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Nine JPS Educators Honored as Outstanding Educators by Ask for More Jackson
October 17, 2023
Here are the esteemed Outstanding Educator honorees:
Nekita King-Adams - Raines Elementary
Experience: 8 years
Education: Bachelor of Education
Notable: Teacher of the Month for February 2023 and volunteer for Habitat for Humanity and Ameri-Corps
Verna Edmond - Clausell Elementary
Experience: 16 years
Education: Associate of Arts, Bachelor of Science in elementary education
Notable: Clausell’s Teacher of the Year for 2022-2023
Triana Davis - Dawson Elementary
Experience: 13 years
Education: Bachelor of Science in elementary education
Notable: Metro Jackson Teacher of the Year, Dawson Teacher of the Year
Dr. Mavis Dawson - Green Elementary
Experience: 18 years
Education: Bachelor of Science, Master's in education administration and supervision (K-12), Doctorate in education
Notable: Volunteer for 100 Black Men of Jackson, member of Grandparents Do Matter Organization, and founder of Created for You Tutorial Services
Laquinta Hobson - Lake Elementary
Experience: 9 years
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Childcare Family Education, Master’s in Early Childhood, Specialist in Psychometry
Notable: Tutor for scholars in grades K-2 and the Summer Reading Program
Tonya Hughes - Wingfield High
Experience: 29 years
Education: Bachelor of Science in social sciences, Master of Arts in teaching
Notable: Recognized as Master Economics Teacher, Teacher of the Month at Wingfield High School, and received numerous awards for student growth and afterschool activities
Shondra Byars-Smith - Lanier Junior/Senior High
Experience: 20+ years
Education: Master’s in educational administration and supervision, Master of Science
Notable: Lead exceptional education teacher and recipient of the American Cancer Society’s Silver Champion Award
Alesia White - Van Winkle Elementary
Experience: 10 years
Education: Bachelor's in child and family studies, Master’s in Early Childhood Education
Notable: JPS Rock Star Award recipient in December 2021
Shimacha Williams - Galloway Elementary
Experience: 13 years
Education: Master of Arts, Bachelor of Science
Notable: Member of the National Association of Gifted Children, Ask for More Arts afterschool and summer school teacher
“Thank you to the Community Foundation of Mississippi for supporting us. Educators are important, especially here in the City of Jackson,” said Dr. William Merritt, JPS Chief of Staff. “I applaud each of you for your commitment to academic excellence. These educators embody the spirit of excellence, dedication, and passion in the field of education, and are truly deserving of the Outstanding Educator Awards. They continue to inspire and shape the minds of future generations, leaving an indelible mark on their students and the community.”