Hendrick Middle School 2026

Josh Anderson

Hendrick Middle School - Middle School Science Teacher, Grade 8
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Teaching Philosophy

My philosophy of teaching is rooted in service, relationships, and a belief that every student deserves an adult who sees their potential before they see it themselves. Teaching is not simply the delivery of content; it is a daily commitment to invest in students as learners, leaders, and future contributors to their community. As a proud product of Plano ISD, I view teaching as both a responsibility and a privilege—a way to give back to the district and community that played such a significant role in shaping who I am today.

If you had asked me years ago whether I ever saw myself becoming a teacher, my answer would have been a confident "heck no." I earned my Bachelor of Arts from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, and during my college years, I worked summers with the Plano Sports Authority, running camps and physical education activities. While I enjoyed those experiences, I did not yet realize how impactful they would become. It was during those summers that I discovered how fulfilling it was to watch children gain confidence, persevere through challenges, and experience success. Seeing students accomplish something they once believed they could not sparked a passion I could not ignore and planted the foundation for what would later become my calling.

After graduating and returning home to Plano, I began working with Plano ISD through the PASAR program. I quickly grew into a leadership role as a site manager at Saigling Elementary, where I gained a deeper understanding of the importance of the school system and the intentional structures in place to support student growth beyond the classroom. That experience helped me see education as a collaborative effort involving relationships, consistency, and high expectations. It also reinforced my belief that students thrive when they feel supported by adults who genuinely care about their success. Before entering the classroom full-time, I spent three years working in real estate and title companies. While this was a different professional path, it strengthened skills that now directly inform my teaching practice—professionalism, communication, organization, and accountability. Ultimately, I realized that while I was successful in that field, my passion remained in working with students and making a meaningful impact within my community.

I returned to education by earning my teaching certification through Texas Teachers while serving as a long-term substitute at Hendrick Middle School. Teaching full-time while actively earning my certification confirmed what I had begun to understand years earlier: this is exactly where I am meant to be. That first year at Hendrick challenged me, strengthened me, and allowed me to grow alongside my students and colleagues. It solidified my belief that education is built on relationships, trust, and a willingness to meet students where they are while holding them to high expectations.

Today, as a science teacher at Hendrick Middle School, my beliefs are reflected in a classroom culture that prioritizes connection, structure, and engagement. I strive to create an environment where students feel safe to ask questions, take academic risks, and learn from their mistakes. I believe students learn best when they know their teacher cares about them as individuals, and I work intentionally to build those relationships every day. My teaching style emphasizes clarity and consistency while encouraging curiosity, collaboration, and real-world connections to scientific concepts.

One of the greatest rewards of teaching is witnessing student growth—not only academically, but personally. Whether it is a student gaining confidence, developing perseverance, or discovering a new interest in science, these moments reaffirm why I chose this profession. Middle school students are at a pivotal stage in their development, and I take seriously the responsibility of being a positive role model during this time. I am especially grateful to teach at Hendrick Middle School, where no two days are ever the same. The variety and unpredictability of each day make this profession both challenging and incredibly rewarding. Teaching requires flexibility, reflection, and continuous growth, and I am committed to improving my practice in order to better serve my students and school community.

My philosophy of teaching extends beyond my classroom. I believe educators have a responsibility to contribute positively to campus culture, support their colleagues, and work collaboratively toward shared goals. When teachers hold high expectations for themselves and one another, students benefit.

Ultimately, I teach because I believe in the power of education to change lives. I am passionate about helping students build confidence, discover their strengths, and develop the skills necessary to succeed in school and beyond. Being able to give back to Plano ISD—the community that gave so much to me—is deeply meaningful. I am truly blessed to serve as an educator, and I remain committed to making a lasting, positive impact on the students, families, and community I serve.

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Principal's Recommendation

To Whom It May Concern:

It is my honor and privilege to recommend Mr. Anderson for Teacher of the Year. As an eighth-grade science teacher at Hendrick Middle School, Mr. Anderson exemplifies what it means to be an exceptional instructional leader, a servant leader, and a tireless advocate for students. His impact is evident not only in his classroom, but across our entire campus community.

Mr. Anderson is a reflective practitioner who consistently uses data to inform instruction and guide decision-making to ensure student growth. He thoughtfully analyzes student performance data and adjusts instruction to meet the needs of all learners, particularly those who have historically struggled in school. His commitment to continuous improvement is further demonstrated by his willingness to share his expertise with colleagues. He regularly volunteers to coach fellow teachers on how to effectively use Khan Academy reports and motivational systems to better support struggling learners, modeling a true growth mindset and collaborative spirit.

Beyond his instructional excellence, Mr. Anderson is deeply invested in our campus leadership and culture. He serves on our PBIS team, our Campus Leadership Team, and as a department chair, where his voice is thoughtful, solutions-oriented, and grounded in what is best for students and staff. He approaches every initiative with a "can-do" attitude and is someone our campus can depend on to lead with integrity and optimism. When asked to teach WIN, Mr. Anderson graciously embraced the assignment and immediately began maximizing the opportunity to support student learning and growth. Mr. Anderson also sponsors our National Junior Honor Society chapter, where his influence extends well beyond academics. Under his leadership, NJHS students are actively engaged in meaningful philanthropic and service-learning initiatives, including Socks for the Sole, campus beautification projects, and our school's participation in the American Heart Association Challenge. These experiences not only benefit our school and community, but also instill leadership, empathy, and civic responsibility in our students.

Relationships are at the heart of Mr. Anderson's work. He intentionally forms strong connections with all of his students, particularly those who may not yet see their own potential. His teaching philosophy captures this commitment clearly: "My philosophy of teaching is rooted in service, relationships, and a belief that every student deserves an adult who sees their potential before they see it themselves." Students trust Mr. Anderson because they know he cares deeply about them as individuals, and this trust translates into engagement, perseverance, and academic growth.

As a proud product of Plano ISD, Mr. Anderson views teaching as both a responsibility and a privilege. He pours himself into giving back to the district and community that shaped him, and this sense of purpose is evident in everything he does. He understands that teaching is not simply the delivery of content, but a daily commitment to developing students as learners, leaders, and future contributors to their community. His classroom culture prioritizes connection, structure, and curiosity, creating a safe space for students to take risks and learn from mistakes.

Quite literally, Mr. Anderson is the voice of Hendrick each morning, and figuratively, his voice is present in nearly every initiative on our campus. His influence is felt schoolwide as we continue to strive to grow each and every student. He embodies professionalism, humility, and an unwavering belief in the power of education to change lives.

Mr. Anderson is an outstanding educator whose leadership, service, and dedication make him exceptionally deserving of Teacher of the Year recognition.

Sincerely,

Kassandra Duncan
Principal
Hendrick Middle School