Jennifer DuPont, a third grade teacher at Poplar Springs Elementary School, receives flowers and balloons Monday after being named the Teacher of the Year for the Meridian Public School District as MPSD Superintendent Dr. Alvin Taylor observes the celebration.

    Most people wake up on Monday mornings groaning because another weekend is over and another work week is about to begin.

    But Jennifer DuPont, a third grade teacher at Poplar Springs Elementary School, probably had a smile on her face because she knew this particular Monday held something special.

    Monday afternoon, in front of the entire third grade at PSE and their teachers, DuPont was recognized by officials with the Meridian Public School District as the District Teacher of the Year. Dr. Alvin Taylor, superintendent of the MPSD, said this honor in teaching is akin to winning the Heisman Trophy in college football.

    “She is our most valuable player,” proclaimed Taylor. “It is my hope that all of the other teachers in the district follow her lead.”

    In addition to being named the District Teacher of the Year, DuPont had already garnered the Teacher of the Year at PSE. DuPont will represent MPSD in the State Teacher of the Year program sponsored by the Teacher Center at the Mississippi Department of Education.

     DuPont Graduated Magna Cum Laude from Mississippi State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree. She has been teaching math and science for 14 years, 13 of those at PSE. DuPont’s students regularly achieve “Star” level test scores, for test scores on the MS Curriculum Test and the MS Curriculum Test, 2nd Edition. DuPont’s average Quality Distribution Index (QDI) average is 250.4 (200 and above is Star level).

    “She has maintained this level for a long time,” Taylor said. “That in itself proves her commitment to her students.”

    DuPont said this was a great honor but not one she can take fully. She said in today’s teaching world, where young students are so active and need to be continually challenged, it is a huge task for teachers to stay a step ahead in teaching techniques in order to give students of all ages the best learning experience possible.

    “It takes a lot of hard work and working with other teachers in order for us to make learning interesting,” DuPont said. “Teachers share all kinds of information among ourselves so really I share this recognition with other teachers as well.”

    DuPont serves as a presenter in the MPSD “Teacher University.” She has served as a presenter at the MSU Riley Center Arts Integration Professional Development. DuPont served on the Whole Schools Initiative grant writing team and serves as the “Model Classroom Teacher” for school visitors. DuPont mentors new teachers. DuPont and her family, husband, Dustin, and daughter, Megan, attend Central United Methodist Church in Meridian.

    Other MPSD Teachers of the Year at their respective schools are, Shevondra Clayton – Crestwood Elementary, Carla Desmond – T.J. Harris Elementary, Elise Dickerson – Oakland Heights Elementary, Kirby Simmons – Parkview Elementary, Kathy Scott – West Hills Elementary, Vickie Moseley – Carver Middle School, Robin Hall – Magnolia Middle School, Jason Kidd – Northwest Middle School, Donna Smith – Meridian High School, and Laurel Rigdon – Ross Collins Vocational Center.