By Tabitha Evans Moore | EDITOR & PUBLISHER

It’s Teacher Appreciation Day across the U.S. and the Moore County system bursts with smart, dedicated teachers who are making a difference in students’ lives every day in the classroom. To celebrate, The Times decided to ask around and find out who the administrators, fellow teachers, parents, and students thought stood out and one of those is Moore County High School Health Science teacher Brittany Hise.

There’s a handwritten note that sits on her desk at MCHS. It’s from a former student and it serves as a daily reminder of the “why” behind her career choice – one that wasn’t part of her original plan – to impact young lives and help them shape their future. But it wasn’t her original plan.

From an early age, she always knew she wanted to be a nurse when she grew up, but when an opportunity to teach came along, she decided to take a chance.

“Now, standing in the classroom, I truly feel like I’ve found my calling – teaching what I love: nursing,” Hise says. “It’s incredibly rewarding to share my passion and experience with students who are just beginning their own journeys into healthcare.”

From one small town to another

Hise grew up in another small southern town, Petersburg, so it’s no wonder she feels right at home in tiny Moore County. She graduated from Cornersville High School and holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Alabama at Huntsville. She also obtained an occupational licensure from UT Martin and is a certified CPR instructor.

She teaches ninth through twelfth grade students in Health Science, Medical Therapeutics, Anatomy and Physiology, Nursing Education (Certified Nursing Assistant), and Clinical Internship.

She lives in Moore County with her husband, Dallas, and her sons – ages seven and nine – who attend Lynchburg Elementary School.

The first-year learning curve

Hise says it felt like there was an overwhelming learning curve her first year at MCHS in which her patience, creativity, and resilience got tested, but small victories with students kept her pushing through the tough sledding.

“I spent hours preparing lessons after school. I was constantly figuring things out on the fly,” Hise says. “But what stands out even more from that time are the small moments – when a student said thank you, when a lesson finally clicked, or when I realized I was making a real impact. That first year was tough, but it confirmed that I was exactly where I was meant to be.”

Hise says she really enjoys teaching high school-aged kids because she gets to watch them blossom right in front of her from teenagers to young adults with their own opinions.

“They’re forming opinions, developing independence, and starting to think critically about the world and their place in it,” she explains. “You can have deep, meaningful conversations one day, and be laughing over something ridiculous the next. I love being part of that journey – helping them find their voice, challenge their thinking, and realize they have power in shaping their own futures.”

Pushing through the hard days

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average high school teacher spends from 33-38 hours inside the classroom but often puts in significant unpaid overtime working on things like planning, grading, parent communications, meetings, and helping with extracurriculars.  They also need to participate in continuing education and professional development work. When you add it all up, most MCHS full time teachers are devoting 50-55 hours every week.

In addition to her teaching work, Hise also serves as the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) advisor for MCHS as well as the class sponsor for the MCHS Class of 2026. Despite the long hours, Hise says what inspires her every day is knowing that she’s helping to shape the future of healthcare.Her impact now may show up in a patient outcome later. It’s a mission that keeps her motivated through the long, tough days.

“Teaching nursing isn’t just about lessons and textbooks – it’s about instilling a sense of responsibility, compassion, and critical thinking in the next generation of nurses,” she says. “Every time a student grasps a difficult concept or shows growth in their clinical skills, it reminds me of why I do this.”

Many people, who’ve never spent time in front of a classroom, often assume it’s simple. They know there are lessons and grading, but they often miss the work that’s hard to measure.

“Real teaching is invisible work – the kind that shapes lives in ways that are hard to quantify, but impossible to forget,” Hise says. “Coming from nursing, I never fully understood what teachers do until I became one. It’s about understanding students, offering emotional support, building trust, and adapting to their individual needs.”

Teaching is a two-way street

Though in most cases, Hise gets just four short years with her students, her interest in their careers and wellbeing extends well beyond the classroom. She’s invested in them as not only students but also as human beings.

She says they each bring their own history, perspective, and insights into the classroom in a way that often pushes her to think more deeply or look at a topic in a new way. She also says that the lessons they teach her stay with her for years and get poured into the next generation of students.

“Teaching is a two-way street – I may be the one at the front of the classroom, but I’m learning from them every single day,” Hise says. “One of the most meaningful lessons they’ve taught me is the importance of resilience. I’ve seen students balancing school, work, and personal struggles, yet still showing up and giving their best. It’s humbling and inspiring. They’ve also reminded me to stay flexible and open-minded.”

Impacts beyond the classroom

Like the other teachers we spoke to for this series, Hise emphasizes that her colleague and the local administration serve a solid foundation of support when things get tough. She says things like eye contact from a student or a simple “thank you” from a parent go a long way. And like the others, Hise says she doesn’t do this work for appreciation, she does it for the students.

When we ask what she might say to someone considering a teaching career, she jokes that if you want a rewarding career that teaches you something new, teaching just might be for you.

“It’s not just about imparting knowledge, but about inspiring curiosity, fostering critical thinking, and supporting students as they discover who they are and what they’re capable of,” Hise says. “A teacher’s impact extends far beyond the classroom – it’s about creating a safe space where growth, confidence, and passion can flourish. Teaching is about shaping the future by empowering individuals to believe in themselves and their ability to make a difference.” •

{The Lynchburg Times is a non-partisan, locally owned and locally operated community newspaper in Lynchburg, Tennessee and one of the few women-owned newspapers in the state. It’s owned by a native and Tulane University-educated journalist with over 20 years of experience. It’s supported by both readers and community partners who believe in independent journalism for the common good. You can support us by clicking here. }