Avery Hatch: A Teacher who is “always in your corner.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson is credited with saying, “The only way to have a friend is to be one.” That sentiment is central to Avery Hatch’s teaching philosophy. Hatch leads her special education classes by demonstrating the kind of consistent respect and support that she hopes her students will give back to each other. Teaching these socioemotional skills is an essential part of her job because she believes students flourish when they feel someone cares about them.

“Sometimes, students may feel like no one is in their corner,” Hatch said. “I want to be someone who they know is always in their corner. And, it’s really important to me to help them gain the skill to encourage themselves and be a good friend to others, regardless of where they are.”

Hatch regularly models one of her most effective tools: specific praise. “When we’re trying to build connections,” she said, “giving really specific praise helps them express their emotions and show support for each other.”

This practice was on full display during a visit to her classroom. A student received the last sticker on a positive behavior chart and was ready to claim his prize: a few minutes of playing with fidget toys. Observing this, his classmate said, “Congratulations! You worked really hard to earn those stickers. I’m glad that you get to play with the toys.” Beaming with pride, Hatch praised each student—one for his success, the other for her kindness. 

Hatch’s colleagues say that such interactions strengthen the school climate and that her efforts inspire stronger connections between students and staff alike. 

“She cares deeply about her students and her colleagues,” one shared. “Even while dealing with the most difficult situations in our school, Avery smiles and builds relationships.”

“Avery cultivates positive relationships with her students,” said another. “She’s a fantastic partner in education and is so willing to help everyone in any way she possibly can.” 

Building relationships with students and colleagues of all backgrounds and abilities comes naturally to Hatch, who has volunteered in special education classrooms since middle school. 

“In elementary school, I grew up with friends and cousins who had disabilities,” she said. “I wanted to learn more about it, so I started getting involved with peer tutoring in middle school, and I loved it! I thought it was really fun and exciting, so I continued it through high school. It was just so special to be part of those classes and help others have amazing opportunities.”

Hatch has been in the classroom ever since. She spent five years with the USU ASSERT program while earning her degree in Special Education, and has been at Providence Elementary for the past three and a half years.

“There’s so much to love about my job,” she said. “I feel like my students just make crazy growth out of nowhere, and I love celebrating that with them. It is so important to me to make sure that they have the skills and abilities that they need to be the best people they can be, to be independent, to advocate for themselves, and to feel confident and excited about what they can do!” 

Hatch’s enthusiasm and strength are a gift to the lives of students and staff alike, who are thrilled to acknowledge her as their 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year. Principal Jeff Keck aptly summarized their feelings. “She is an amazing, amazing educator who puts her whole heart and soul into everything she does.”