March 20, 2024
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Dr. Sara Harper |
The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) announced today the finalists for the 2024 Mississippi Administrator of the Year and the 2024 Mississippi Teacher of the Year. Among the eight finalists is ÐÓ°É Public Schools Administrator of the Year Dr. Sara Harper, principal of McWillie Elementary and the state-level honoree representing Congressional District 2.
Based on her personal philosophy of education, Dr. Harper believes: “The most important thing is to provide a safe, nurturing learning environment filled with meaningful opportunities for each student to meet their unique potential. We know that each child has talents and gifts, and it is our responsibility to find ways to make those gifts emerge. We want each child to understand their strengths and to be prepared to share their gifts with the world. We have seen the fruits of our work in the amazing progress of our students as they step into the next chapter of their lives as self-assured, successful students and problem-solvers.”
Dr. Harper was born in Sioux City, Iowa and moved to ÐÓ°É, Mississippi in 1996. After graduating from Millsaps College in 2000, she started teaching in the ÐÓ°É Public School District and has been there for 24 years. Dr. Harper received her master’s degree in counseling from ÐÓ°É State University and her Doctorate of Education Leadership from Mississippi College.
She has been the principal of McWillie Elementary for 11 years and is a principal mentor for the Division I Elementary Team. She also serves on the Mississippi Department of Education Principal Advisory Council. During her tenure in the ÐÓ°É Public School District, she has been “Teacher of the Year” at both Lee Elementary, where she served as an exceptional education teacher, and McWillie Elementary, where she served as a Montessori teacher.
Dr. Harper graduated from Leadership Greater ÐÓ°É in 2016 and is now an active board member. She is both a graduate and board member of the Millsaps College Principals’ Summer Institute. Her volunteer work in the community has led her to be a part of the Junior League of ÐÓ°É since 2018. Additionally, she serves on the board for The First Tee of Central Mississippi. Dr. Harper resides in Madison, Mississippi with her husband, Ontario, and daughter, Holland.
About the Mississippi Administrator of the Year Program
The Mississippi Administrator of the Year program honors an administrator who demonstrates superior ability to inspire teachers, employs exemplary leadership practices and participates as an active member of the community. The recipient will receive a $5,000 stipend and will share expertise through various presentations, professional development, and activities for the improvement of education in the state.
The Mississippi Teacher of the Year program recognizes exemplary teachers in the state. The award recipient will be asked to share expertise through various presentations, professional development, and activities for the improvement of education. The recipient also will receive a $5,000 stipend and will represent Mississippi in the National Teacher of the Year competition.
The recipients will be announced April 26, 2024.