Courtney Thornhill was one of the most successful softball players in the history of Hughson High School.
The 2015 graduated batted .565 while posting a 21-1 record and a 0.98 earned run average in leading the Huskies to the Sac-Joaquin Section Division 5 championship. In fact, the four-year varsity starter won section banners each year she played at HHS, part of an historic “five-peat” by the Huskies.
Thornhill’s experiences as a high school and collegiate athlete have shaped her philosophy as an educator.
“I would say that in any team sport, you have to consider how you’re going to serve the person next to you, and behind you, and in front of you,” said Thornhill, who was a member of the MaxPreps small school all-state team. “That has carried over into my passion for teaching. What can I do for this student, and that student? Because, at the end of the day, it’s not about me. It’s never about ‘you’ when you’re part of a team. I like to think of it as leading by serving.”
Here are some other things to know about Thornhill.
Family members: Two siblings and two amazing parents. My parents have been together for 37 years. My older sister is a cardiologist in Utah, and my brother works for Pitman High School.
Educational background: I played college softball at Vanguard University in Southern California. I received my teaching credential through Teachers College of San Joaquin.
Previous teaching jobs: This will be my third year in Denair Unified School District. But my first year solo/credentialed. I worked as a substitute and a resource fill-in at Denair. Prior to that, I was a preschool teacher and then substitute teacher until I got my credential.
Subject/grades taught at Denair: Extensive special needs teacher.
What attracted you to Denair? The amazing administration and faculty! I experienced a strong foundation of family, integrity, and support that is felt throughout every school site.
What most inspires you about teaching? Knowing that the little things are actually the big things. I love seeing my students make the kind of progress other people might overlook, and helping them become more confident, independent, and understood. At the end of the day, I want my students to leave my classroom knowing they can do hard things and that they’re more capable than they think.
What is a challenge you look forward to tackling this year? The paperwork process.
What is a favorite teaching tool or activity? Dance parties, singing, and working through things as a group. I love creating a classroom where students and staff feel like we’re all on the same team. That connection and collaborating makes learning feel more natural and meaningful.
What do you want your students to remember? That our classroom was a place where they felt safe, included, and enjoyed being. More than anything I want them to remember they belong, they are capable, and they can do hard things.
What can parents do to support you? Open and honest communication. Tell me what’s working at home, what’s not, and anything that might help me understand and support your student better. The more we work together, the better I can show up for them.
What’s something that would surprise people about your job? People might be surprised that my job is about so much more than academics. Some of our biggest wins come from learning everyday life skills, communication, and independence.
What do you do for fun? I love any kind of outdoor activities, working out, and quality time with people I love.
One little-known fact about me is … I will turn almost anything into a song without realizing it.
