Nolley emphasizes hands-on learning with her students
Hannah Nolley is in her third year of teaching in the Garaway Local School District. Nolley teaches second grade at Miller Elementary.
Hannah Nolley grew up watching her mom teach first grade.
Nolley decided to become a teacher herself because of that.
“My mom truly loved her job and went above and beyond for her students each and every day,” said Nolley, who teaches second grade at Miller Elementary. “I was able to personally witness the influence and relationships my mom was able to create with students and their families, and I knew one day I wanted to do the same. One of the main reasons I teach is to give my students experiences and hands-on learning opportunities, and this was heavily influenced by watching my mom growing up.”
Nolley’s favorite teaching memory occurred last year with two students who entered the school year struggling to identify their letter sounds and unable to read.
“As I worked with both students intensively and sent home extra practice with each student, I began to see large strides and growth in their reading abilities,” Nolley said. “In November I pulled both students and knew they were at a point to begin reading with me. Both students did phenomenal reading their first book with me that day, and the excitement in each child’s face confirmed why I became a teacher.
“Each student then had the opportunity to call home and share the good news with their parents. One parent began crying over the phone with how excited they were with their child’s growth. Giving children the ability to read is something that is so rewarding and unlike any other experience I have ever had.”
When Nolley began her teaching career, she didn’t realize how important positive family relationships are in school settings.
“By creating these relationships each year, I have received amazing parent support in my classroom,” she said. “I am so thankful for the families that have impacted my teaching journey at Garaway. I truly would not be able to do the projects and hands-on activities that I do in my classroom without the parent support I receive.”
For Nolley, the most rewarding part of her job is watching her students grow as learners each month.
“Each day I work with my students on second-grade skills and encourage them to always try their best,” she said. “To have the opportunity to see their brains retain new information and apply it into their learning is fulfilling. There is no comparable feeling.”
Balancing her students’ different needs has been the most challenging part of her career, but those obstacles have helped her grow as a teacher.
“Every student comes with their own learning style, pace and set of challenges,” Nolley said. “It can be difficult to ensure that all students, regardless of their individual needs, are getting the support they require to succeed. However, I see this as an opportunity to be creative and adapt my teaching strategies.
“I use differentiated instruction, create individualized learning plans and seek ongoing professional development to better understand how to meet the varying needs of my students.”
When Nolley was a student, she was president of Camp Imagine If, vice president of Interact Club and Big Brother/Big Sister of the Year for school-based mentors.
Nolley enjoys traveling with family and friends when she’s not teaching.
“I recently went on a last-minute road trip for the weekend to Chicago and had a fantastic time,” she said. “I also enjoy spending time with my family and my two dogs, Milo and Otis. I am also an avid shopper and can often be found in Canton at Target and Hobby Lobby on the weekends.”
“Teacher Spotlight” is a feature on a local teacher.