‘Teachers are Heroes’

Educational Excellence

A lot changed in 2020.

The excellence of a Harpeth Hall education did not. From opening convocation to graduation, Harpeth Hall’s steadfast community of educators worked tirelessly to make sure students were set up for success. The hard work, collaboration, fortitude, and flexibility displayed by our classroom leaders set an example of what resilience looks like at its best.

“To say that our teachers are heroes is an understatement,” Hannah King ’21 said. “It takes a certain type of person to be a teacher. It takes someone who is patient, kind, understanding, motivating, adaptable, and has a personal love for learning. I can say with full confidence that every teacher at Harpeth Hall embodies each of those characteristics and more.”

In the school’s annual faculty recognition assembly, Harpeth Hall extended special honors to three teachers for their excellence in the classroom: Middle School science teacher Elsa Davids, Visual Arts Department Chair Carmen Noel, and Upper School orchestra teacher Lori McDermott.

“I believe in patience; I believe in hope; I believe in community; I believe in females. I believe in education, and specifically, I believe in female education,” Hannah said during her speech at the assembly. “But above all, I believe in the people that make female education possible. I believe in the power of teachers. Thank you to the Harpeth Hall teachers, staff, and community members. You are what we believe in.”

Ellen Bowers Hofstead Chair in the Humanities James W. Hofstead established The Ellen Bowers Hofstead Chair in loving memory of his wife. Mrs. Hofstead was a 1934 graduate of Ward-Belmont Preparatory School and a 1935 graduate of Ward-Belmont Junior College. The recipient demonstrates a high level of distinction in learning and teaching, has earned an advanced degree, and has made a full-time commitment to Harpeth Hall for a minimum of five years. The appointment is for three years. Carmen Noel, Visual Arts department chair

When she arrived on campus six years ago, Carmen Noel helped to develop a rich elective curriculum that allows hundreds of students to explore their artistic passions in the studios of Patton each year. Since that time, Ms. Noel has “tirelessly dedicated herself to expanding opportunities in the visual arts for all Upper School students and to supporting her colleagues as a caring and visionary educator,” Ms. Hill said. Ms. Noel also held the role of department chair and “has always been open to new possibilities with a focus on enhancing the student experience. Her leadership style encourages her colleagues to lean into their talents because they feel supported by her.” Most significantly, Ms. Noel “has become a part of the fabric of our school in the very best ways and has made Harpeth Hall better.”

“Receiving the Ellen Bowers Hofstead Award was such a surprise! I feel honored to be recognized and was so touched by all of my colleagues, students, friends, and family who reached out after the assembly. My daughters watched the livestream, which felt like a significant moment in my life as a working mom. They can’t wait for me to bring the actual chair home!” Lulu Hampton Owen Chair for Excellence in Teaching This distinction, established through a bequest from Lulu Hampton Owen, is awarded annually to an outstanding member of the Harpeth Hall faculty who demonstrates excellence in scholarship, an unusual ability to communicate with students, excitement about teaching and learning, a commitment to the moral and intellectual development of students, and dedication to the life of the school. The appointment is for one year and carries with it honor, remuneration, and a Harpeth Hall chair that serves as a symbol for this award. Lori McDermott, Middle and Upper School orchestra teacher Ms. McDermott “makes teaching look effortless, joyful, and smooth,” Ms. Hill said. During her 11 years at Harpeth Hall, Ms. McDermott has dedicated herself to building the orchestral music program. Drawing upon a vast repertoire of innovative teaching practices and experiences, her classes flow seamlessly from one activity to the next, and she has a remarkable way of providing individual instruction while also attending to the needs of the group. “One need only listen to know that she is masterful in bringing out the very best in all of her students,” Ms. Hill said. This year, Ms. McDermott also served as interim director of the performing arts department. The Lou Hampton Owen Chair recognizes the patience, enthusiasm, and skillful teaching Ms. McDermott offers to every student whether just beginning the path as an orchestral musician or honing her craft and building her confidence.

“I am so humbled to receive such an honor, especially in the presence of such amazing teachers and colleagues. The students and the support of this community really make this one of the greatest places to teach. ” Heath Jones Prize for the Promise of Excellence in Teaching Dedicated to A. Heath Jones, who worked as a teacher and academic dean at Harpeth Hall from 1984 to 1996, the prize for promise is given to a full-time teacher who has had five-years or less of classroom experience and who has taught at Harpeth Hall for two years or more.

Elsa Davids, Middle School science teacher

Elsa Davids describes her classroom as engaging, challenging, and joyful. She inspires her students to see themselves as scientists and to value the struggle in finding solutions to complex and interesting problems. And she does so, Ms. Hill said, “with great humility and confidence.” “This year’s Heath Jones Award recipient sets a high standard for the craft of teaching by always remaining a student herself and relishing in innovative teaching practices and research-based approaches to learning,” Ms. Hill said. “…It is abundantly clear to all who meet her that she is a rising star with all of the qualities one needs to become a masterful teacher.”

“It feels so strange hearing all of these wonderful things said about you that you didn’t know your peers were paying attention to. Since receiving the award, I have heard from parents of former students and my family, and it has just been so nice to have everyone’s congratulations, support, and love. I think that is really characteristic of Harpeth Hall — that community of support and love and wanting to see you succeed.”

— Elsa Davids