Green Hope High School has selected social studies teacher Colin Richardson as its 2024-25 Teacher of the Year, recognizing his commitment to culturally relevant teaching, innovative classroom strategies and profound student engagement.
Richardson, who teaches AP U.S. History, Honors Sociology, and Honors Asian American Studies, was lauded by school administration for his ability to connect historical content with complex, modern-day issues.
Mr. Hall, the Social Studies Department Supervisor, spoke of Richardson’s overall impact on both students and staff.
“Mr. Richardson’s exceptional teaching comes from his content knowledge, innovative strategies and genuine passion for student questions,” Hall said. “He fosters curiosity, critical thinking and meaningful dialogue on complex cultural and historical issues, leading with empathy and intellectual rigor to help students connect learning to real-world understanding and future challenges.”
For Richardson, the decision to become an educator was driven by a personal revelation about the power of untold history.
“I loved history growing up, and I really loved learning about how the world worked,” Richardson explained. He recalled learning a fundamental fact about North Carolina history in college that he had never encountered in K-12 schooling. “It really shook me…I thought that was a really cool feeling but also a really important thing to know, so I wanted to help other people know history.”
His daily teaching is guided by a core philosophy of respect.
“I hope just respect,” he said. “I try to bring a lot of respect for my students. I think if you don’t respect and learn from students, then this is a really, really hard job.”
He views every class as a fresh start, regardless of outside circumstances. “Recognizing that every day we just have to come at it fresh… I’ve got some new students right in front of me, and that’s an opportunity to be in the moment and to hopefully learn something.”
Richardson’s nomination was significantly bolstered by his groundbreaking project on Asian American influence in North Carolina. According to Hall, the work transcended traditional learning.
“When observing Mr. Richardson’s work, we found that he fosters a classroom culture of inquiry and reflection that drives student growth,” Hall stated. “His project on Asian American influence in North Carolina inspired community-based research, boosting engagement, cultural awareness and pride in connecting local history to broader national narratives.”
Hall noted that Richardson stood out during the selection process for his ability to unite academic excellence with cultural relevance.
“Mr. Richardson’s study and teaching of Asian American influence in North Carolina showcased innovation, inclusivity, and a commitment to preparing students for a diverse, global society,” Hall said.
Richardson acknowledged that the biggest challenge he faces is helping students connect historical knowledge to their future, overcoming a focus on limited, near-term goals.
“I think that like getting students to realize that ultimately everything they’re doing, even the classes that they may not love, is the challenge, but it’s also the work,” he noted.
Richardson’s teaching style also relates to his students. Freshman Deveshi Srivastava (‘29), who is in Richardson’s Honors Sociology class, highlighted the palpable effort he puts into every lesson.
“Other classes, I don’t really see my teachers putting full effort into teaching the student, but Mr. Richardson really puts forth his full energy, which I really like about him,” Srivastava said.
Srivastava also credited Richardson with helping her step outside her comfort zone. The most important lesson she learned extended beyond the curriculum: “being more confident in yourself and expressing yourself.” She described her teacher in three words: “Talkative, funny and awesome.”
For Richardson, the most rewarding moments are simple but profound. “It’s sappy but, you know, when a student says ‘I really learned a lot’ or ‘that really helped me to think a little bit more deeply’, that’s really what it’s all about.”
Winning Teacher of the Year was a meaningful validation of his approach.
“It’s a really lovely honor. I’m very thankful to win teacher of the year,” Richardson said. “I think in some ways it’s an affirmation that I’m doing the right thing. But I think at the end of the day, every teacher just has to show up and give their best every single day. So it’s a little bit more fuel on that fire.”
Richardson is an active leader within the school community, collaborating on curriculum design, leading professional discussions on culturally responsive teaching and mentoring new educators.
“Beyond the classroom, Mr. Richardson actively supports the school community… His openness and innovation promote a collaborative, forward-thinking culture,” Mr. Hall added. Richardson is also a familiar presence at extracurricular events, often supporting student activities alongside his family.
“Mr. Richardson represents the school’s vision by inspiring students to think critically, act compassionately, and engage thoughtfully with the world,” Hall concluded. “We hope he continues to lead with creativity, purpose, and a passion for connecting the past and present to future possibilities.”
