Categories: CommunityEvents/What's HappeningNews

Starkville Celebrates Unsung Heroes at Annual Educator Luncheon

Educators gathered at the annual Starkville luncheon to celebrate their dedication and hard work.

News Summary

The Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District held its annual luncheon to honor Teacher Assistants and Interventionists, recognizing their vital contributions to education. Over 150 staff members gathered at Hill and Moor to celebrate their hard work, supported by BankPlus. Speakers highlighted the importance of these roles in fostering personalized learning experiences and supporting struggling students. Encouragement was given for further education to enhance their skills. The event reaffirmed the district’s commitment to integrating these educators within classrooms to help all students succeed.

Starkville Celebrates Unsung Heroes at Annual Educator Luncheon

In the heart of Starkville, there was a delightful gathering that celebrated the hard work of some truly amazing individuals! The Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District (SOCSD) rolled out the red carpet for its Teacher Assistants and Interventionists during a special luncheon held on a sunny Thursday at the charming Hill and Moor. This annual event brought together over 150 dedicated staff members from all nine SOCSD school campuses, shining a light on the invaluable contributions these educators make every day.

Recognizing Hard Work

Superintendent Dr. Tony McGee stepped up as the host of the luncheon, joined by the SOCSD administrative team, to share their admiration for the Teacher Assistants and Interventionists. Dr. McGee emphasized how these educators are the “backbone” of classroom activities, laying the foundation for personalized learning experiences that cater to each student’s unique needs.

The role of Teacher Assistants is vital, as many work full-time in classrooms or rotate between different classes to ensure that all students receive the extra help they might need. Their contributions include reinforcing lessons, clarifying difficult concepts, and offering additional time for students to reach their academic goals. In turn, this supportive environment promotes a thriving atmosphere for learning.

Interventionists to the Rescue

On the other hand, Interventionists focus on helping students who may be struggling by providing targeted interventions as part of the district’s multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS). Their efforts are especially significant for students with special needs, as they work to create positive learning environments where all students feel supported and empowered to succeed.

A Celebration of Growth

Throughout the luncheon, administrators took a moment to express their heartfelt gratitude and encouragement for the Teacher Assistants who are making a difference. Julie Kennedy, the Principal at Overstreet Elementary, highlighted the wealth of experience these educators bring to the table, noting how their dedication contributes to significant student growth. Indeed, Overstreet Elementary recently received an A-rating on Mississippi’s accountability model for the upcoming school year, which is no small feat!

A Personal Touch

A special guest speaker, Representative Cheikh Taylor, shared heartfelt words of appreciation for Teacher Assistants, recounting a personal story about the difference an Interventionist made in his son’s education. Taylor described them as “unsung heroes” whose lasting relationships with students foster an environment of trust and support.

Encouragement to Further Education

Dr. Debra Prince, the Board of Trustees President, encouraged evening attendees to consider furthering their education to achieve a full teacher’s license. She recognized the substantial contributions Teacher Assistants and Interventionists make toward the success of their classrooms, highlighting the importance of continuous learning and growth in the field of education.

Commitment to Integration

The commitment from the district to integrate Teacher Assistants and Interventionists into the classroom structure was further reiterated by Dr. McGee. This initiative aims to help lower-performing students reach their full potential, ensuring that all students have access to the support they need to thrive in their education journey.

For those who want to relive the wonderful moments, SOCSD has a full set of photos from the luncheon available in its Facebook album. So, whether you are a parent, a friend, or simply a community member, there’s plenty to be proud of when it comes to the dedicated educators of Starkville!