Susie Oglesby did not want to take all the credit.
The New Hope High School STEM and ACT Prep teacher is one of seven finalists from Mississippi to be recognized for the Presidential Award of Excellence for Math and Science. But she said the recognition was as much a testament to the efforts of her fellow teachers and administration as her own work.
“It takes a whole team to be successful,” she said. “I didn’t do this alone. They made me better. People believed in me, and that’s important. That’s what happens when you have a strong team that believes in you.”
Oglesby has taught for 15 years. She’s been at New Hope High School for five years.
Victoria Johnson, of MDE’s Office of Professional Development, said the award is a national recognition for outstanding math and science teachers. Johnson said a national winner should be named in the spring. Until then, MDE is recognizing the seven Mississippi teachers who have been named finalists.
Teachers are nominated for the award and judged on mastery of content, use of instructional methods and strategies, effective use of assessment strategies, reflective practices, lifelong learning and leadership and education outside the classroom.
Sarah Lee, undergraduate studies director for Mississippi State University’s Computer Science and Engineering department, nominated Oglesby for the award.
She said she’s worked with several of Oglesby’s students at her “Bulldog Bytes” summer camp and has also spoken in some of Oglesby’s classes.
Lee said both Oglesby’s students and her work with them have impressed her.
“I think she does outstanding work,” Lee said. “I’ve been very impressed with the work she does in robotics with her students and I felt like she was deserving of this award. I’m very excited she was a finalist — it speaks well of the school district and the work that they’re doing here.”
Oglesby found out she was a finalist for the award in October. She said the news came as a shock.
“I was so honored to be among the other amazing Mississippi teachers,” she said. “I can’t believe that they chose me.”
Lowndes County School District Superintendent Lynn Wright said Oglesby exemplifies all the best qualities of a teacher.
“She cares so much about her kids and her kids are always engaged and glad to be going to her classroom,” he said. “Her kids are excited about learning. She’s always helping them individually, as well as the whole class. She is a very remarkable young lady and we’re blessed to have her in the Lowndes County School District.”
Alex Holloway was formerly a reporter with The Dispatch.
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