Educator of the Week: Leah Hackett

It is now time to introduce last week’s Educator of the Week presented by the Tennessee Education Lottery.

Leah Hackett is a Visual Art teacher and the Fine Arts department head at the University School of Jackson. Hackett tells us what her favorite part about teaching is.

“It’s my students. I like the interactions I have with them. I like watching them grow. I like learning with them. I like what they teach me. Art is really personal. So it’s a chance for them to grow as people in a way they can’t in other places,” Hackett said.

The appreciation of art is something Hackett wants her students to get from her classes.

“Well, I hope they have fun. And I hope that they learn a little bit about art, a little bit of appreciation. And if they’re good at it, I hope they find what they’re good at so they can keep doing it,” Hackett said.

Of course, with art, there are many things that happen in the classroom, but Hackett mentioned some of her favorites.

“I like teaching kids about color because I think it shows so much more of themselves. But I also like drawing. It leads to good painting. I love pottery. It leads to a lot of ceramics and sculpture. Anything where they can explore,” Hackett said.

Hackett says one of the big things she tries to do for her students is listen and let them be themselves.

Hackett is now eligible for the Tennessee Education Lottery Educator of the Month award.

To vote for her or any other nominees, go to the Tennessee Education Lottery website.

To nominate an educator for our Educator of the Week award, email us at [email protected].