School: Hamilton High School
Department, Grade: English, 10-11
Hometown: Hamilton, OH
Favorite book: Invisible Man
Favorite season: Fall
Favorite hobby(ies): Reading, drawing, traveling, and cooking
Favorite emoji: 😂 (which I hear is entirely uncool anymore).
Jamie Binegar has been teaching at Hamilton City Schools for 18 years, all of which have been spent at Hamilton High School (HHS). Prior to teaching, Jamie worked for a florist in Hamilton. Jamie has always loved to read and learn new things, but it was her own English teacher who inspired her to pursue a career in education.
“I had an English teacher in 11th and 12th grades, Mr. J.D. Simpson, who pushed us to consider new perspectives and explore challenging literature,” Jamie said. “He is the reason I decided to teach English and now I have the privilege of working with him here at HHS.”
Jamie’s favorite aspect about teaching is reading and listening to what students have to say, and introducing them to new books and points of view.
“My students are creative, insightful, sincere, and hilarious. Nothing about teaching is predictable or easy, but it is so much fun to work with my students.”
Jamie makes her English lessons fun by incorporating works from her constantly expanding classroom library, in addition to promoting discussion as much as possible. Jamie likes to teach by asking questions, rather than by lecturing, and encourages students to ask their own questions as well.
“My goal for my students each year is that they learn to look at the world from multiple perspectives, and that they think critically about all the information bombarding them daily.”
When asked to recall her favorite teaching moment from the past year, Jamie couldn’t respond with just one.
“We’ve had to be pretty creative and flexible this year,” Jamie reminisced. “It’s been fun to experience new things- like the homecoming dance and graduation out on our football field. I have also loved sharing special moments with students- whether it’s when a student is accepted to the college she wants to attend, or a former student emails to chat about the new book he’s been reading.”
Jamie is spending the summer break exploring outdoors with her sons and reading some of the novels on her wish list.
In anticipation of the first day of school this August, Jamie has two pieces of advice to ensure a successful school year:
- For students: “Look up from your phones, say ‘Hello,’ make eye contact, and make every effort worthy of your abilities.”
- For new teachers in the Hamilton City Schools district: “Our students are diverse in their experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives. Allow them to shine, and enjoy the life they bring to the classroom. Also, give yourself plenty of grace as you navigate your new position. You’re in a special place doing a wonderful and difficult job.”