

“He is excited to find out what new and creative activity Mr. Hunt has found to incorporate into his daily lesson plans, using either technology or hands-on activities,” she said.

Beyond the unconventional lessons, Hunt is known for genuinely caring for his students by looking for the positive and makes sure good behavior is rewarded.

“Mr. Hunt works hard to make his students feel like their opinions matter and they are a true part of the classroom,” parent Kris Sittig said. “Mr. Hunt believes every child can learn, but also recognizes that not all children learn in the same way.”

Poplar Bluff Middle School Teacher of the Year James Hunt stands outside his classroom dressed as a chef to go along with his room’s theme when hosting “decimal diner.” Photo provided

Hunt has been with the Poplar Bluff R-1 School District since 2014 as a paraprofessional. In 2016, he was hired as a special education teacher before moving to sixth grade math and science in 2017.

He earned a Bachelor of Science in elementary education from Hannibal-LaGrange University in 2016 and earned a Masters of Education in educational leadership in 2017. In addition, Hunt is also an educational specialist through Arkansas State University.

Becoming a teacher was never really the plan when Hunt began working toward a career.

“I began working with students through mentoring and tutoring while I was working on a forensics degree,” he said. “Through this, I found inspiration on what I truly wanted to do. Making a difference in the lives of kids is something I strive for and being able to set high expectations and watching my students reach their fullest potentials has been incredibly rewarding and motivating.”

Hunt has proven to reach his students on an educational level as well as a personal level.

He has been known to spend lunches with his students getting to know them in order to make his lessons intriguing to their interests and provide rewards they would like to have.

“Mr. Hunt is caring, responsible and is always a kind-hearted person,” student Cara Pendley said. “His teaching skills involve fun activities that capture the concept and the student’s eyes and minds.”

Being known as creative and innovative, Gordon joked Hunt is the teacher other educators want to hate, but can’t, because “he’s so awesome” and an asset to have on the Poplar Bluff R-1 Middle School team.

“Being named Middle School Teacher of the Year is an accomplishment to me,” Hunt said. “Each day I try to find creative ways to engage my students in what I’m teaching. This accomplishment is a reflection of those efforts.”