May 6, 2024
Jackson Public Schools is honored to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week May 6–10, 2024, by paying tribute to our MVPs (most valuable personnel). Yes, we are talking about our classroom teachers.
Most education research agrees that teacher quality is the greatest predictor of student achievement. Teachers — especially when working cooperatively with families — play a major role in the well-being of students. It is important to acknowledge that teachers contribute significantly to students' positive performance in the classroom and their future academic, social, and career endeavors. This week gives us a golden opportunity to celebrate the impact of teachers.
As part of this nationwide celebration, Jackson Public Schools would like to also recognize the Teachers of the Year at each of our schools and programs. These teachers represent the many excellent educators in their schools and throughout our District. After all, we have to acknowledge that recent improved ratings experienced at our schools could not have happened if not for the coordinated efforts of committed teams. We look at our Teachers of the Year as representatives of the outstanding teachers in their buildings.
ELEMENTARY TEACHERS OF THE YEAR
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| Bates Elementary Latesha Burroughs |
Boyd Elementary Brenda Herring |
Casey Elementary Sheila Johnson |
Clausell Elementary Sarah Nicholson |
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| Dawson Elementary Triana Davis |
Galloway Elementary Nitina Campbell |
Green Elementary Chesmond Jordan |
Isable Elementary Verkitra Donelson |
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| John Hopkins Elementary Kasandra Manuel |
Johnson Elementary Lakreisha Johnson |
Key Elementary Charles Jackson |
Lake Elementary Laquinta Hobson |
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| Lester Elementary Bernisha Stamps |
McLeod Elementary Raven Hamilton |
McWillie Elementary Markena Davis |
North Jackson Elementary Janika Leak |
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| Oak Forest Elementary Hanna Bourque |
Obama Elementary Katie Hayes |
Pecan Park Elementary Marquita Nichols |
Raines Elementary Nekita King Adams |
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| Smith Elementary Tamela Orelus |
Spann Elementary Christy Esco |
Sykes Elementary Patricia Fonville |
Timberlawn Elementary Latausha Robinson |
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| Van Winkle Elementary Alesia White* |
Wells APAC Bethany Phillip |
Wilkins Elementary Mallard Freeman |
* Alesia White, Van Winkle – 2023-2024 Districtwide Teacher of the Year
Not Pictured:
- Marshall Elementary – Chrystal Stern
- Walton Elementary – Frencheska Robinson
MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHERS OF THE YEAR
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| Bailey APAC Middle School Shevette Lyons |
Blackburn Middle School Daphne Colbert |
Cardozo Middle School Kimberly Hardy |
Chastain Middle School Nina Jones |
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| Kirksey Middle School Ariel Wolfe |
Peeples Middle School Melissa Barksdale |
Powell Middle School Laquincia Henderson |
Whitten Middle School Kasey Trosper |
HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERS OF THE YEAR
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| Callaway High School Tonya Moore |
Forest Hill High School Elisha Spires |
Jim Hill High School Katessa Leverette |
Lanier Jr./Sr. High School Latonia Bilbro |
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| Murrah High School Lynnita Balu |
Provine High School Stephanie Hatcher |
Wingfield High School Tonya Hughes |
Career Development Center Myeshia Wallace |
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| Capital City Alternative Bonita Simmons |
Jackson-Tougaloo ECHS Alexandria Drake |
Not Pictured:
- Re-Engaging in Education for All to Progress – Kiangela Pittman
- Henley-Young Youth Court School – Brandie Finley
How You Can Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week
You can help celebrate educators this week by letting them know just how appreciated they are by sharing a message on social media with #ThankATeacher. For a more personal approach, send a note or small token of appreciation. You might also want to involve your children in a project to show their love and gratefulness for the good teachers impacting their lives.
