September Staff Spotlight: Stephanie Hignite PreK Teacher, ECC
Grove Public Schools is proud to recognize Mrs. Stephanie Hignite, PreK teacher at the Grove Early Childhood Center (ECC), as the September Staff Member of the Month! With a warm heart, a passion for teaching, and a commitment to helping every child succeed, Hignite creates a classroom where young learners feel safe, loved, and excited to discover the world around them.
A proud Grove High School graduate from the Class of 2001, Hignite is in her fifth year teaching PreK at ECC. However, her dream of becoming a teacher began long before she ever stepped into her own classroom. As a first grader at Grove Public Schools, she had a wonderful teacher, Mrs. Pritchard, who inspired her to follow the same path.
Hignite spent six years working as a paraprofessional, gaining valuable experience with students who had a variety of learning needs. After spending time at home raising her children until they were school-aged, she felt the door open for her to finally pursue the teaching career she had dreamed of since childhood.
Her principal describes Hignite as a teacher who continually goes above and beyond for her students.
“Stephanie creates a warm, loving environment for her students. She is constantly finding innovative ways to engage them and values their individual needs. You can tell she deeply cares about her students and their learning. She goes above and beyond in all aspects of teaching. We are so fortunate to have her!”
Creating a sense of belonging is one of Hignite's biggest priorities. She wants every child to know that her classroom is a safe place to take risks, try new things, and even make mistakes while learning. Her students have opportunities to express themselves through singing, dancing, and hands-on activities that make learning fun and engaging.
When asked how she helps students who are struggling or having a difficult day, Hignite explained that she starts each day with positive affirmations and takes time to work through challenges with students individually. She also uses social-emotional books to teach problem-solving skills and help children develop tools they can carry with them throughout life.
For Hignite, some of the most rewarding moments come when she sees shy students begin to trust her, step outside their comfort zones, and blossom. She understands that transitioning from home to school can be a big adjustment for young children, making it especially meaningful to watch them grow in confidence, independence, and excitement for learning.
Being part of the Ridgerunner family holds a special place in Hignite's heart. Having grown up in Grove, she takes pride in working in the same district that helped shape her own childhood.
“I love being part of the Ridgerunner family because it gives me a sense of pride and holds a special place in my heart because this is where I am from. I love seeing the teachers I had growing up in town, and I love how we celebrate every milestone. Working here makes me feel valued, supported, and filled with Ridgerunner pride. This carries over into the classroom and spills over into the community, because We Are Grove.”
Outside the classroom, Hignite enjoys spending time outdoors, reading, spending time in the lake community, and reading her Bible. One of her favorite pastimes is fishing on Grand Lake with her dad. She has fond childhood memories of fishing with him using her Snoopy fishing rod, and today she enjoys making similar memories fishing with her own boys. Having grown up on a ranch surrounded by cows and the outdoors, she continues to appreciate the simple joys of family time and life outside.
Hignite's dedication to her students reflects the lasting impact a caring teacher can have during a child's earliest years of education. By creating a classroom filled with encouragement, trust, and opportunities to grow, she helps her students build a strong foundation for the years ahead.
Congratulations to Mrs. Stephanie Hignite, our September Staff Member of the Month at ECC!
We Are Grove, The District of Champions!