Greetings, readers of the Shield! We are lucky to have an incredibly unique, caring, hard-working, and talented board of teachers and staff that we can rely on, and our Spanish department is no exception. Señora Conard, Señora Hatfield, Señora Conger, and Señora Hayes are all incredibly engaging and compassionate teachers. We are delighted to say that Señora Hayes has won the Kiwanis Teacher of the Year award for Richwoods 2024-2025! This award is voted on by the faculty and staff of Richwoods high school. One teacher is chosen from each high school in the area. Being recognized by your peers is a special acknowledgment of all the hard work and effort that teachers put into their profession. The Shield is honored to interview Señora Hayes and share her stories and experiences!
What were the reasons you decided to pursue teaching as a career? Was it an instinctive decision, or did you consider other jobs before teaching?
“I wanted to pursue teaching because I loved all my high school teachers and thought they were having fun in the classroom. The summers off were a big attraction too! I also considered journalism and nursing before I went to college.”
What other jobs have you held, school or otherwise, before working as a teacher here, after graduating from college?
“Before teaching here, I taught Spanish and English at Limestone High School, English 101 at Bradley University, and Spanish at St. Thomas Grade School.”
Where did you go to high school and college, what degrees did you get from said schools, and what were they like?
“I went to Eisenhower High School in Blue Island and went to college at Bradley University. From Bradley I earned an undergraduate degree in English and Spanish Education and a Master’s in English. I later studied English as a Second Language through Concordia University Chicago.
What extracurriculars did you do in high school, and are you still involved with any of them here at Richwoods?
“My favorite sport in high school was tennis, and I also played softball and ran track. While I don’t coach at RHS, I do enjoy running and would love to play tennis again. I also enjoyed Student Government and now I’m the sponsor for our Student Council.”
What is your best piece of advice for high school and college?
“Inside the classroom, my advice is to ask questions because the teachers want to help you! Outside of the classroom, I recommend finding at least one school activity to join.”
Besides winning Teacher of the Year, what are you proudest of the most this school year for you or your students?
“I am always proud of my students after they take the IB Spanish exam, which has 4 parts and is very challenging. I also love when students set goals for their life after high school and work towards them.”
Why did you decide to teach Spanish specifically?
“I fell in love with Spanish while studying in Spain.”
If you could visit any place in the world for one week, where would you go?
“I would visit New Zealand because it looks beautiful!”
What are your hobbies outside of school?
“Outside of school, I enjoy reading, running and spending time with my family.”
What is your taste in music like?
“I mostly listen to Spanish pop.”
What is your favorite thing about Richwoods High School?
“My favorite thing about Richwoods is our awesome students and staff.”
What is your advice to new/aspiring teachers?
“My advice is a quote that I read early in my career: ‘A smile from your teacher is like an unofficial A.’”
A huge thank you to Señora Hayes for taking the time to participate in this interview! This will be the last Teacher feature of the 2024-2025 school year. It has been a pleasure to get to know our wonderful staff at Richwoods High School!
