Michelle Lee, a 10 year teacher at Poplarville Upper Elementary School, has been annouced as Poplarville School District's Teacher of the Year for the school year 2013-2014.
This past spring one teacher from each school in the district was selected as that school's Teacher of the Year. Teachers selected were Tammy Smith, Poplarville Lower Elementary; Michelle Lee, Poplarville Upper Elementary; Jennifer Tynes, Middle School of Poplarville; and Jarrett Windham, Poplarville High School. From this group of talented teachers one was selected as Teacher of the Year for the district. All the star teachers were presented a certificate at the March School Board meeting by Carl Merritt, Superintendent of Schools, and Violene Jordan, School Board President.
Michelle Lee has been teaching at PUE for 10 years and is a veteran of the classroom for 14 years. She currently teaches 5th grade and credits her students energy as one of her motivators for excelling in the classroom. "My classroom is my students. Their energy and personality push me to become a better teacher and in turn I push them to become better students. I thoroughly enjoy watching each child become a critical thinker. There is no greater feeling than watching their progress from the beginning of the year until the very end. It is a gratifying process," Lee stated.
Lee has been married for 27 years to her high school sweetheart, Kendell Lee, Sr. She has three children and three grandchildren. She credits her family and their support for her success in and out of the classroom.
Tammy Smith is an 18 year teacher at Poplarville Lower Elementary where she currently teaches 2nd grade.
"Teaching allows me to continue my career as a lifelong learner. I enjoy meeting new students and their families and forming relationships with former students which will last a lifetime. I love to see the "light bulb" come on in the minds of students when they realize they have learned something new. Student growth can only be achieved when they are challenged and inspired to do their best each and every day. This applies to school, but more importantly to their life," Smith said about her career.
For 27 years, Smith has been the wife of Lee Smith and they have two children, Adam (Bean) and Alle.
Jennifer Tynes has taught at the Middle School of Poplarville for 12 years and is currently teaching eighth grade social studies.
Tynes said about her job and students, "I most enjoy seeing each of my students grow not only physically and intellectually but emotionally; when they reflect confidence in themselves and realize how smart and capable they actually are, the opportunities are literally endless. My job is to provide my students with the opportunities and to instill their desire to become confident, independent thinkers."
Tynes is married to Josey Tynes and has four children, Averi Amacker, JoJo, Weston, and "Baby" Jadyn Claire.
Jarrett Windham is a six year teacher at Poplarville High School where he currently teaches U.S. History.
"My kids are the reason I enjoy my job! Teaching children about society is the best way to do my part in creating a more tolerant and understanding world," Windham said.
Windham is married to Alicia Windham, an occupational therapist at Forrest General Hospital. They have a three year old son, Karthie and are expecting a little girl, Aubrey, in June.
The Poplarville School District is pleased to have so many special, talented teachers guiding young lives in our communities.