At 3 years old, Rebeckah Hauss knew she wanted to be a teacher. 

Her mom worked at a cognitive development facility, and Hauss would go with her mom to work and make friends with the students who were there. In the fifth grade, she had a teacher who helped her with her academics, further solidifying her decision to teach.

“She found ways for me to access it and make it real to me,” said Hauss. “I want to help others be able to feel accomplishments that make them feel proud of themselves. She showed me the love of teaching.”

As a student at Northwest School of the Arts, Hauss remembered how the students in the self-contained classrooms were right across the hall from the dance department and how their classes would sometimes mix. Those interactions supported her undergraduate studies as a student at East Carolina University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in dance education with concentrations in adaptive and general curriculum for special education and a master’s degree in school counseling.

“I just saw their joy for music and movement, and I was like, ‘that’s pretty awesome,’ and ‘I want to learn how to do that to better help students with special needs learn and access their curriculum,’” said Hauss. “They always had my heart. For me, they’re the same. We just have to find ways to accommodate.”

Hauss is in her 10th year as a transitions teacher at Metro School, working with students ages 18-22 on their functional communication skills. In her classroom, she wants her students to feel comfortable with trying and making mistakes, because that’s when they learn.

And like her students, Hauss is continually learning — researching and understanding new methods and tools that can best support the needs of her students and staff. Hauss also comes up with a theme every year for her classroom to keep students engaged like the beach, superheroes and, most recently, Disney.

“I think having themes helps them engage more and gets them excited about coming into the room,” said Hauss. “That’s what helps education be more impactful — having fun and enjoying your environment. And if I enjoy my space, they enjoy their space.”

Hauss was recognized as the 2025-26 Teacher of the Year for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools in May. Metro School Principal Fermandi Dyson said Hauss leads with “heart, builds strong relationships and always puts students first.”

“Rebeckah Hauss is an outstanding educator who consistently goes above and beyond for our students, families and staff,” said Dyson. “She is the definition of a team player, always willing to support colleagues, share her expertise and help build the capacity of others across our school. Her impact extends far beyond her classroom as she works alongside staff to ensure success for all students. We are incredibly proud to have her represent Metro School and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools as Teacher of the Year.”  

Hauss said the recognition means a lot, and that it was nice to know of her impact not only at Metro, but that it was seen across the district. But to Hauss, she’s just doing what she loves to do. 

“My students are my reason for getting up every morning,” said Hauss. “They are my ‘why.’ My calling right now is that hands-on learning. I just enjoy being with the kids and helping them.”