Discovering artistic potential and nurturing creative independence takes center stage as we sit down with Marley Moreno-Hollifield, Henderson County's 2025 Teacher of the Year. A Hendersonville native born during the famous blizzard of '93, Marley brings hometown pride and innovative teaching methods to the Henderson County Career Academy, where she's revolutionizing art education.

The conversation reveals how Marley approach to teaching has evolved dramatically with her implementation of TAB (Teaching Artistic Behaviors), transforming her classroom from a traditional teacher-directed space to a vibrant studio where students develop their own creative projects from conception to completion. "It's a managerial nightmare," she admits with a laugh, "but when they connect to the subject or their own art and gain confidence, it's career-changing." The results speak volumes – students mastering crochet, collaborating on sculptures, and developing crucial 21st-century skills like resilience, problem-solving, and self-direction.

Beyond the classroom, Marley shares her community involvement through the Girls Empowered mentoring program and her contribution to Hendersonville's iconic bear sculptures, including a recent installation featuring native plants in honor of the region's natural beauty. Coming from a family of educators and inspired by her high school history teacher Walt Cottingham, Marley's story exemplifies how dedicated teachers can transform lives. As she eloquently puts it when describing those magical moments of student discovery, "This semester has been lightbulbs just boop, boop, boop all over the place." Her infectious enthusiasm reminds us why exceptional educators deserve celebration and why teaching remains one of society's most impactful professions.

Tune in to hear how art education can empower young minds, why student-led learning creates deeper engagement, and what makes Henderson County Career Academy a unique educational opportunity for local students. Marley's passion for teaching will leave you inspired about the future of education in our community.