Tracey Hooper-Scott

Tell us why you became a teacher

Teaching has allowed me to give a piece of my heart to EVERY student I’ve ever met all through the love of choral music! I decided to become a teacher upon mentoring a young lady from South Africa. I was a college senior and she was a freshman. Through mentoring, I became thrilled with the service of ushering others into the aesthetic beauty of singing. This love created a passion within me for teaching and that passion has now transformed into legacy.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One day a chubby, sweet 6th grade boy appeared on my class roll at Hayes Middle School in Birmingham, Alabama around the year 2000. He was very eager to sing, play piano and gather any music instruction he could from me. He was a very bright and talented boy. I taught him grades 6-9 right before the school went from Hayes Middle to HAYES HIGH! I had the opportunity to continue teaching this young man all throughout his high school years. After high school we remained very close.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use $25,000 to provide uniforms for our students. There is an extreme lack of parental support in the community, as a whole. Also, Our students need supplies and money for educational travel. In addition,, I aspire to take my choir students abroad to Italy where Opera began. Our Title I students would have the experience of a lifetime; thus, bridging the gap between socio-economical statuses, privileges and status quo.