2025 Legacy NAFC Royal Court

My journey through NAFC schools gave me the foundation to become who I am today, both as a student and now as a teacher. From Lafayette and St. Mary’s to Floyd Knobs Elementary, Floyd Central Junior/Senior High, and graduating from Floyd Central High School in 2006, I was surrounded by teachers and mentors who encouraged me to ask questions, try hard things, and embrace challenges. Experiences like playing in the handbell choir, being part of French Club and National Honor Society, and serving as a math tutor all shaped my love for learning and inspired me to pursue a career in education.

I was fortunate to learn from many incredible educators who made a lasting impact. Ms. Sonnar was the first teacher that really saw my strengths in math in 8th grade and challenged me to reach further. That was the first time I ever considered being a math teacher. Mrs. Haley, who taught me geometry and French, helped fuel my love of math by always making me feel like I could ask her for help anytime I didn’t understand something. Mrs. Hampton always challenged me, and helped put me in a position to be a leader for my peers as Handbell Class President. I feel very fortunate to be able to work alongside Mrs. Haley and Mrs. Hampton now here at FC. They all taught me that learning is about curiosity, persistence, and the courage to make mistakes along the way.

After high school, I studied mathematics and mathematics in education at IUS, eventually teaching at New Albany High School. Later, I returned to earn my Masters in Teaching Higher Level Mathematics from IU East and served as adjunct faculty at IUS. After staying home with my three children, I returned to the classroom in 2024 to teach Calculus and Finite Math at Floyd Central. I also serve as a teacher advisor for the school’s Dance Marathon, where I get to support students as they raise funds for a cause close to both of our hearts, the Children’s Hospital. Teaching is more than a job to me. It is a calling to help students discover their strengths and learn how to believe in themselves!

My husband, Matt, is a 2006 New Albany graduate and a psychiatric nurse practitioner with the Veterans Hospital network. We first met as chemistry lab partners at IUS, and now we are raising three wonderful kids: Katelyn, a 5th grader at Highland Hills; Kaleb, a kindergartner at Floyd Knobs Elementary; and Kristian, who is in Pre-K at Prosser Preschool/Daycare. Outside the classroom, I love being a mom, enjoying game nights with friends and family, reading, and cheering for the Green Bay Packers. I even hold the unique title of partial team owner - Go Pack Go!

Supporting the NAFC Education Foundation is deeply meaningful to me. I know firsthand how much programs like Great Classroom Grants and Mental Health Grants mean to teachers and students. When I returned to the classroom last year, the Foundation’s $100 new educator gift helped me feel supported and equipped right away. I am honored to be part of the Royal Court as another way to give back, to support our amazing teachers, and to help ensure every student has the same opportunities to learn and grow that I was given.

–Julia (Hubbert) Hott, Floyd Central High School ’06