WANT TO GO?The Program of Research and Evaluation for Public Schools (PREPS), headquartered at William Carey University, is getting ready to host its annual education partnership conference.
Usually a two-day gathering of educators from all over the state, this year’s “Can You Hear Me Now? Zooming into 2021” conference will be an online event because of COVID-19 safety protocols. It opens March 5 with a virtual awards ceremony. Next, teachers will be able to access online, on-demand training sessions March 5-31 and earn continuing education units.
A highlight of this year’s conference will be the debut of the Mississippi Rural Teacher of the Year award.
“PREPS launched the Mississippi Rural Education Association last year to bring attention to rural schools and the challenges of their rural educators. The spirit of this award is to celebrate educators who are in smaller schools and communities – people who have a passion for teaching, learning and making a difference,” said Dr. Chuck Benigno, executive director of PREPS.
Here’s a look at the four finalists, one from each congressional district in the state.
- District 1: La’Keshia S. Johnson is a kindergarten teacher at Okolona Elementary School. For her, rural teaching is a commitment to community. “Rural students sometimes get the message that they must leave their hometown to be a success,” Johnson said. “I chose to teach in my small, rural town to ensure that Mississippi has no more ‘ghost towns’ and to help make my town a better place. I have been invited to birthday parties, funerals, and family events. I count it as a great honor.”
- District 2: Jason Provine is a history and geography teacher at O’Bannon High School in Greenville. He is proud of the Mississippi Delta and sees the power of strong relationships. “At O’Bannon, we have a close-knit team. We help each other on everything from planning joint lessons to mentoring and encouraging each other,” Provine said. “As we listen and care about the students, personally and not just educationally, it inspires appreciation from the home front.”
- District 3: Amanda Cassel is a STEM teacher at Union Middle School in Newton County. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and math. Cassel builds relationships with students by showing them that she cares, from silly handshakes to working one-on-one when they’re struggling. She also brings in guest speakers from local businesses and sponsors her school’s chapter of Future Business Leaders of America. “My main goal is to spark a fire in the next generation to become active contributors within the community,” Cassel said.
- District 4: Maria James is a kindergarten teacher at South Perry Elementary School in Beaumont. “I’m proud to teach in a rural school,” James said. “I strongly believe that providing the best educational opportunities for children requires teachers to interact with fellow educators, administrators, parents, extended families and the community at large.” One example of this: during the COVID-19 lockdown, James organized a drive-by Easter parade — a procession of teachers and community members led by the Easter Bunny riding the fire truck.
One of these finalists will be named the inaugural Mississippi Rural Teacher of the Year during the “Can You Hear Me Now? Zooming into 2021” virtual award ceremony on March 5.
The Mississippi Rural Teacher of the Year award is sponsored by KIDS 1st Education, which will provide up to $4,000 in scholarship funding to a graduating high school senior who plans to become an educator. The scholarship recipient will be chosen by the overall winner of the Mississippi Rural Teacher of the Year award.
“We are excited for the opportunity to sponsor this effort and give back to education in a meaningful way,” said Chuck Poer, director of KIDS 1st Education.
The awards ceremony will also honor graduates and facilitators of the WCU School of Education’s CEO Leadership Academy, the PREPS Board of Directors, and recipients of the Courage Award, Research Award and Partner Award.