Mickey Starling
reporter3@greenepublishing.com
Madison’s Jessica Hasty graduated from Madison County High School in 2022, but she never graduated from her love of learning, which led her to explore a variety of employment options while taking a break from college.
Hasty graduated in 2025 from the University of North Florida, earning her bachelor’s degree in Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology. She plans to soon continue her studies in the medical field.
Her break from college took a turn toward the teaching field as last summer approached. Her application to teach at Madison County Central School was accepted. Hasty became a fifth-grade science teacher, never realizing how much she would learn from her students while teaching them.
The longer she taught, the more she learned, which is a rare gift for a first-year teacher. Normally, the first year teaches the novice instructor things they would rather forget. Hasty has taken the stress in stride and took notes along the way, which birthed wisdom worthy of publication. Hasty has recently published “The year the Teacher Became the Student,” a 37-page children’s book that is available on Amazon and will be available for mass purchasing in late June. “I learned so much about having patience, enjoying the smaller moments and having an impact on people along the way,” said Hasty. “It’s about loving the path that God puts you on.”
The inspiration for writing the book came as Hasty realized how much the kids were teaching her about life. What she hopes to pass on to her students through the book is to love the path God puts them on and always have an impact on others while traveling it. Also, Hasty wants her students to remember what an awesome year they had together.
For first-year teachers, Hasty hopes the book will inspire them to press on and know they will succeed.
One impactful moment that Hasty recalls was her decision to ride a bike around school all day to demonstrate how mechanical energy works. The students have recalled that day throughout the year, as well as the information gained from her teaching. It may have been a small moment at the time, but it had a lasting impact.
Hasty would like to thank the administrative staff at MCCS for welcoming her so warmly. Her thanks also go out to her previous educators who helped shape her along the way. Her favorite educator remains her mother, who served as an excellent teacher, role model and leader.
As she looks to the future, Hasty is grateful for the path she traveled this year. “I have created life-long memories and relationships with my students,” said Hasty. “I love knowing I played a small role in shaping their lives.”