Teaching assistant and exceptional children’s teacher Ko Htoo was named Chapel Hill High School’s Teacher of the Year in March.
The Teacher of the Year receives the most votes from the faculty for “exemplary performance as a member of the teaching staff of Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS),” according to the school’s nomination form.
Nominees are recognized for demonstrating “excellence and equity in the classroom” and “a keen interest in the lives of children and youth”—two qualities that math instructional coach Emily Duncan recognized in Htoo during their time as co-teachers.
“He had an abundance of patience and always believed that every child could succeed with the right support,” Duncan said. “Whenever there was a challenge, he would say that tackling it was why we were there.”
Htoo said his favorite part of teaching is seeing students make progress, while acknowledging that progress looks different for every student.
The award also honors educators who exhibit “superior interpersonal and collaborative skills,” a trait exceptional children’s teacher Cynthia Cavileer observed in Htoo when she joined the school.
“My cubicle is right next to his in the office, and as a new teacher he was extremely helpful with understanding things like new computer programs,” Cavileer said. “He always asked if I was doing okay and was patient with a good attitude.”
Htoo studied physical education at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and began student teaching in the Greensboro area. He returned to CHCCS because of the professional development opportunities the district offers.
He joined Chapel Hill High School nine years ago as a substitute teacher and eventually became a full-time exceptional children’s teacher. Initially co-teaching across all subject areas, he now works primarily in the Math and English departments.
Being named Teacher of the Year, Htoo said, felt like a validation of the effort he puts into his role. “We are kind of seen as background teachers, and we’re not on the front stage,” Htoo said. “We have to work on weekends, write paperwork all the time, and sacrifice our time.”
Htoo’s perspective as an immigrant from Thailand informs his teaching philosophy. As a child without legal status, he attended schools in Thailand where teachers treated him no differently despite his circumstances.
“I make sure that all students feel safe to be here,” Htoo said. “Feeling safe is the first thing you need in order to start learning.”
Sophomore Sarah Thay Vee, a family friend of Htoo, said he makes students feel safe when he helps them. “He’s always been such a kind-hearted person and is always willing to help people,” Thay Vee said. “When I observe him helping other students, he never makes them feel bad for asking for help.”
Htoo moved to Chapel Hill in 2004 under refugee status and attended Culbreth Middle School, Chapel Hill High School and Carrboro High School. He spoke little English at the time and was supported by two English Language Learner teachers. One of them, Mimi Collins, made a lasting impression.
“She went above and beyond,” Htoo said. “She gave me free ice cream coupons when I completed book reports in English and motivated me to adapt to a new country.”
Collins was named Teacher of the Year at Culbreth Middle School in 2013. “Winning the same award as a former teacher who influenced me is both an honor and a testament to her impact on my journey,” Htoo said. “My way of going above and beyond is different from hers, but I think both approaches share similar values.”
Math teacher Rebecca Uchyn, who co-teaches Math 3 with Htoo during her first and sixth periods, said his ability to connect with students sets him apart. “He can see the content from [students’] perspectives,” Uchyn said. “He’s reliable, patient and supportive.”
Outside the classroom, Htoo is involved in the athletic department and frequently drives the bus for school sports teams. His motivation stems from the limited access to sports he had as a child. He previously coached the school’s field hockey team, a sport he had no prior experience with, and draws a connection between coaching and teaching.
“I tried to coach them the same way I teach—you’re only competing against yourself,” Htoo said. “Any improvement you make against yourself is a big win.”
Senior field hockey player Jordyn Viviers appreciated Htoo’s constant support. “He was always there to support us in any way, like driving the bus and coming to games that were extremely far away,” Viviers said. “He encouraged us no matter what, and I think those qualities are what make him a great teacher.”
