Gravette alum, Bambi Hall, has been selected as Glenn A. Duffy Elementary Teacher of the Year. She was nominated by families and colleagues for her clear communication, inclusive teaching style, and consistent support for fellow staff. Bambi dreamed of being a teacher since she was a third grader at Glenn A. Duffy Elementary. Inspired by her teacher, Angie Denver, who recently retired after a 35-year career in Gravette, Hall now teaches first grade in the same school she once attended. She returned to Gravette after a journey that included raising three children and operating her own in-home daycare, all while earning her degree.
Hall graduated from Gravette High School in 2001 and began college soon after. However, life took an unexpected turn, and she stepped away from her education to focus on her family. She later returned to pursue a degree in Elementary Education, completing it in 2018 and fulfilling a lifelong goal. Bambi entered the classroom the following year, beginning her career at Noel Primary during the historic 2019-2020 school year.
Hall spent three years teaching in Missouri, gaining early classroom experience before the opportunity opened to return to Gravette for the 2022-2023 school year. Since then, she has taught first grade at Glenn Duffy, where she continues to build on the same approach that first drew her to the profession.
“I want every student I teach to have that same feeling of support and love that I had,” Hall said, “I was a very shy child and I remember my 3rd grade teacher, Mrs. Angie Denver, invested in me. She not only got me to come out of my shell but also gave me a love of learning and being at school.”
In her classroom, Hall focuses on creating an environment of fun, kindness, and acceptance. “In first grade we teach a lot of character building and emotional control lessons,” she explained. “Students at this age struggle to understand and control their big emotions. Showing students support in good times and bad is what builds trust and a sense of belonging.”
From day one, Hall guides students through routines and helps them learn to work through challenges together. As the year progresses, students gain confidence, build relationships, and begin to take ownership of their behavior and learning.
Teaching has also shaped Hall’s own perspective on growth. “I have learned so many things from my students, but one of the biggest is that mistakes are okay, it is how we learn,” she said. That mindset is how she leads her classroom, where students are encouraged to try, adjust, and keep moving forward.
“This year's first graders are our ‘covid babies,’” Hall said. “They were born right before everything shut down. They are a special group of kids that are sweet, kind, and work hard. I cannot wait to watch what they become.”
Hall said receiving Teacher of the Year came as a surprise. She credits her colleagues and Principal Dr. Brandi Newsom for their support and collaboration. “We have such a special group that works together to plan, and we support each other every single day. Without them, I could not be the teacher I am,” she said. “Gravette is a special place full of wonderful families, and I plan to teach here for as long as you will have me.”
Gravette is proud to recognize Bambi Hall as Glenn A. Duffy Elementary Teacher of the Year.