Each year, North Augusta High School names a new Teacher of the Year. For the 2020-2021 school year, this honor was given to Mr. James (Rick) Gill.
Pictured: Mr. Gill, Teacher of the Year
Photo Credit: Emma Carter
Mr. Gill has been teaching History at North Augusta High School for almost 30 years. He has a deep love for history, learning, and teaching, which has all helped him become one of the school’s most beloved teachers. He has the incredible ability to make history engaging for his students. “I have never been a big fan of history class because I have always found it so boring until I took US history with Mr. Gill. He teaches in a way that is appealing to all of his students and even in our packed classroom last year he made all of us feel like he was teaching us one on one with his personal teaching style,” says Molly Lindsey, one of his former students.
Another notable thing about Mr. Gill is the welcoming environment he has in his classroom. He plays music on assessment days, is constantly cracking jokes, and often tells stories. He also gives each and every one of his students' nicknames, a memory that sticks with his students. “Still to this day calls us all by those names. It makes his students feel truly cared for and sets up a personal connection with all of us,” says Lindsey. “Mr. Gill always finds a way to connect with students. He gets to know everyone, and what their strengths and weaknesses are and how to help them… He is also just an all-around good person, he’s always encouraging and positive to his students and sees the very best in everyone,” says Kelly Herring, a current student of Mr. Gill’s.
Mr. Gill is truly one of the best teachers out there, as his love of history, learning, and life are contagious. He sets high expectations for all of his students and goes above and beyond to help his students meet them. His class is one that students look back on fondly, and one they find themselves wandering into to talk with him, even after graduation.
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