NewsFaculty/StaffPre-K to 8Academics
Hutchins receives Parents’ Choice Award
May 10, 2006 1:13 PM
By Tannika King - Faculty
Before James Hutchins came to Darlington in 2002, he had spent 11 years of his life working in a chemical processing factory. He was extremely unhappy with his job, but with a child and a mortgage, he felt trapped.
“My wife, sensing my misery, told me life was too short … Knowing she fully supported me, I enrolled in school and never looked back,” said Hutchins, seventh- and eight-grade science teacher.
Three (almost four) degrees later, Hutchins is one of the most beloved teachers at the Middle School, and on March 22, the Parents’ Association presented him with the 2006 Parents’ Choice Award for his outstanding commitment to Darlington School.
“I’m humbled,” said Hutchins. “It’s simply my privilege to be here and to be around such awesome people. Darlington is such a great place to live and work. Our parents and students are the best.”
Dr. Carl Davidson, the father of two current Darlington students, is one of the many parents who nominated Hutchins for this year’s award.
“Middle school is such a difficult time for many students: their bodies are growing at a tremendous rate, and the hormonal changes are wreaking havoc with their psyche. James Hutchins seems to have found the right balance between understanding the challenges the kids are facing and upholding high academic and moral expectations,” said Davidson. “The students can sense the extra effort that Coach Hutchins puts into his teaching, and so can the parents.”
Hutchins says his teaching philosophy is simple. “I believe in educating the whole child. With that, students learn differently, think differently, and look at life differently. As an educator, it is my responsibility to recognize these differences and bring out the best in each student,” he explained. “I don’t believe my job is to open their heads and pour in a load of facts. I want them to think critically – not to believe things simply because I tell them, but look at the world around them and draw their own conclusions.”
Each year, the Darlington Parents’ Association seeks nominations from parents and alumni for this award, which is in its fourth year of existence. The recipient is a member of the Upper or Middle School faculty – teaching, coaching and residential life, or administrative staff – who has worked at Darlington for at least five years and who has shown significant commitment to the School, its mission and students. He or she should be a faithful member of the Darlington community who epitomizes its cooperative spirit and possesses great skill and leadership ability as well as a commitment to the Darlington motto: Wisdom More than Knowledge; Service Beyond Self; Honor Above Everything.
Past winners include Reba Barnes, head of house; Diane Ogletree (’68T), Middle School administrative assistant; Bill King, instrumental director; and Sam Moss (’63), dean of college guidance.
“My wife, sensing my misery, told me life was too short … Knowing she fully supported me, I enrolled in school and never looked back,” said Hutchins, seventh- and eight-grade science teacher.
Three (almost four) degrees later, Hutchins is one of the most beloved teachers at the Middle School, and on March 22, the Parents’ Association presented him with the 2006 Parents’ Choice Award for his outstanding commitment to Darlington School.
“I’m humbled,” said Hutchins. “It’s simply my privilege to be here and to be around such awesome people. Darlington is such a great place to live and work. Our parents and students are the best.”
Dr. Carl Davidson, the father of two current Darlington students, is one of the many parents who nominated Hutchins for this year’s award.
“Middle school is such a difficult time for many students: their bodies are growing at a tremendous rate, and the hormonal changes are wreaking havoc with their psyche. James Hutchins seems to have found the right balance between understanding the challenges the kids are facing and upholding high academic and moral expectations,” said Davidson. “The students can sense the extra effort that Coach Hutchins puts into his teaching, and so can the parents.”
Hutchins says his teaching philosophy is simple. “I believe in educating the whole child. With that, students learn differently, think differently, and look at life differently. As an educator, it is my responsibility to recognize these differences and bring out the best in each student,” he explained. “I don’t believe my job is to open their heads and pour in a load of facts. I want them to think critically – not to believe things simply because I tell them, but look at the world around them and draw their own conclusions.”
Each year, the Darlington Parents’ Association seeks nominations from parents and alumni for this award, which is in its fourth year of existence. The recipient is a member of the Upper or Middle School faculty – teaching, coaching and residential life, or administrative staff – who has worked at Darlington for at least five years and who has shown significant commitment to the School, its mission and students. He or she should be a faithful member of the Darlington community who epitomizes its cooperative spirit and possesses great skill and leadership ability as well as a commitment to the Darlington motto: Wisdom More than Knowledge; Service Beyond Self; Honor Above Everything.
Past winners include Reba Barnes, head of house; Diane Ogletree (’68T), Middle School administrative assistant; Bill King, instrumental director; and Sam Moss (’63), dean of college guidance.
