The students of the 2019-2020 Quitman Upper Elementary Teacher of the Year are benefitting from 15 years of experience. They are now inducted into a group of young people more than 300 strong. Mrs. Johnson makes teaching look easy but that’s probably because she’s also a Revered Building Expert, Curriculum and Instruction Guru, and a Talking Stick Designee two years in a row.

About her 4th grade lead Math teacher, QUE Principal Mrs. Ivey is at a momentary loss for description, “There are so many things I can say about Mrs. Johnson.” She pauses before continuing, “She’s an awesome team leader and a great team player. Her knowledge of mathematics is impeccable. Most importantly, she is an amazing role model and guide for her students. Her students and parents absolutely love her. QUE is blessed to have her.”

Mrs. Ivey doesn’t believe in tiebreakers and Mrs. Johnson had plenty of company at Monday afternoon’s faculty meeting. The announcement was made in the school’s library beyond earshot of the QUE students. Yesterday none of the kids knew why they were taking a picture, but they had many reasons to do it.

“It’s because we did so good on our benchmark tests,” one mentioned, but when told their teacher won an award, all of the kids agreed, “Well, of course she did.”

The students did not know about the award because their teacher was too busy teaching them.

Mrs. Hurst says of her colleague, “This woman is the best teammate. She does it all. She is always prepared and ready to go. She knows her stuff and her kids. Having her as a teammate has made me a better teacher. I absolutely adore her. She also manages to stay glamorous through it all.”

Mrs. Rozzell adds, “Mrs. Johnson is definitely the best coworker. She is always prepared and helpful in every way. She most definitely deserves the title Teacher of the Year.”

Mrs. Johnson replies, “I definitely do not like to be in the spotlight. I am happy seeing others recognized. Mrs. Hurst and Mrs. Rozzell are significant parts of why our 4th grade math team is fabulous. Truthfully, everyone of us at QUE is a teacher of the day, week, month, and year.”

2019 – 2020 Positively Positive Comrade
Interacting with students and staff members in a positive manner 
Haleigh Wilkins

2019 – 2020 Talking Stick Designee
Speaking up as a leader during staff development and grade level meetings
Becky Mitchum

2019-2020 Quitman Upper Elementary Assistant Teacher of the Year
2019 – 2020 Positively Positive Comrade
Interacting with students and staff members in a positive manner
2019 – 2020 Distinguished 7 Habits Model
Fostering the behaviors that depict the 7 Habits of Leader in Me
Khadijah Chapman

2019-2020 Quitman Upper Elementary Assistant Teacher of the Year
2019-2020 The Revered Building Expert (2 Years in a row!)
Serving as a critical friend for colleagues while providing meaningful feedback on instruction
2019-2020 Distinguished 7 Habits Model
Fostering the behaviors that depict the 7 Habits of Leader in Me
Cathy Slay

2019 – 2020 Legendary Data Warrior
Displaying ample evidence that she knows each student’s level and tracks their progress
Tarra Hurst

2019-2020 “With-It” Classroom Orchestrator (2 years in a row!)
Creating an inviting, enthusiastic environment for learning
2019-2020 Parent Partnership Crusader
Building positive partnerships with parents and families
Jessica Chancelor

2019-2020 Campus Quarterback of Sainthood
Team player, kind, considerate to other staff members, and stepping in to cover for others
Leigh Goldman

2019 – 2020 Positively Positive Comrade
Interacting with students and staff members in a positive manner
Dre’Anna Davis

2019-2020 Campus Quarterback of Sainthood (2 years in a row!)
Team player, kind, considerate to other staff members, and stepping in to cover for others
2019-2020 Distinguished 7 Habits Model
Fostering the behaviors that depict the 7 Habits of Leader in Me
2019-2020 Extra Mile Runner (2 years in a row!)
Sponsoring, planning, and attending extracurricular activities
Pam Hampton

2019-2020 Distinguished 7 Habits Model
Sponsoring, planning, and attending extracurricular activities
Anita Lafferty

2019-2020 Revered Building Expert
Serving as a critical friend for colleagues while providing meaningful feedback on instruction
2019-2020 Parent Partnership Crusader (2 years in a row!)
Building positive partnerships with parents and families
Christine Wright