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When an school assembly was called, Avon Middle School teacher Becky Haenfler never guessed it would end with her being named Region 3 Teacher of the Year. Announced in front of students with the help of seniors and Principal Lyndsey Fathke, the surprise left her stunned. “I was very surprised,” she said. Professionally, she says the award is an honor, especially as someone representing a smaller school. “I work with great teachers every day who make me better,” she said. “It’s neat to see a teacher from a small school get recognized like this.” Personally, the recognition has given her a moment to reflect on her career. Through the application process and announcement she was able to look back and see how far she has come as an educator. “I’ve been able to have some conversations with other educators, students and parents lately and seeing how many relationships that have been created through my teaching career is meaningful,” commented Haenfler. “One of the most special parts was when my daughter told me she was proud of me,” she added, “usually, those conversations are the other way around, so it’s pretty special to hear.” Now in her 19th year of teaching, she currently teaches middle school English Language Arts at Avon School, where she’s been for the past 11 years. Her teaching journey began after graduating from Avon School and attending the University of South Dakota. She first taught first grade at Gayville-Volin School for four years, followed by four more at Wagner Middle School. Her inspiration to teach came from her own school days in Avon, where she said her teachers really cared about her, and she was able to be involved in so many activities. She always knew that she wanted to continue to be part of that as a teacher and help students to have as great of an education and school experience as she did. “My teaching style is all about building strong relationships, both inside and outside the classroom, it is the foundation of effective teaching,” she said. “I want to make reading come alive for students and make learning meaningful, whether it be through reading amazing novels, completing engaging writing assignments, or working with interactive notebooks.” Having her students for three years in middle school allows her to see them grow from year to year and watching how much they change. One of her favorite moments is when students who typically don’t enjoy reading ask, “Can we read another chapter?” “That’s when I know I’ve made an impact,” she said. “If they are asking to read another chapter, then I know they are developing a love of reading, and his helps them become lifelong readers and learners.” Of course, not all memorable moments involve books. She recalls vividly the time the science class’s pet snake went missing—only to be found in her classroom. “I hate snakes, but luckily, a student caught it and brought it back to its home,” she laughed. “Mr. Kuhlman hasn’t had a snake in the science room since!” She credits her success to a strong support system at school and in the community. “In a small town, we’re all in it together,” she said. “Our staff is amazing, and the community is always supporting our school programs and students.” She reported that at the school they all work together to help their students reach their potential. “I think that our school has a great administration, hardworking teachers, and a support staff that goes above and beyond to help in any way possible, she said. “I think together we all make a really great team and that’s what makes each of so successful at our individual jobs.” As for the support of the community, “Our community has always supported the teachers. Throughout the year, the community does a great job supporting the students through donations for the programs we run. They also show the staff appreciation during holidays and special celebrations,” she said. “I have also always felt the school and administration have supported me and the things that I would like to accomplish in my classroom. They listen to my ideas and encourage me to keep trying new things.” She’s also involved in school leadership teams like PBIS and RTI, which allow her to collaborate on improving student behavior and reading success. They have grade level meetings giving them the opportunity to talk about issues or concerns. Looking ahead, she hopes to continue trying new things in the classroom while keeping the projects that students love. She wants to keep students engaged, push them to grow, and to work hard and persevere and reach their goals both in the classroom and in their activities. Her advice to new teachers? “Build strong relationships and care about your students—both in and out of the classroom. Teaching is hard and challenging, but so rewarding.” Becky lives in Avon with her husband, Jeff, and their two daughters, Emersyn and Haven. “I love that my daughters get to grow up in the same community that shaped me,” she said. “There are so many exciting things ahead for the Avon School and the community.”