State teacher, Administrator of the Year Finalists Announced

JACKSON, Miss. – The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) and the Mississippi Teacher Center announced today the finalists for the 2015 Administrator of the Year and the 2015 Teacher of the Year.

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 shares expertise through various presentations and activities for the improvement of education in the state.

Likewise, 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 and activities for the improvement of education. The recipient also will represent Mississippi in the National Teacher of the Year competition.

The recipients will be announced at 11 a.m. on April 23 at the Jackson Convention Complex.

Administrator of the Year Finalists

·         Stephanie Gilder, Hernando Hill Elementary in DeSoto County Schools

·         Fannie Green, Camden Elementary in Madison County Schools

·         Kevin Cheatham, West Lauderdale High School in Lauderdale County Schools

·         Dr. Patrick Gray, Oak Grove Middle School, Lamar County Schools

Teacher of the Year Finalists

·         Paula Whitaker, special education teacher, Oxford Elementary, Oxford Public Schools

·         Leigh Curtis, gifted teacher, Eastside Elementary, Clinton Public Schools

·         Ginger Tedder, economics/U.S. History teacher, Starkville High School, Starkville School District

·         Anna Morris, 2nd/3rd grade teacher, Oak Grove Lower Elementary, Lamar County Schools