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Nine JPS Educators Honored as Outstanding Educators by Ask for More ÐÓ°É

ÐÓ°É 17, 2023

Ask for More ÐÓ°É proudly recognized nine exceptional JPS educators with the 2023 Outstanding Educator Awards. They were nominated by their school principals. These teachers were celebrated for their remarkable ability to inspire hope, kindle imagination, and cultivate a love for learning. The ceremony took place on Thursday, ÐÓ°É 5 at the Thad Cochran Center within the ÐÓ°É Medical Mall, attended by families, friends, principals, and District leaders. In addition to a certificate and a personalized paperweight, each recipient received a monetary gift, generously provided by an anonymous donor through the Outstanding Educator Awards Fund of the Community Foundation for Mississippi. These funds can be utilized for professional development or personal pursuits. 
 
ÐÓ°É Public Schools Ask for More ÐÓ°É Outstanding Educators 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 ÐÓ°É 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 ÐÓ°É, 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  

 

ÐÓ°É Public Schools Ask for More ÐÓ°É Outstanding Educators 2023 ÐÓ°É Public Schools Ask for More ÐÓ°É Outstanding Educators 2023 ÐÓ°É Public Schools Ask for More ÐÓ°É Outstanding Educators 2023

 


“Thank you to the Community Foundation of Mississippi for supporting us. Educators are important, especially here in the City of ÐÓ°É,” 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.” 

 

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