Luke Overton, Hoover Middle School

Position: Vocal Music

Years Teaching: 12

Hobbies: Reading, Cycling, Playing guitar, spending time outdoors

What do you enjoy most about teaching? The most enjoyable part of the teaching profession for me is the relationships and communities we get to form in our buildings and classrooms. Music is unique in that we get to see our students for multiple years, and the shared experiences and journey of unlocking a creative outlet that will be with students for the rest of their lives is incredible to be a part of.

What do you find most challenging about teaching? Time! There is always one more thing to teach before the bell, another honor choir, one more page of music, the next tip to unlock the next step in the process, another festival, etc, etc! You have to become adept at managing the limited amount of time we do have, and finding ways to maximize how we use each second of it as best you can.

Best tip for new teachers: Seek out the veteran teachers in the building, even outside your content area, and ask questions. Each building has hundreds of years of collective teaching experience and tapping into that knowledge is a powerful resource. Don't be afraid to use it!

Best tip for career teachers: Seek out the new teachers in the building and get a fresh perspective! It is easy to keep doing things the way we have always done them, but new teachers have a perspective that is fresh and new. Great ideas can come from a fresh viewpoint and can totally revitalize the way we approach our classroom.

Favorite piece of advice for students: The best time to make a change might have been yesterday, but the second best time is today.

What does being a Gold Star Teacher mean to you? I am so incredibly honored to have had students go out of their way to nominate me for this award. It is such a humbling experience, and I hope I continue to show up for all my students in ways that are both meaningful and impactful.