James Hill — Christa McAuliffe Prize for Courage and Excellence in Education
Background
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s College of Education and Human Sciences has named James Hill, a Spanish teacher at Lincoln Southwest High School, the recipient of the Christa McAuliffe Prize for Courage and Excellence in Education for 2021. The prize has been awarded annually for more than 30 years to a Nebraska teacher who exemplifies the character of Christa McAuliffe, the social studies teacher who died in the 1986 Space Shuttle Challenger disaster. Those qualities include excellence, commitment, creativity and the ability to inspire and courage.
Explanation
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s College of Education and Human Sciences has named James Hill, a Spanish teacher at Southwest High School, the recipient of the Christa McAuliffe Prize for Courage and Excellence in Education for 2021.
The award’s founder, Dr. Gregg Wright, said this about the teachers who are honored:
“The teachers who are recognized are all excellent educators, but they go beyond excellence by showing courage. Courage can be displayed in many different ways, but the common denominator among all the prizewinners is the lasting and positive effect they have had on their students and on their peers.”
One nominator said this about Hill:
“Once a student has Mr. Hill, they do not want any other Spanish teacher. He makes his students feel better about Spanish and what they can accomplish in Spanish. Personally, I have countless examples of where Jim took one of my students who struggled in Spanish, and with extra time and hard work, got the student to perform at a higher level than the student ever anticipated.”
Proposal
That the Lincoln Board of Education adopt the following resolution:
WHEREAS, James Hill has shown tremendous passion for teaching and working with students at Lincoln Southwest High School; and
WHEREAS, James Hill displays courage in education through innovation and creativity in the classroom; and
WHEREAS, James Hill is known for meeting students where they are and advancing their learning further than they thought possible; and
WHEREAS, James Hill goes above and beyond to support his students, not only in the classroom but at their events, as well; and
WHEREAS, James Hill has proven he exemplifies the character of Christa McAuliffe through excellence, commitment, creativity, courage and the ability to inspire others; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Lincoln Board of Education
does hereby congratulate James Hill for earning the 2021 Christa McAuliffe Prize for Courage and Excellence in Education.
Updated December 2, 2021
