Tucson Values Teachers (TVT) presented the November Teacher Excellence Award to Evan Hummel, a teacher at Wakefield Middle School in Tucson Unified School District. Mr. Hummel currently teaches humanities for seventh grade students; he is also the speech and debate teacher. He began his teaching career in Prescott, Ariz., where he taught for three years before moving to Tucson. He has been at Wakefield for the past three years.
Mr. Hummel was nominated by his colleague, Amber Parris. In her nominating statement, she wrote, “Evan is a true gem in our school community. With unwavering compassion, he connects with students on a personal level, making them feel heard and valued. His lessons are more than just curriculum; they’re a journey into real-life relevance. Evan nurtures critical thinking by encouraging kids to debate big ideas, teaching them to articulate their thoughts eloquently through debate. He embodies the essence of positive school culture, fostering an environment where every student’s voice matters. Evan is the cornerstone of our educational community, tirelessly working to ensure every student’s success. He deserves this recognition.”