Meet educator Michael Hughes, a kindergarten teacher at Parkridge Elementary School in the Corona Norco Unified School District in Southern California. He’s just been named Riverside County’s 2019 Teacher of the Year.

Michael’s students know him as the teacher who walks around in superhero costumes. A champion of creativity, Michael advocates learning through purposeful self-expression. Michael strongly believes that lessons should immerse the students in creative and playful learning. This is especially important during such an impressionable stage of development as early childhood, asserts Michael.

Michael says young students should not just read, but should become a part of the story by acting it out. Michael’s students learn to read by acting out books in front of a green screen. In this way, they are taught to find creative solutions to problems. “Lessons may be forgotten, but experiences are remembered,” expresses Michael.

School pride is also important to Mr. Hughes. He works hard to build a school environment where students can thrive. He builds community support by bringing fun programs for students, such as the Parkridge Pumpkin Patch and the Taco Shop Day. Michael’s colleagues describe the honored educator as a “teacher of teachers who is exceptionally knowledgeable in all subject areas.”

Michael earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree from California State University, Fullerton.

Well done, chalkboard champion Michael Hughes!