March SuperStar Teacher: Celebrating Maggie Gonzalez at Hartselle City Schools
Maggie Gonzalez, an English Language Teacher for Hartselle City Schools, has been named the Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce's SuperStar Teacher for March. Cindy Smith, a member of the Chamber's Board of Directors, along with members of the Chamber staff, surprised Ms. Gonzalez with a $150 gift card for her classroom, a $50 gift card for personal use and a $1,000 grant awarded to Hartselle City Schools from the Chamber’s One Vision Foundation. Thank you to our presenting sponsor, Hubbard & Drake General-Mechanical Contractors, Inc. and our March sponsor Dustin Awtrey Agency.
“Maggie is the only English Learner teacher for our entire district and serves all six Hartselle City Schools. She began as our English Learner teacher last year and goes above and beyond the expectations as both a teacher and advocate for her students. She interprets for parents who do not speak English, works with students to increase their proficiency in the English language and assists teachers and administrators in supporting our non-English speaking parents and students,” wrote Career Tech, Federal Programs and Gifted Programs Coordinator Elisa Harris in her nomination of Ms. Gonzalez.
“She coordinates with parents in anticipation of students’ needs and often reaches out to solve problems well past the workday. Maggie is in the process of advancing her education in the field of English Learning. As she works to earn her Education Specialist degree, she will further enhance the knowledge and support she provides to our students, parents, teachers, and administrators.”
"I'm still shocked and extremely grateful. I love working here at Hartselle City Schools. I love all of my students. I love what I do. And It’s not just a job. It’s actually fulling me as a person so receiving this award and recognition was a lot for me. It was such a big blessing," said Ms. Gonzalez.
The Chamber’s SuperStar Teacher program celebrates educators who make a significant impact on their students, colleagues and communities. For the 2024-2025 school year, the Chamber's One Vision Foundation will award a $1,000 grant to the school of each SuperStar Teacher of the Month. This initiative is part of the Chamber's ongoing commitment to recognizing and supporting outstanding educators in Decatur-Morgan County. The One Vision Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, funds these grants through the generous support of our Chamber members. Members can contribute through their invoices, or anyone can make a tax-deductible donation by visiting our website at www.dcc.org.