Title: Classroom Teacher (Retired)
Company: Santa Rosa County School Board
Location: Jay, Florida, United States
Susan Hendricks, retired classroom teacher at Santa Rosa County School Board, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Educators for dedication, achievements, and leadership in elementary education.
With more than 30 years to her credit, Ms. Hendricks has established an esteemed reputation as an expert in elementary education, manuscript development and children’s learning with the Santa Rosa County School Board, where she primarily taught second and third grades and briefly served as a music teacher. Throughout her tenure, she was renowned for greeting students at the door to foster a welcoming environment and establish rapport before serving them breakfast and leading morning reading groups. Ms. Hendricks would subsequently transition into math instruction during the same learning period, reserving science and social studies for the afternoon when students were most alert.
Retiring in 2005, Ms. Hendricks cemented a legacy of dedication and innovation in the classroom. She is particularly proud of her achievements in literacy education during the later years of her career. Each year, she implemented a reading program that inspired enthusiastic participation among her students. Under her guidance, her classes consistently read more books than their peers and excelled in reading comprehension assessments, often achieving the highest scores in the school. Parents frequently requested that their children be placed in her class, reflecting the exceptional results she achieved with her students.
Ms. Hendricks’s approach to teaching was deeply influenced by her interactions with students. She recognized that while she imparted knowledge, she also learned from her pupils—adapting classroom management strategies based on their responses and engaging in meaningful conversations to understand their emotional needs. These experiences enriched her teaching methods and contributed to her growth as an educator, allowing each new group of students to shape her professional journey.
To support her professional ambition, Ms. Hendricks pursued an education at the University of West Florida, from which she earned a bachelor’s degree in 1980 and a master’s degree in 1985. These academic achievements equipped her with advanced pedagogical skills and subject matter expertise that proved invaluable throughout her years in education. Additionally, she holds certifications in music teaching and foreign language teaching, which enabled her to diversify her instructional offerings and further support student development.
The roots of Ms. Hendricks’s passion for education can be traced to her family’s longstanding tradition in teaching. Inspired by stories from her great grandmother, mother and cousin—all educators—she felt compelled to continue this legacy. Her mother played a particularly influential role; having begun teaching during the 1930s as part of a government program when qualified teachers were scarce, she instilled in Ms. Hendricks a love for classroom preparation and creativity. Helping her mother prepare classrooms each fall became a cherished tradition that solidified Ms. Hendricks’s commitment to the profession.
Ms. Hendricks attributes much of her success to loving both her students and colleagues, finding joy in every aspect of school life—from walking the halls to collaborating with fellow teachers who became lifelong friends. She credits her family, especially her mother, as steadfast supporters who encouraged her throughout her career. Her daughter Kristen and three grandchildren—Tristan, Tyler and Brooklyn—remain central figures in her life.
Beyond the classroom, Ms. Hendricks has demonstrated a strong commitment to civic engagement and community service. She has been involved with the local historical society for several years, volunteered at food banks and participated actively in church activities. Her dedication to education extended beyond teaching as she served on various educational committees aimed at improving school programs and student outcomes.
As she approaches a new chapter in life, Ms. Hendricks remains determined to continue influencing both family and community through ongoing involvement in church activities and community service projects. Despite challenges with eyesight, she is committed to reading and listening to books for as long as possible. Ms. Hendricks’s enduring dedication to education, family values and community service exemplifies a lifetime of meaningful contributions that have left an indelible mark on those around her.
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