Bonnie Butell-Huntoon was chosen as the first recipient of the October staff member of the month by the Baldwin High School student advisory team. She was chosen by the majority of the board. “Mrs. B-H” teaches in the English department, including college credit courses for BHS seniors to take.
Butell-Huntoon (a BHS alum) has enjoyed working here, as well as her students have enjoyed her teaching.
“You can really tell that she cares about her students, how they learn and how devoted she is to them,” junior Brooklyn Cole said.
One-on-One interview with Butell-Huntoon:
How do you feel about being chosen as the teacher of the month?
- I feel honored to be recognized by students.
Did you expect it?
- I was not even aware that BHS was honoring teachers in this way!
How does that make you feel about the students and how they view you as a teacher?
- It is always important to me to connect with students as individuals. I hope this recognition means that they are learning something valuable from the classes I teach. Of course, it might mean that I’m way too nice and a push-over!
Why do you think you were voted as the teacher of the month?
- Because my classes are so much fun! . . . . Right? I’m not the ONLY one who thinks my classes are fun, am I?
Why did you become a teacher?
- I have always wanted to teach! As a young girl, I thought it was fun to boss my friends around and tell them they have to complete assignments for “play school.” I did finally realize that there is more to teaching than assigning workbook pages. I feel like teaching is a profession with a clear purpose. If I’m successful in my work, then I can positively impact students’ lives.
What do you hope to do as a teacher?
- I hope that I encourage students to stretch their minds and their capabilities. I hope that students learn to engage in the world and to question everything. I hope that students become confident in their own individual viewpoints. I hope that students are prepared for their futures–for whatever life after high school brings!
What are some of your life philosophies?
- This is a tough one. . . I wish I was a wise sage. Since I’m teaching To Kill a Mockingbird right now, I might just steal a quote from Atticus Finch. . . “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view […] until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.”