The Mississippi Hall of Master Teachers ceremony at Mississippi University for Women recognized four Mississippi K-12 educators for exemplary dedication Thursday, Dec. 3.
The Mississippi Hall of Master Teachers began in the hearts and minds of those who know and respect great teachers. Established at The W in 1991, the Hall recognizes and honors outstanding educators for their consistent excellence and long-term dedication to teaching in grades K-12.
The teachers are judged on the basis of their professional activities, educational leadership, contributions to curriculum and course development, teaching philosophy and influence on students and other teachers. Involvement in extracurricular activities is also a part of the evaluation.
Qualifications include 15 years of full-time classroom teaching, including seven years in Mississippi schools, K-12.
With the induction of the class of 2015, the Mississippi Hall of Master Teachers now has 140 members. The class of 2015:
Jesse Cornelius, who teaches agriculture at Nettleton High School, has taught for 21 years.
Tara Harris and Tritina Siddell are both elementary teachers at Thomas Street Elementary School in Tupelo. Harris, who has taught for 17 years, teaches the second grade gifted program. Siddell, an educator for 18 years, teaches second grade.
Terrie Gooch, who teaches physical education at Franklin Elementary School in Columbus, has taught for 25 years.
The Mississippi Hall of Master Teachers ceremony also was held in conjunction with the New Teacher Institute, which was initiated in 1993 to advise and encourage beginning teachers.
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