"I don't even know what he said because I was thinking, I know it's not me," Hawkins laughed, recalling the moment her principal announced her name. "In my mind I stood there for a long time, but it really wasn't that long. I was like, 'Oh my gosh, it's me.' And the projector screen went up and they have my banner up there on the wall. I was completely in total shock."
Despite her shock, no one else in the building was surprised to see Hawkins recognized with the prestigious National Heritage Academies® (NHA®) 2025-26 Excellence in Teaching award. Her journey to this moment, however, was anything but traditional.
From a Boutique to the Classroom
Before stepping into education, Hawkins managed a boutique at the local mall and worked at a local preschool. Her connection to Endeavor began when a visiting admissions representative noticed her natural rapport with people and urged her to apply for a role.After enrolling her own children at the school, where all of them thrived from kindergarten through eighth grade, Hawkins joined the staff as an admission representative herself. When structural shifts later eliminated the role, leadership recognized her value immediately. They encouraged her to pivot into an interventionist position, where she found her true calling.
Today, as an instructional paraprofessional and interventionist, Hawkins works closely with students who need extra support, particularly in early literacy.
"To see some kids who didn't even know their sounds and had no idea what the letters were to now be able to read a book. They are so proud of themselves. That part for me is the best, to just see the growth in the kids," Hawkins shared. "It warms my heart so much."
Praising Progress and Building Confidence
Hawkins’ impact goes far beyond standard lesson plans; she adapts to each child’s unique circumstances to help them succeed. She recalled a recent breakthrough with a student in the lowest reading group who frequently missed instruction due to factors out of his control. By adjusting group schedules and providing targeted intervention, his progress skyrocketed."I actually just tested him on his benchmarking and he got 81 words, which is above the grade level," Hawkins beamed. "I ran down to my boss's office. I took him with me. And I'm like, 'We got to go get a prize.' And I'm telling every person in the hallway. The amount of confidence he had, he is a phenomenal kid."
For Hawkins, educational excellence isn't just about reading scores, it's about shaping character. She routinely weaves Moral Focus™ lessons into her daily interactions, reminding students that mistakes are simply opportunities to learn and grow.
"We are teaching our kids to be college ready by the time that they leave here. But not only that, we are also teaching them to be good human beings," Hawkins explained. "You want to know that your child is a good person, we're raising good people."
Showing Up with Heart
Education can be a demanding and exhausting profession, but Hawkins finds her motivation in the small, everyday moments with her students."It's the kids," Hawkins said when asked how she stays inspired on tough days. "They have so much greatness in them and they're just so happy. If you don't have anyone that gives you a hug or tells you that your hair looks nice or that you did a phenomenal job, I am 1,000% going to tell you every single day."
Her willingness to embrace new challenges, whether collaborating with a new co-teacher or taking risks in her career, is advice she passes along to anyone in education.
As Hawkins looks ahead, her vision for her legacy remains straightforward and deeply personal.
"I just hope they remember me as someone who was always there for them if they needed me," she said. "That they could depend on me to do whatever I can for them."
Congratulations to Autumn Hawkins on her well-deserved Excellence in Teaching award, and thank you for bringing so much heart, energy, and dedication to the Endeavor community every day!
About Endeavor Charter Academy
Endeavor Charter Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school in Springfield, Michigan, serving students in Young 5s through eighth grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies (NHA®) network, which includes more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through high school across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
Visit Endeavor Charter Academy's blog to read more stories like this.