SALUDA COUNTY, S.C. — Buckle your seatbelts because we’re off to Letter Land with our News 19 Teacher of the Week. Miss Kayla Hite from Saluda Primary is the best captain for the job.
"Ladies and gentlemen please keep your arms and legs inside the vehicle at all times. We are preparing for take-off,” Miss Kayla said.
“I either wanted to be a nurse or a teacher. And nursing was kind of boring. I couldn't dress up and do crazy things. Being a nurse, I had to wear scrubs every day. And that's not me. I like to dress up and do crazy things,” Hite said.
Miss Kayla has been dressing up with her Pre-K students for 8 years. She has taught in Lexington School District One and for the last two years, she has been teaching at Saluda Primary.
“I feel like the biggest thing is getting kids to want to come every day. And if they love what we're doing, then they'll be engaged,” Hite said.
And her students love it.
“I like her because she takes us to the playground,” Saluda Primary student Kazz said.
"I love her,” student Brayden said.
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“At the end of the day, if they don't learn their letters, they'll get it in kindergarten. If they don't learn their colors, they'll get it in kindergarten. But if they don't want to come to school, and they don't feel loved, that's what they have to get today. So that, to me, is more important than the letters,” Hite said.
"I’m not very good at academic stuff. So, this is pretty much like, I'm as smart as they are. So, it works,” Hite said.
Born in Gilbert, Hite started teaching Pre-K special education and is now teaching inclusion as well.
“If they're not listening, she's going to do something to make them listen. She makes it more fun whatever way she can,” said Miss Allie, who works alongside Hite in the classroom.
If you know a teacher like Miss Kayla who deserves to be recognized for their hard work in the classroom, you can nominate them by emailing us at TOW@wltx.com. Tell us what that educator is doing every day to go above and beyond in the classroom.