MADISON – Carla Hinger’s job allows her to bring out the best in children and help them realize their full potential. She was named Staff Member of the Year at Horizon Elementary School.

For five years, Hinger has worked as in-school suspension instructor, along with managing textbooks, working in the front office and assisting in classrooms. Previously, she was a permanent substitute teacher for two years at Horizon and several years in other Madison schools.

“While at Horizon, I’ve worn many hats,” Hinger said. “I try to be helpful for the administration, teachers and staff.”

During her career, Hinger has worked with many pre-schoolers, especially as children’s ministry coordinator at Asbury United Methodist Church. As teacher’s aide with Elmore County Schools, Hinger assisted with “a ground-breaking behavior program,” where she realized every child has potential.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration at Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches, Texas. “I’ve been fortunate to help create successful strategies, techniques and ideas for educating students and assisting them in developing into productive and exceptional individuals,” Hinger said.

In volunteering, she has helped with Girls Scouts, Asbury’s puppet team and band boosters. “My proudest accomplishment is being a wife and mother” to 19-year-old twins, Brian and Brittany, she said.

Hinger’s main challenge “is getting too emotionally attached to my students. I’ve always been called ‘a mother hen’ and wear that name proudly. When a child gets into trouble, usually something else is going on outside school that influences their behavior.”

She treats students with “the same courtesy, fairness and respect I use with my own children.” Recently, a little boy has been challenging her. “I’m making progress every time I see him. Now, he runs up to me and gives me a hug.”

Her husband David works as industrial rehabilitation coordinator at The Orthopedic Center. Brian and Brittany both are Sparkman High School graduates. An Auburn University sophomore, Brian is studying mechanical engineering. Brittany is entering Jacksonville State University to study zoology.