Michael named Teacher of the Year

Published 8:30 am Friday, April 2, 2010

special to the star

    Meridian Public School District English teacher Liz Garner Michael has been named the 2010 Teacher of the Year for the 3rd Congressional District.

    The 2010 Mississippi Teacher of the Year Selection Committee met in March to select the four congressional district finalists. From these four, the 2010 Mississippi Teacher of the Year will be selected. The announcement will be made at an awards luncheon on April 23 at the Hilton Jackson.  

     With nearly 30 years in the teaching profession, Michael teaches ninth-grade English at the R.D. Harris Building on the Meridian High School campus. She is nationally certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

    Looking back on her nearly three decades in education, Michael said her greatest accomplishments are reflected through the successes of her students. Many are still in high school, while others are now adults and are contributing members of their communities.

    “I believe that all students can and will learn if certain components are in place,” she said.

    “Such components are a safe and conducive environment for learning, relevant and age-appropriate learning opportunities, diverse methods of instruction, and various means of assessing students’ performance. With those components in place, all students will have opportunities for success.”

    Interim Superintendent Dr. Terry Larabee said Michael is “just one example of teaching excellence” in the MPSD family

    “She is someone new and less experienced teachers can emulate,” Larabee said

    Michael was chosen Mississippi Alternate Teacher of the Year in 2001.This is the fifth time she has been selected by her peers as Teacher of the Year. 

    Michael is a member of the National Council of English Teachers; The East Mississippi Business Development Corporation Education Committee; The State Blue Ribbon Committe For Teacher Preparation and the Meridian Business and Professional Women’s Clubs.

    The 2010 Mississippi Teacher of the Year will receive a $5,000 salary supplement from the Mississippi Department of Education, compete in the National Teacher of the Year competition and be invited to attend the National Teacher of the Year Conference in Dallas. The winner will also travel to Washington, D.C., meet President Barack Obama and participate in a Rose Garden recognition ceremony at the White House.