2021-2022 Secondary Teacher of the Year a nt H ony H uffor D

New Tech High @ Coppell

Embraces Working Together Philosophy To Empower Learners

When Anthony Hufford entered his first teaching class at the University of North Texas, he had no idea education would turn into a career that would bring him endless joy.

“Being in Coppell ISD and teaching at New Tech High @ Coppell has really been rewarding in a way I can’t imagine anything else would be for me,” says Hufford, the CISD 2021-2022 Secondary Teacher of the Year.

One reason Hufford has been so fulfilled is the support and innovation of his colleagues at New Tech.

“Their desire to be open-minded, create a family, foster vulnerability and growth, give back to our communities, and change the world has pushed me and inspired me every day since I first stepped foot on the campus to be a student teacher 10 years ago,” Hufford says. “I truly can’t imagine a better place to call home.”

In addition to teaching math, Hufford coleads the New Tech Learner Leadership Council, serves as the school’s learning management system expert and is a trainer for the New Tech Network, meaning he regularly consults for other schools across the United States.

“Empowering learners to change the world around them is what makes me love being a teacher, sponsor and mentor,” Hufford says. “I love seeing learners discover the patterns and logic of life and build confidence through experiences I help create.”

As a project-based campus, New Tech teaches and assesses collaboration as one of its core learning outcomes. Hufford strives to build confidence in all learners so they feel like they can truly contribute to the problems at hand, no matter how daunting they may seem at first.

“None of us can do our best work in isolation,” Hufford says. “We need the support of our friends and colleagues to really be our best. Whether that’s to help us brainstorm ideas for lessons or it’s just for a shoulder to lean on in a rough time.”

Huffords adds, “We are unstoppable when we work together, from students, parents and community partners to support staff to classroom educators to campus and district administrators. This is when we can create amazing experiences for our learners and ourselves.”