May 5, 2025

A Celebration of Educators

An op-ed by Dr. Anthony Leigh, President of Huntingdon College

Montgomery, AL – Happy National Teacher Appreciation Week from Huntingdon College.  Throughout this academic year, we have celebrated “The Year of the Educator” at Huntingdon, shining the spotlight on the hundreds of Huntingdon alumni who serve as classroom teachers, school administrators, coaches, and all those who work to advance the educational experience for others. 

One of the great continuums of Huntingdon College is a dynamic faculty of educators — a collection of intellectual scholars who are passionate about their academic disciplines and find joy in sharing their wisdom and knowledge with today’s generation of students.  Huntingdon students and alumni speak in reverential tones about the faculty members who have shaped their classroom experiences, provided meaningful life-mentoring, and opened the doors of opportunities for graduate school, internships, and professional careers for them. 

In recent weeks, I held a series of ten small group student-centered conversations with members of the Huntingdon faculty. I wanted to hear from them about students who are achieving excellence in their classroom, those who demonstrate unique engagement in our academic environment, and those who have exhibited growth in the classroom from either the beginning of the semester to the end, or from one semester to another.  I loved these conversations, and the delight faculty members had in bragging on our students.

I also asked our faculty in these conversations to share with me intentional things they do to be student-centered in and out of the classroom. There were several recurring themes I heard from faculty members across academic disciplines. 

Engagement outside the classroom.  Faculty members know that Huntingdon students are exceedingly involved in the life of the College participating in intercollegiate athletics, music ensembles, Greek organizations, and a myriad of other clubs and activities.  Repeatedly I heard in these conversations, and I witness this on a regular basis, our faculty enjoy supporting our students in their extracurricular endeavors.  Just as I was seeking to learn about students excelling in their classrooms, they seek to know about the successes of their students outside of their classroom.

Pre-professional preparation.  Our faculty members understand that our students have chosen Huntingdon to obtain a great pre-professional education that will prepare them to take their next step beyond Huntingdon.  They also know that many of our students will take graduate school placement tests and examinations for certifications.  Several professors shared with me how they have designed their in-class assessment measurements to help students gain preparation and confidence in taking these tests. 

Exploring student curiosity.  I enjoyed hearing multiple faculty members share how they have designed courses to allow their students to determine class topics, and conduct research in areas of interest to the students.  I applaud the willingness and ability of faculty members to pivot from one semester to another the material and subjects that will be covered and discussed based on the curiosity of their students.

Early and often assessments.  Huntingdon faculty members expressed to me a desire to know early in a semester whether or not students are grasping the content of their course and to identify students who need additional resources or support.  Giving tests and writing assignments early in a semester also helps faculty members assess themselves to know if they need to alter their course to best meet the learning needs of their current students.

Delivering learning experiences. One faculty member told me she has a mindset of delivering a learning experience for her students and regularly asks herself the question, “what can I do to help my students learn?”  Through the use of group projects, student-led presentations, creative writing assignments, and the use of other alternative assessments, faculty members expressed to me a genuine desire for their classrooms to be learning incubators and to help students grow in wisdom and confidence. 

In this National Teacher Appreciation Week, I celebrate and thank the Huntingdon College faculty for the many intentional ways they support Huntingdon students and create a teaching and learning environment that is student-centered.  I invite our students and alumni to be intentional this week in extending words of appreciation to those faculty members, past and present, who have made a genuine impact on their lives.

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