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JACKSON, Miss. – The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) announced the finalists for the 2024 Mississippi Administrator of the Year and the 2024 Mississippi Teacher of the Year.
The Mississippi Administrator of the Year program honors an administrator who demonstrates superior ability to inspire teachers, employs exemplary leadership practices and participates as an active member of the community. The recipient will receive a $5,000 stipend and will share expertise through various presentations, professional development, and activities for the improvement of education in the state.
The Mississippi Teacher of the Year program recognizes exemplary teachers in the state. The award recipient will be asked to share expertise through various presentations, professional development, and activities for the improvement of education. The recipient also will receive a $5,000 stipend and will represent Mississippi in the National Teacher of the Year competition.
The recipients will be announced during a program set for 11 a.m. April 26, 2024, at the Jackson Convention Complex in Jackson.
2024 Mississippi Administrator of the Year Finalists
Congressional District 1: Leigh Stanford, Principal
Amory High School, Amory School District
Personal Philosophy Snapshot: Mrs. Stanford “Is devoted to nurturing a positive, inclusive school culture that empowers both students and teachers to succeed emphasizing high expectations, collaboration, and meaningful relationships to create community at the school level and beyond.”
Congressional District 2: Dr. Sara Harper, Principal
McWillie Elementary School, Jackson Public School District
Personal Philosophy Snapshot: Dr. Harper believes “The most important thing is to provide a safe, nurturing learning environment filled with meaningful opportunities for each student to meet their unique potential. We know that each child has talents and gifts, and it is our responsibility to find ways to make those gifts emerge. We want each child to understand their strengths and to be prepared to share their gifts with the world. We have seen the fruits of our work in the amazing progress of our students as they step into the next chapter of their lives as self-assured, successful students and problem-solvers.”
Congressional District 3: Anita Wansley, Principal
Northeast Elementary School, Lauderdale County School District
Personal Philosophy Snapshot: Mrs. Wansley believes “That people are central to education and that we meet the challenges we face with creativity, collaboration, compassion, and a vision for the potential of all children to learn and grow.”
Congressional District 4: Annabeth Bates, Principal
Oak Grove Elementary, Lamar County School District
Personal Philosophy Snapshot: Mrs. Bates believes “Educating students is not simply a transfer of information. Rather, it is a process that should be developed through a collection experiences.”
2024 Mississippi Teacher of the Year Finalists
Congressional District 1: Melanie Counts, Teacher
Caledonia High School, Lowndes County School District
10th grade English Language Arts
Personal Philosophy Snapshot: Mrs. Counts believes “All students can learn with the proper support. As teachers, it is our responsibility to build relationships, establish high expectations, and plan purposefully to engage and impact all students. Being willing to invest extra time into providing meaningful feedback for students is a crucial part of the learning process. Our commitment to our students tells future generations that they are too valuable to give up on.”
Congressional District 2: Tamla Hughes, Teacher
Natchez High School, Natchez-Adams School District
10th – 12th grades English
Personal Philosophy Snapshot: Mrs. Hughes believes “As a teacher, I may not be able to change the world; but if I can reach one child, perhaps that child can.”
Congressional District 3: Shauna Waters, Teacher
West Lauderdale High School, Lauderdale County School District
10th and 12th grades English
Personal Philosophy Snapshot: Ms. Waters believes “Students should practice communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking and reach boldly for opportunities, show compassion, and grow self-confidence. She believes developing these skills gives them many options to be active, contributing participants in their community during and after high school.”
Congressional District 4: Amelia Landers, Teacher
Oak Grove Elementary School, Lamar County School District
Kindergarten – All subjects
Personal Philosophy Snapshot: Ms. Landers believes “Learning is attainable for all students and is best achieved when educators provide opportunities for students to encounter the world around them. When students feel safe, loved, and represented in their learning environments, they find ownership of their learning, creating a positive classroom community among teachers, students, and families.”
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