Teachers must be selected to participate in the NEA teacher leader fellowship. The Okolona quad of teachers is four of more than 200 educators from eight states chosen for this great opportunity.
Mrs. Brown- high school teacher, Mrs. Ivy – district librarian, Ms. Ivy – school counselor, and Mrs. Marshall – middle school teacher, provide Okolona with over 45 years of combined teaching experience and continue to be dedicated in providing the best educational experiences for children. All of the ladies are excited about the results of the program and being part of a rare occurrence of having four educators in the same school complete the Teacher Leader Institute during the same year.
Superintendent Chad Spence says, “We want our teachers to continue to learn and grow. We encourage teachers and staff members to participate in advanced degrees, National Board certification, and programs such as this. OMSSD is very proud to have these four ladies adding such educational wealth to our district. “
“We made it! This seemed like a long year, but well-worth it. I am very glad to participate in such a quality program with awesome expert leaders in Mississippi and other states. The will to continue to the finish line was more encouraging because the four of us held each other accountable and wouldn’t let the others give up. The Mississippi expert coaches were awesome and just kept pushing up until the end. COVID-19 brought about several challenges, but we didn't let that stop us from succeeding.” states Mrs. Jacqueline Brown.
The Teacher Leadership Institute (TLI) is a joint endeavor of the National Education Association (NEA) and the Mississippi Association of Educators (MAE). The program developed and launched in 2014 in partnership with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and the Center for Teaching Quality. The TLI is focused on a shared vision of teacher-leadership advancing the profession.
Participants engaged with an interactive curriculum designed and facilitated by expert teachers. Their learning took place virtually on NEA’s learning management platform and in face-to-face meetings. TLI fellows are to utilize their leadership skills to help advance student learning, strengthen the teaching profession, and provide vision and direction.
“I believe teachers stepping into leadership roles advances our entire public-school system,” says Erica Jones, Mississippi Association of Educators president. “These teacher leaders are experts in their field, and their presence in our schools will have a profoundly positive impact on their students’ success and their colleagues’ professional development. The Teacher Leadership Institute is an innovative program that plays an important role in addressing the teacher shortage crisis. We are immensely proud of this group for continuing to step up for Mississippi students and families.”