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| Metro Teacher honoree La'Keshia Opara-Nadi (left)with Principal Wanda Quon |
Dr. Margrit Wallace and Metro Teacher honoree Hope Pearson (right) |
Two JPS teachers were honored with twelve others as "masters of the classroom" by the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership during the 2011 Metro Teacher Recognition Program held February 16, 2012, at the Old Capitol Inn in Jackson. The honorees from JPS were La'Keshia Opara-Nadi of Pecan Park Elementary, and Hope Pearson of McWillie Elementary. Their principals and JPS Interim Superintendent Dr. Jayne B. Sargent also attended the luncheon. Awards were presented by Jeff Good, managing partner of popular local restaurants; Tommy Darnell, BancorpSouth president; and Tyler Armstrong, Chief Operating Officer of Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership.
La'Keshia Opara-Nadi is a first grade teacher at Pecan Park Elementary with nine years of experience. She was praised for creative lesson planning that engages her students. Her achievments include being named a 2011 Parents for Public Schools Outstanding Teacher and becoming a 2010 National Baord Certified Teacher. Opara-Nadi has bachelors, masters, and specialist degrees in Elementary Education/Curriculum and Instruction from Jackson State University. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in Early Childhood Education.
Hope Pearson teaches Exceptional Education classes for grades two through six at McWillie Elementary School. She is known for her optimism, energy, and resourcefulness. She is active in the school and the community and often serves as a translator for Spanish-speaking families. Pearson completed her B.A. in Elementary Education at Millsaps College and has obtained masters and specialist degrees in Counseling from Mississippi College.