MARSHALL - The Madison County Board of Education honored the district teachers of the year during a the board's Dec. 13 meeting at Central Office.
"Now to the fun part of the evening," Superintendent Will Hoffman said after the board concluded its discussion with County Health Director Tammy Cody about a cluster of 23 cases at Mars Hill Elementary School. "I just want to say our teachers have been tremendous throughout the course of this whole pandemic. Through this year, and getting to the midpoint of this year, it's just an important threshold for all of us."
According to Hoffman, the 2021-22 award recipients were recognized by their fellow teachers.
Mars Hill Elementary School Principal and 2001 Bonner alumna from Mars Hill University Marshay Huskins was honored as the Principal of the Year, but was unable to attend the event.
Superintendent Will Hoffman awards Mars Hill Elementary School Principal Marshay Huskins with the 2021-22 Principal of the Year plaque.
"I've known Ms. Huskins for over 20 years as a strong educator in our region, and as a Bonner Scholar at Mars Hill University," Hoffman said. "With a foundation of education on servant leadership, Ms. Huskins plays a crucial role in the success of our district. She is always a strong voice on our district leadership team. One of the most powerful components that Ms. Huskins exhibits is her knowledge and research around teaching to trauma and poverty."
Mars Hill Elementary is the school district's largest school, with more than 500 students enrolled this year.
"During the chaotic conditions brought about by the pandemic, Ms. Huskins sought to ensure each child had access to the tools necessary to learn and grow in a positive environment," Hoffman said. "Due to her leadership, no doubt her school will continue to exceed growth. Madison County Schools is extremely lucky and grateful to have Ms. Marshay Huskins working within our system."
Hoffman said Huskins and the district's other principals, as well as school administrators everywhere are brought under increased pressure and scrutiny due to the public's differing viewpoints on school systems' COVID-19 protocols.
"Marshay Huskins is somebody who has stepped in at Mars Hill Elementary and has done a great job there," Hoffman said. "She's a wonderful leader - as all our principals are - as they carry so much responsibility in the building every single day, and deal with things that the public can't imagine a lot of the times.
"Just the data that was reported here tonight (including Hoffman reporting that there were 139 people quarantined throughout the school system as of Dec. 13) - a lot of our public doesn't understand the depth of that data, and how that is actually accumulated, and how the pressure is on a district or school administrator at this point."
The Mars Hill Elementary cluster is the first in the school system since the pandemic began.
Teachers of the Year
Megan Morgan received Madison High School's Teacher of the Year, and was awarded the District Teacher of the Year as well. Morgan has 15 years of experience in education, according to MHS Principal David Robinson.
"We are very proud of Ms. Morgan," Robinson said. "I have known her for three years, and during that time I have watched her grow as a teacher and evolve into one of the strongest teacher leaders in our district. Ms. Morgan is excellent at building relationships, with peers, students, parents and external stakeholders. As a result, hers is one of the most respected voices in our school community.
"Ms. Morgan also believes in educating the whole child. She is very well aware of individual differences and needs of her students and works diligently with other colleagues, specialists and other outside organizations to ensure that each of her students have the support they need in order to be successful. I can't think of anyone better suited to represent the teaching profession and public education than her."
Madison County Board of Education member Keith Ray congratulates Brush Creek Elementary's Teacher of the Year Roslyn Carney.
Roslyn Carney was recognized as Brush Creek Elementary's Teacher of the Year. Carney, who is currently working as a librarian, has worked in the school system for 19 of her 22 years as an educator.
"It's such a blessing to have Ms. Carney," Brush Creek Principal Susan Jackson said. "Ms. Carney does everything, includ ing (helping students with requests like,) 'My computer's broke. It's not working. It won't print. What do I do?' She also works with a group of students to help enrich the opportunities they get in afterschool activiteis. She's just amazing."
Jackson said her work at Brush Creek has been equally rewarding for her.
"I have the pleasure to work in a space that's a learning hub that nurtures the school's social and intellectual development, and it fosters community and collaboration learning, and love," Carney said in a letter read by Jackson. "While I teach my students, they learn to create, connect and collaborate."
Hot Springs Principal Jennifer Mills spoke on behalf of Teacher of the Year Tammy Massey, who also was unable to attend the ceremony.
"Tammy Massey is a teacher that our staff has voted Teacher of the Year multiple times," Mills said. "All of us felt so strongly about her skill as a teacher - especially a reading teacher - that we wanted her to teach all of our kids to read. So, just this year, she graciously agreed to be our K-2 interventionist. I can't think of someone who deserves this award more."
Katie White receives a plaque from Madison County Board of Education chair Karen Blevins recognizing her as Mars Hill Elementary School's 2021-22 Teacher of the Year.
Mars Hill Elementary's Kate White was recognized as Teacher of the Year. Huskins offered her congratulations to White in a letter read at the meeting.
"Kate served as an Exceptional Children's teacher last year and has transitioned into an interventionist for our 4th and 5th graders this year," Huskins said in the letter. "Kate is a hard worker and is rarely seen siting still. She even spends her lunch break eating with students focusing on social skills.
"She is a leader in our building regarding the continuum of skills required for students to become sufficient readers. She's a resource for teachers to consult when planning targeted interventions to support student growth. We are fortunate at Mars Hill Elementary to have such an amazing educator on that staff."