Every Role Matters: Haddie Hogue’s Journey from Cheer Volunteer to First-Year Teacher

Where are you originally from?

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Where did you attend college, and what degree did you earn?

I attended Ole Miss and earned a degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in English and an Endorsement in Mild to Moderate Special Education K-12.

What inspired you to first volunteer with the OMS cheer team in 2022?

I wanted to give back to a sport that had given me so much. Cheerleading shaped who I am, and I realized how much I missed being part of it. Volunteering with OMS cheer gave me the chance to stay connected to something I love while helping young athletes grow and experience the joy of the sport for themselves.

When did you start as an assistant coach for the OHS cheer team?

September 2024

How did your experience as a volunteer coach shape your decision to stay involved in OSD after graduating college?

Volunteering allowed me to build a community in Oxford outside of college. I learned how special the Oxford School District is, formed great relationships with the people that make up this district and found a sense of belonging. The people here are truly amazing, and I wanted to continue being part of this community.

What excites you most about starting your first year as a teacher?

I get most excited about fostering a love for learning at an early age. Working as a 3K teacher has allowed me to dive deep into the social-emotional side of learning, and I’m excited to continue building a positive, rich, and healthy classroom culture that students love coming to each day.

How does coaching help you in the classroom, and how does teaching help you as a coach?

Coaching and teaching both remind me that growth takes time and happens at different paces. Whether in the classroom or in cheer, I’ve learned to be patient, celebrate progress, and encourage students and athletes to be proud of their achievements. Being present, living where your feet are, and recognizing all wins, is key in both roles.

What is the most rewarding part of being a 3K teacher and assistant cheer coach?

The people. My students and cheerleaders mean the world to me. Building relationships with them and watching them grow into confident, kind, independent individuals is a true blessing. I also get to work alongside some incredible colleagues who inspire me to be better every day.

Looking back, what advice would you give yourself on that first day as a cheer volunteer?

Live where your feet are. Time flies! It’s amazing to see my first group of 7th grade cheerleaders now as high school sophomores. Watching them grow up while growing up with them has been a blessing. I know my first group of 3-year-olds will grow up just as fast, and one day I’ll blink, and they’ll be walking across the high school graduation stage.

What do you hope your students gain from being in your classroom? What do you hope your students gain from being under your guidance as an assistant coach?

I hope both my students and athletes always know that they’re loved. Relationships are key and go far beyond academics or athletics. I always remind them that I love them and that I’m here for them, no matter what.

Anything else you would like to add?

I am so thankful for this district. I truly love the Oxford School District, and am grateful to be here. Being able to serve this district in a teaching and coaching role is a dream. Go Chargers!!