T/E Middle School teacher David Hardy spent the past seven years developing his approach to teaching and advising the members of the Junior Model United Nations club. The World Affairs Council of Philadelphia recently recognized his efforts, naming him the 2022 Educator of the Year.

Hardy, upon learning of this recognition, attributed it to the club as a whole, more so than simply himself. He appreciates the honor for the club’s collaborative efforts, and views it as a culmination of several years worth of work. By organizing events such as a schoolwide cultural museum and guest speeches known as TEM Talks, Hardy provides unique opportunities for engagement.

“At first, I was excited for us as a group. Since this award, we’ve been getting a lot of notice. I’m just happy for them,” Hardy said.

Hardy holds JMUN club members to a high standard. He values character and leadership abilities, and aims to instill passion for their work with the club.

“I’m looking for commitment; I’m looking for leadership. But mostly, (being) thoughtful, kind, polite. My approach is to try to exhibit those things, and then expect those things from the students who are in the program,” Hardy said.

Seventh-grader Tvisha Jani is a member of the JMUN club and appreciates the lessons she’s learned from her experience in the program.

“(I’ve learned) definitely resiliency, and also working hard to bring out the best in yourself. The Junior Model UN really helps us get a perspective into other countries, and it’s really fun,” Jani said.

Although the club faced challenges during the pandemic, Hardy emphasizes that the JMUN club maintained its traditional commitment. Through navigating new logistical approaches, the club was highly active.

“Even (during) COVID time, we did extremely well. We kind of reinvented how we did things — we went virtual, and I don’t think we lost a beat,” Hardy said. “One of the benefits we got from using Microsoft Teams was that we could find ways to connect with other countries, and I think it was pretty successful.”

Seventh-grader William Simon values Hardy’s approach to advising the club and developing the students. Despite past setbacks due to the pandemic, Simon feels that the club’s perseverance was evident.

“Our resiliency made us better,” Simon said. “(We’ve learned) definitely hard work and grit, and just trying your best.”

Hardy aims to promote inclusivity at TEMS through the JMUN program. He hopes that students of var- ious backgrounds feel recognized and appreciated for their culture’s unique customs and traditions.

“I just want them to feel good about themselves,” Hardy said. “I think that’s one of the most important things I want to instill in these students. You’re beautiful, your family’s beautiful, your community’s beautiful, and therefore you don’t need anyone to make you feel that way.”