‘Teacher of the Month’ becomes student favorite early in career

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Hannah Fitta teaches 5th grade at College Park Elementary School in Wilmington. She’s only been a full time teacher since 2021, but she’s already made her mark on New Hanover County Schools.

Ms. Fitta, a UNCW graduate, says her passion for education began during childhood.

“I just remember being in the classroom and seeing my teachers as these super humans who could do anything, and I would literally go home and play school,” Fitta said.

Ms. Fitta interned at College Park while she was in college, and worked as a long-term substitute teacher after graduating. She says she always taught Kindergarten through 2nd grade, until she was hired full-time.

“My principal in 2021, she was like oh, we’re going to put you in 5th grade, and all summer long I was like ‘oh my gosh, I’ve never done 5th grade, that’s so intimidating,'” Fitta said. “And after my first year I absolutely loved it and can not imagine going back down.”

She was nominated for WWAY Teacher of the Month by a former student, who described her time in Ms. Fitta’s class as one of her “best school years yet.”

“It’s really amazing and it’s such a good feeling and it makes me feel like I am doing things right, even when I feel like I’m not,” Fitta said.

This isn’t the first time she’s been recognized for her talent. Last year, Ms. Fitta won ‘Beginning Teacher of the Year’ for New Hanover County Schools. Principal Debbie Calvert says the honor is well deserved.

“Every time I see her, you can just tell she’s very natural at what she does,” Calvert said. “She loves her job, she loves her students, and builds great relationships with them and I think that’s why she’s so successful.”

Ms. Fitta received a $400 prize courtesy of Beach Bagels and Subs and Fulford Heating and Cooling. She also received an additional $200 thanks to an anonymous donor.

Click here to nominate a teacher for the honor.