Teachers and staff members from the Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District celebrate at a recent luncheon honoring educators.
Recently, over 150 staff members came together in Starkville to celebrate Teacher Assistants and Interventionists at a heartfelt luncheon, showcasing the community’s appreciation for their vital contributions to education. Organized by the Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District and sponsored by BankPlus, the event highlighted the essential roles these educators play in supporting student success and fostering a positive learning environment.
In the heart of Starkville, something pretty special went down recently, and it had everything to do with the incredible heroes in our schools—Teacher Assistants and Interventionists. On a bright Thursday, the Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District (SOCSD) gathered to show appreciation for these remarkable individuals at a delightful luncheon.
This fulfilling event took place in the charming setting of Hill and Moor, which once was the historic Moor High School. The room buzzed with excitement as over 150 staff members from all nine SOCSD school campuses came together to celebrate. The whole thing was made possible thanks to the generous sponsorship of BankPlus of Starkville, demonstrating the community’s support for education.
Superintendent Dr. Tony McGee, alongside the SOCSD administrative team, hosted the festivities, making sure that every dedicated Teacher Assistant and Interventionist felt valued for their essential contributions to student learning. The focus was all about recognizing how vital these team members are to the educational experiences of children in Starkville.
Dr. McGee emphasized the idea that Teacher Assistants and Interventionists truly are the backbone of classroom operations. Think about it: they help create personalized learning opportunities by working closely with students, often in small groups or one-on-one settings. Many of them have a full-time presence in classrooms, while others juggle their time across various classes. Their role is crucial—they reinforce lessons, clarify any confusion, and offer the extra time some students might need to keep up.
Interventionists, on the other hand, play a critical role in the multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS). They are keen on identifying students who may be struggling and providing that timely, targeted support essential for success. The individualized attention these professionals give not only enhances students’ confidence but also helps ease their frustrations—a beautiful win-win situation for everyone involved.
Moreover, Teacher Assistants and Interventionists contribute significantly to creating a positive learning environment, particularly for students with special needs. They help ensure that every child has a chance to thrive in their educational journey.
Throughout the luncheon, special thanks came from administrators representing each school, offering words of gratitude and encouragement that filled the air with a sense of camaraderie and appreciation. Julie Kennedy, the Principal at Overstreet Elementary, highlighted how the experience and dedication of staff can lead to the success of students. With Overstreet Elementary receiving an impressive “A” rating on Mississippi’s accountability model for the upcoming school year, it truly reflects the hard work being done.
Adding to the appreciation was the guest speaker for the day, Representative Cheikh Taylor. Representing District 38 in the Mississippi House of Representatives, he shone a light on the significance of Teacher Assistants and Interventionists, referring to them as “unsung heroes” of education for the invaluable relationships they cultivate with students. He even shared how an Interventionist had a profound and positive influence on his own son’s educational experience, making his message hit home for many.
Dr. Debra Prince, the SOCSD Board of Trustees President, further motivated Teacher Assistants to continue their educational journey and aim for teacher licensure. The entire event reinforced a crucial mission—the commitment to integrating these essential roles into classroom structures, ensuring that all students receive the support they need.
As the celebration wrapped up, it became clear that the Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District stands firm in its mission to achieve excellence in education by discovering and developing each student’s unique passion, purpose, and potential. Together, this community shines a spotlight on the dedicated individuals who are committed to nurturing the next generation.
Educators are indeed heroes, and Starkville certainly knows how to show its appreciation!
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