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Kindergarten teacher Jan Hughey expresses her love for teaching at Helena Elementary School.

First, tell me more about yourself.

I’ve always loved working with children—it’s something that feels very natural and fulfilling to me. I come from a family of educators, so I’ve seen firsthand the incredible impact a dedicated teacher can have on a child’s life. I’m proud to be a Helena resident and truly love being a member of this community. It’s incredibly rewarding to contribute to a place where people care deeply about each other and about education. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and I love to travel.

Can you tell me about your career in education?

I’ve been proud to dedicate the past 19 years to teaching kindergarten at Helena Elementary. I earned my undergraduate degree in human development from Auburn University and went on to complete my master’s in elementary education at the University of Montevallo. I’m also a National Board Certified Teacher, which was a challenging but incredibly rewarding process that deepened my commitment to excellence in the classroom. Most recently, I completed my instructional leadership certification, also from Montevallo, as I continue to grow professionally and explore new ways to support students and fellow educators.

What makes working with elementary school students special?

What makes working with elementary school students so special is their genuine excitement for learning and the joy they bring into the classroom each day. At this age, everything is new and full of possibility and it’s incredibly rewarding to be part of that. I love knowing that I’m not only helping them grow academically, but also supporting their social and emotional development. We work on important life skills like problem solving, communication and learning how to treat others with kindness and respect.

What has been your favorite thing about working at HES over the course of your time?

The friendships I’ve formed with fellow teachers and faculty have been invaluable; we support one another both professionally and personally, and that sense of unity makes all the difference. The strong sense of community and support here truly makes it feel like a second home. What makes it even more special is when former students come back to visit, and I get to see the amazing young people they’ve become. Knowing that I’ve played a small part in their journey is incredibly rewarding.

Do you have a message you would like to say to the Helena community?

I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for the constant love and support you’ve shown me—not just now, but throughout the years. I truly feel blessed to be a part of such a caring, encouraging and dedicated community. Your support and partnership help us put students first in everything we do, and that makes a lasting difference in their lives.