Mangin Recognized as District Novice Teacher of the Year

Sophia Mangin, a dedicated educator at West High School, has been honored with the "District Novice Teacher of the Year" award, a recognition she views as a testament to the palpable joy and hard work her students invest in their music and community. For Mangin, this accolade highlights the value her school places on music education and inspires her to continue growing the program and sharing the universal gift of music.

Central to Mangin's teaching philosophy is the belief that every student matters. Her approach to fostering positive relationships is rooted in both action and words, creating a "two-way street" in her classroom where students feel important, valued, and a sense of belonging. Each day, she aims to recognize students individually, whether with a simple "hello" by name or a public shout-out.

In the collaborative world of choir, students and their teacher work in unison to create concert music, ensuring everyone is included in the learning process from inception to final performance.

When asked about a project that defines her as an educator, Mangin points to a large-scale collaboration that took place in October. East and West High Schools joined forces with all middle school choir students in Hamblen County for a memorable concert event.

"This event showcased our collaborative spirit and the joy that music can bring to students and community members alike," Mangin said. Events of this scale serve to demonstrate collaboration and joy dynamically and engagingly, core values she strives to instill in her students.

Mangin adapts her teaching methods by tailoring them to the unique needs of each student group. This flexibility allows her to select songs, concert venues, and multi-disciplinary content that align with both academic standards and student interests. By leveraging the specific talents students bring—whether playing an instrument or speaking a different language—she ensures every concert is student-centered and highlights the collective strengths of the ensemble.

Music has always been a cornerstone of Mangin's life. A native of El Dorado, Arkansas, she moved to the area in 2024 after attending college in Nashville. She knew in high school that she never wanted to stop singing, and her studies revealed the profound joy that comes from sharing music with others.

The most rewarding part of her job is hearing music spill out beyond the classroom walls: students singing in hallways or spontaneous jam sessions with a guitar. "Music is life-giving," she notes, "and I love when they share that with others."

For new teachers just starting their journey, Mangin offers a simple yet powerful piece of advice: "Whatever you do, do it for the students!"

Ultimately, beyond the academic curriculum, Sophia Mangin hopes students leave her classroom with an enduring love for music and the desire to share that passion with the world.