Florida science teacher Dr. Erick Hueck has just been inducted into the 2023 class of the National Teachers Hall of Fame. Photo credit: NTHF
I enjoy sharing stories about exemplary educators who have earned recognition for their work in the classroom. One of these is Dr. Erick Hueck, a science teacher from Miami, Florida. Erick is one of five educators nationwide who have been inducted into the 2023 class of the National Teachers Hall of Fame (NTHF).
Erick’s career as an educator spans 34 years. Currently, he teaches Chemistry and Advanced Placement Chemistry to freshmen through seniors at Miami Senior High School in Miami. In previous years, he taught Biology, Earth Space, Physical Science, and General Science there. In addition, for 32 years the honored teacher has served as the advisor for his school’s chapter of the National Beta Honor Society. In addition to his work in the classroom, Erick serves as the President of the Dade County Science Teachers’ Association.
As a result of years of professional experience, Erick can offer some sage advice for his colleagues. “You must have passion at the core of your intent,” he asserts, “understand that there will be good days and bad days, continue to learn and evolve; take care of yourself and listen to the voice inside your head, you are only as good as you feel.”
Erick’s induction in the NTHF is not the only recognition he has earned. In 2013 he was named the Outstanding Teacher of the Year by the Florida Association of Science Teachers. The next year, he garnered the Phebe and Zephaniah Swift More Teaching Award from Amherst College. In 2022, Erick was named the NEA California Casualty Award for Teaching Excellence, and that same year he earned the Yale Educator Award.
A 1983 graduate of Columbine High School in Colorado, Erick continued his education at the University of Southern Mississippi, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Chemistry in 1987. He earned his Master’s degree in Science Education from the University of Miami in 1990, and his PHD in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University in 2009.
The National Teachers Hall of Fame was founded in 1989 in Emporia, Kansas, to honor outstanding educators through a recognition program and museum. Nominees must be certificated public or non-public school teachers, active or retired, with at least 20 years of experience in teaching grades preK-12. Since the inaugural induction ceremonies in 1992, 145 educators from 40 states and the District of Columbia have been inducted. To learn more about the program, click on this link to the NTHF.
