Four Jackson Public Schools teachers were honored as Outstanding Educators by Parents for Public Schools of Jackson and the Community Foundation of Greater Jackson. Amanda Blake Terrell, Tenisha Baugh Harrington, Stephanie Dickson Dees, and Clayton Marble were celebrated by the community during the September 5, 2012, Lunch Bunch meeting hosted by Parents for Public Schools. Presenters included Jane Alexander representing the Community Foundation of Greater Jackson, Althea Johnson, principal of Lake Elementary; Wanda Quon, principal of Pecan Park; Dr. Jane Everly, principal of Davis IB Elementary; Clyde Speaks, principal of Callaway High; and JPS Superintendent Dr. Cedrick Gray.
Along with a framed certificate, each honoree received a substantial monetary award to use for professional or personal purposes. Dr. Gray also announced a new certificate of merit for outstanding educators in Jackson Public Schools – the Golden Bow Tie Award – and presented the first certificates to the PPS Outstanding Educator honorees.
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| JPS Superintendent Dr. Cedrick Gray announced the district's Golden Bow Tie awards, presenting the first certificates to the Outstanding Educator honorees (from left) Stephanie Dickson Dees, Tenisha Baugh Harrington, Dr. Gray, Amanda Blake Terrell, and representing Clayton Marble, his mother Frances Marble. |
About the Outstanding Educators
Stephanie Dickson Dees is a 20-year teaching veteran who has spent the last ten years at Davis Magnet IB Elementary. As a kindergarten teacher, she recognizes the importance of her students' earliest school years and fosters a love of learning, making adjustments to accommodate each of her student's individual learning styles. She teaches them independence, cooperation, and collaboration. Dees is known at her school for nurturing students, supporting staff, and being dedicated to teaching.
Tenisha Baugh Harrington has worked in the classroom for seven years at Pecan Park Elementary, starting her first year as a teaching assistant. She was introduced by her principal as a gifted teacher full of compassion and understanding, a creative practitioner who keeps students challenged and engaged, and an effective disciplinarian. Harrington is a member of the school's leadership team and is involved in the Ask for More Arts program at the school.
Clayton Marble is a National Board Certified educator with over 17 years of teaching experience, serving the last three years at Callaway High School where he is a business education teacher. As DECA advisor, Marble has helped his students excel in DECA's leadership with some serving as vice president and president at the state level. His students have also advanced to the national and international DECA competitions in recent years. Marble, who also serves on a number of committees at the school, was recognized by his principal for his passion for teaching and concern for the welfare of his students.
Amanda Blake Terrell was praised by her principal for her professionalism and for setting high expectations for her students. Her lesson plan designs fully engage her third grade students at Lake Elementary. She often spends her planning time to tutor students. She generously shares resources with colleagues, team members, and parents. Terrell also leads many of the school's community service projects and serves as the adopt-a-school coordinator.
About the Award
The Parents for Public Schools of Jackson and Community Foundation of Greater Jackson's Outstanding Educator award was created to show appreciation for the dedication to service of Jackson's exemplary teachers. The honorees represent so many in the profession who sacrifice their time and money to advancing their students and their profession. A selection committee comprised of community leaders reviewed all applications and chose the educators based on the following criteria: fostering student success, dedication to teaching, demonstrating a high commitment to student achievement, engaging students in challenging and meaningful work and interacting with parents as partners in the education process. Funds for the award are made possible by an anonymous donor through the Community Foundation's Outstanding Educators Awards Fund.