Mississippi Department of Education’s top statewide awards for 2020 both went to alumni of the William Carey University School of Education. Debra Houghton won the Administrator of the Year Award. Benjamin Austin won the Teacher of the Year Award.
The virtual award ceremony was broadcast July 23 on YouTube.
“For many years, William Carey University has produced outstanding teachers to fill the classrooms of Mississippi, and beyond. These two outstanding WCU graduates set the bar for teachers and administrators in Mississippi,” said WCU President Dr. Tommy King.
Administrator of the Year
Administrator of the Year Debra Houghton has been principal of Mannsdale Upper Elementary School in the Madison County School District for six years. She holds a Specialist in Education degree from William Carey University and plans to enter WCU’s doctoral program in Educational Leadership.
“My most rewarding professional experience is watching the growth of my students and teachers,” Houghton said.
“I want to say how humbled I am to be considered among these great administrators. I want to agree with everything that’s been said today about unity and strength. We need to work together as principals because you are so amazing, and we have so much to give each other.”
The other three finalists were: Keri Jo Sapp, principal of Bramlett Elementary School in Oxford; Brenda Singleton, principal of Inverness Elementary School in Sunflower; and Kiana Pendleton, principal of Laurel Magnet School of the Arts.
Teacher of the Year
Teacher of the Year Benjamin Austin is a ninth- and 10th-grade social studies teacher at Petal High School. Austin holds WCU bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education and served as a graduate assistant in the WCU School of Education as he studied for his master’s degree.
In accepting the award, fourth-year teacher thanked all the professionals – from teachers to administrators to superintendents – who helped him become the “best teacher that I can be.”
“I’m grateful for this recognition, but I also know there are countless other teachers who are just as deserving. To the teachers in my high school, thank you for showing me what it means to be a teacher. I’m a reflection of your patience, your character and your passion. To William Carey University, I thank you for preparing me for the road that I’ve traveled,” Austin said.
“And to my students, you’re the reason I’m here today. Thank you for every high five, every word of encouragement, and every moment we spend in the classroom. I became a teacher to impact you, but you have impacted me even more.”
The other three finalists were: Sarah Hall Robinson, biology teacher at Oxford High School; Mina Conlee Darnell, math teacher at Clinton High School; and April Lang, math teacher at Forest High School.
Dr. Ben Burnett is WCU’s acting executive vice president and dean of the WCU School of Education: “Our mission is to produce teachers and leaders who make an impact on the lives of children in K-12 schools across the state. To say that we are proud of these two graduates, who have been recognized as the best of the best, is an understatement to say the least.”
Mississippi’s Administrator of the Year and Teacher of the Year will receive $5,000 salary supplements and go on to compete at the national level. William Carey University will award a tuition waiver to both winners to pursue a graduate degree at the WCU School of Education.
