Devon Houghton

Mrs. Houghton was the best teacher I have ever had. I was excited to go to school every day during 4th grade because she made learning so much fun. She always took the time to make creative lessons that we all enjoyed. She would decorate the classroom all the time, have theme days to help teach us about teamwork and problem solving, and she somehow even made math fun. She must have spent hours before and after school to make sure everything was just right for us. She also wanted us to be independent and be confident learners. She would point out when you did something well and helped you not to give up when something was hard. Mrs. Houghton made you feel like you were capable of almost anything as long as you didn't give up. We would even have meetings with Mrs. Houghton when report cards would come out. Mrs. Houghton would have each student create a presentation to give to our parents about all that we've learned, how much we've grown, and what we planned to do next. I was so proud to be able to do that. She did more than just teach us though. She also cared about everyone as a person too. She would tell us that we wouldn't be able to learn well if we weren't able to have a good mindset, so she made it a point to make sure we were doing ok each day. You could tell she truly cared because she would take the time to get to know you and always help when something was wrong. I never felt nervous in her classroom because I knew I could go to her if I had a problem or felt sad. The next school year, in 5th grade, I was being bullied by another student in my classroom and no one at school was noticing anything was wrong. Mrs. Houghton saw me in the halls and knew right away I wasn't myself. Even though she wasn't my teacher anymore, she still took the time to talk with me and find out what was wrong. She helped me get the support I needed and even let me mentor the students in her classroom once a week, so I had something to look forward to. I loved being able to help in her classroom. She made me feel so welcome, and it felt good being able to volunteer and help others. That was a very hard time in my life, and Mrs. Houghton reminded me that there are good people who really care about me. She helped me to feel better when I didn't think anything could help. I will always be grateful to her for that. Mrs. Houghton wasn't just good to me though. She is so kind to everyone. She sees what is special about you lets you know it. She believes in you and brings out your best. She helps you love to learn. And most importantly, she lets you know you're not alone and that she'll help you if you need it. I think she is the best teacher anyone could ever have. She changed my life in so many ways. I feel so lucky to have had her as my teacher and will always remember how much she believed in me and what I was capable of.

Sammy Leuchte