A mid-career math teacher at Lakeview High School in St. Clair Shores, Jamie Hitt co-created and leads the school’s peer-to-peer program — an elective course that brings together general education students and students with special needs to build leadership, empathy and collaboration.

Winning a statewide award of excellence brought out many feelings, she said in her acceptance speech at the MEA Winter Conference: “Excitement, pure joy, disbelief—and it wouldn’t be complete without a little bit of imposter syndrome as well.

“I would like to thank my students, past and present. You continue to inspire me, make me laugh, and encourage me to be my favorite version of myself every single day.”

Hitt said she’s witnessed both students with special needs and general education students improve their grades and school attendance through her program.    

“Several of our students have taken peer-to-peer to a whole new level, and they have extended their friendships to welcome each other into their friend groups, attend school dances and sporting events together,” Hitt said. “Additionally, quite a few of our former peer-to-peer students keep in touch after high school graduation.”

In addition to social and academic support for students with special needs, Hitt’s peer-to-peer class provides invaluable lessons on leadership, empathy and collaboration for general education students.

She has built lasting bonds with both special education and general education students, as well as their parents, which has led to an ever-increasing interest in the peer-to-peer class among students.

“I cannot think of anyone who is more dedicated to the dignity and inclusion of all students in our school community,” said Stephanie Givinsky, also a teacher at Lakeview High School, who nominated Hitt for the award.

“One of the reasons this program was approved by our administration is because Jamie is the one who proposed it,” Givinsky added. “The reason teachers and parents are willing to participate is because Jamie runs it with such integrity and skill. The reason students sign up for the program is because Jamie is a fair, caring, and expert teacher.”