Natalie Humphreys vowed she would never be a teacher like both of her parents. And she isn’t.

Sunday, the United Stated Distance Learning Association recognized her as one of the top teachers in the world. Humphreys was presented with a Bronze for Best Practices Award For Distance Learning Teaching, Video Conferencing (K-12). She is one of only two honorees nationwide recognized in the category.

“I’m shocked. Very much so,” said Humphreys, 29. “I’m shocked and amazed anyone would acknowledge me because I’m just doing what I do. It’s not something amazing or, award-worthy. I work with several colleagues who are just as deserving as I am.”

According to a press release provided by USDLA, the organization awards program “honors outstanding individuals and organizations for excellence in the field of distance learning, education and training. These prestigious Global Awards are presented annually to organizations and individuals engaged in the development and delivery of distance learning programs.”

According to the USDLA website, Humphreys is the first teacher from Arkansas to be honored by the organization.

Humphreys teaches Spanish I and II in the Office of Distance Education at the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts. Through compressed video, she teaches students in Brinkley, Emerson, Mammoth Spring, McCrory, Mulberry, Norphlet, Osceola, Rivercrest and the Kipp School in West Helena.

“Natalie exemplifies excellence in distance learning instruction,” said David Slaymaker, ODE Chairman. “She is a high-energy instructor who has mastered the ability to communicate her enthusiasm and love for the Spanish language to her students.”

“Natalie is one of those rare teachers who is able to establish a genuine rapport with virtually all of her students,” said Chris Robbins, ASMSA’s Director of Outreach and Distance Education. “I have been involved with distance education for a decade and have had the opportunity to work with numerous faculty. In my opinion, Ms. Humphreys ranks in the top one percent. In fact, she may be the very best instructor I have ever met in any teaching environment.”

Both of Humphreys’ parents are teachers and, like most children, she decided early on she wanted to do something different with her life. After college, though, she began working at the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts as a residential mentor, charged with supervising the students who live at the school. In the middle of her first semester in that position, a teaching position in ODE opened unexpectedly and a Spanish instructor was needed immediately.

“I took over two classes in late October of 2001,” she said. “I was tossed into the fire, working as an RM and teaching the classes. I liked it, but it was very frustrating and time-consuming. I managed to survive for the rest of the school term, but in May I was offered a full-time position in ODE. I really liked the RM position, but this was a better professional move for me.”

Since then, Humphreys has realized that growing up in a home of educators actually prepared her for what she is doing now.

“Both my parents are in education, so I never, never, never thought I would ever be a teacher,” she laughs. “But I learned I’m pretty good at what I do, based on what my students and colleagues tell me. I enjoy teaching a lot. I never thought that would happen.”