Jamie Hawkins

4th Grade

Hawkins headshot

Email:
Jamie_Hawkins@dpsk12.net

Department(s):
Classroom Teachers

What is your favorite childhood book?

My favorite childhood book was Put Me in the Zoo I have a picture of myself reading it in front of my 1st-grade class and looking so proud. I must have read that book 100 times that year.

What is your secret talent?

It’s not really a talent I have anymore, but I played the alto saxophone from 4th grade through college. I remember being fascinated with the alto saxophone when the music teacher came around to classes to teach us about all of the instruments. When I told him I wanted to play the saxophone he tried talking me into playing the clarinet or flute instead because I was so petite and my hands were too small. That made me even more determined to play the saxophone. I can still remember how heavy the case was while I lugged it all around through school! I played in the marching band and school concert assembly all through high school.

Who was your favorite teacher in Elementary School and why?

My favorite teacher in elementary school was my 5th-grade teacher, Mrs. Gracie. I was very short and I remember Mrs. Gracie was very tall. I remember that she was kind and patient to all of her students. She treated everyone equally. She read with such enthusiasm! I saw her years later and she was still so genuinely kind and caring.

What is your favorite thing about teaching?

My favorite thing about teaching is making lifelong connections with my students. Having them know that as their teacher I’m another person in their life that believes in them and loves them wholeheartedly. I love when I get to the point in a relationship with a student where they feel respected and valued and that drives them to work so hard. I also love when I hear from a former student, or their parents of where they are in life now and that they still remember me as one of their favorite elementary school teachers.

What is your favorite subject to teach and why?

I love to teach reading, writing, and literacy. In our technologically advanced world, I still believe in the importance of using proper grammar. Knowing the difference between their, there, and they’re, and how to use “I” and “me” correctly! I also love when a student is engaged in a book and it gives them new ideas or inspires them.