TaNaya Bluitt has taught for the past seven years and feels her life’s purpose is making a positive impact on all her students’ lives.
Bluitt’s efforts and successes in her classroom were recognized Tuesday at Starkville-Oktibbeha Consolidated School District Employee Awards of Excellence ceremony, as she was named the district’s Teacher of the Year for 2017-18.
She was one of 16 teachers nominated in the district for the award.
Bluitt teaches English and Language Arts at Overstreet Elementary and has taught fifth grade with SOCSD for the last five years. Her fellow faculty at Overstreet nominated her for Teacher of the Year.
After Bluitt’s name was announced for the award in the Greensboro Center auditorium, she immediately covered her face and started to cry.
“I was so surprised,” Bluitt said. “I couldn’t believe it.”
Still in shock, Bluitt kept covering her face trying to hide her excitement and tears as Superintendent Eddie Peasant awarded her a certificate and a vase of orange and yellow tulips.
“It means the world to me. Sometimes you give so much of yourself, (and) it feels good to be appreciated,” Bluitt said. “But it’s not about that, it’s about the kids.”
One of Bluitt’s favorite aspects of teaching is the connection she makes with her students. The most important thing for her, is for her students to know how much she cares for them. She loves to see her former students, now in high school, still continuing their educational success.
“It’s an amazing honor,” Bluitt said. “At the end of the day, I’m here for those kids.”
Timothy Bourne, principal at Overstreet, said the honor for Bluitt is well-deserved.
“Overall, I would categorize Bluitt as a teacher leader,” Bourne said. “She loves her kids. Her passion and love for students cause her to go above and beyond the call of duty.”
Others to receive year-end awards include:
■ Julie Kennedy, Armstrong Middle School principal, Administrator of the Year;
■ Karis Hicks, Sudduth Elementary, Outstanding New Teacher;
■ Tammie McGarr, chief financial officer, Certified Personnel of the Year;
■ Peggy Arick, Starkville High School bookkeeper, Non-certified Personnel of the Year;
■ Jeanine Lark, Armstrong Middle School, Larry Box Grant Award;
■ Jessica Tegt, Innovative Educator Award; and
■ Leslie Fye, Outstanding Parent of the Year.
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