Mrs. Needham's dedication to her students is truly admirable. Unsurprisingly, she has been named the grades 9-12 Teacher of the Year in Benton County. Her commitment to her students extends beyond the classroom, as she also serves as the yearbook sponsor for Camden High School.
One of her fondest memories as a teacher was with an 8th-grade class while teaching at Camden Junior High School. Her students had worked hard on their research and speeches for the 4-H speeches, and she had a very capable young man who had a reputation to uphold. Despite his struggles in other classes, he worked hard on his speech with Mrs. Needham's guidance. On the day of the speeches, he delivered his speech flawlessly and received a purple ribbon, which invited him to give his speech at the county level. His confidence and pride in himself were evident, and Mrs. Needham will never forget how excited he was.
Mrs. Needham's classes this year are enjoyable to work with each day because her students have each other's backs. They selflessly get up to help others who are struggling, engage in their lessons and class discussions, and even notice when she is having a bad day and ask how they can help. Her students' empathy and kindness towards one another are a testament to Mrs. Needham's leadership and the supportive environment she has created.
Overall, Mrs. Needham's passion for teaching and her students' success is truly inspiring. Her dedication to her students and her positive impact on their lives is a wonderful example of what makes a great teacher.