When teaching a student, they finally understand a task or problem and their face lights up — that’s the reward of teaching for 32 years.

“Being around the kids when they understand something is very fulfilling,” said Hatcher. “When you see the lightbulb go on and they realise they can do something special.

“When they have the learning moments and are very proud of themselves, it is encouraging.”

Hatcher, who was born in Fort Dodge, started her teaching in Chicago in 1990. She moved back to Fort Dodge in 2000 and subbed a little before teaching at Fair Oaks in 2004 and then the Fort Dodge Middle School since, where she teaches sixth grade language arts.

Teaching was a natural occupation for Hatcher, who grew up loving learning.

“When I was a kid, I loved school and loved everything about it,” Hatcher said. “I loved waiting for the school list and getting school supplies.

“My aunt was a teacher too, and as a kid at family events she would talk about school and stories about students and that inspired me.”

As the year wrapped and things came to an end, Hatcher was shocked when it was announced she was the Fort Dodge Community School District’s inaugural Secondary Teacher of the Year.

“It was such a shock,” Hatcher said. “I had no idea that my name would be called and I didn’t expect it — it was overwhelming.

“I knew that my colleagues voted, but it still was amazing and humbling. It’s still hard to believe, but I appreciate it and my colleagues’ support throughout the years.”

As a teacher they spend a lot of hours with students and build bonds and relationships. When the students move to the high school and still think of their former teacher as special.

“I love building relationships with the students,” Hatcher said. “When they come back after middle school and are in high school and they stop and visit you is pretty awesome.

“I love building relationships and encouraging the kids that they can be what they want and to have big goals. I want them to gain confidence and be who they are and help them find their gift as they try to make a positive impact.

“I just want to help them believe in themselves and find their strengths.”

Helping them believe in themselves and find their strengths.

This was the first year the award was handed out as well as the Elementary Teacher of the Year Award, which went to first grade Feelhaver elementary teacher Susan Winter.

“We have an end of year celebration where they were honored,” said Fort Dodge Superintendent. “We put a small committee together at the central office after teachers were nominated.

“We have a ton of educators in our system, so we came up with the idea to get some nominations and chose a deserving educator.”

Porter saw the relationships that Hatcher has seen with her students be a key impact in the classroom.

“Her relationships with her sixth graders are great,” Porter said. “When I’ve seen her instruct her class, there is great participation and everyone has their book open.

“The kids absolutely love her.”