Hall of Master Teachers to Induct New Group

COLUMBUS, Miss. – The Mississippi Hall of Master Teachers ceremony at Mississippi University for Women will recognize six Mississippi K-12 educators for exemplary dedication Thursday, Dec. 4.

The Mississippi Hall of Master Teachers began in the hearts and minds of those who know and respect great teachers.  Established at The W in 1991, the Hall recognizes and honors outstanding educators for their consistent excellence and long-term dedication to teaching in grades K-12.

The teachers are judged on the basis of their professional activities, educational leadership, contributions to curriculum and course development, teaching philosophy and influence on students and other teachers. Involvement in extracurricular activities is also a part of the evaluation.

Qualifications include 15 years of full-time classroom teaching, including seven years in Mississippi schools, K-12.

With the induction of the class of 2014, the Mississippi Hall of Master Teachers now has 136 members. The class of 2014:

Dr. Marlies Bearden, recently retired from teaching mathematics (trigonometry, AP Calculus II, AP Calculus III, geometry and intensive algebra) at the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science (MSMS). She has 31 years of teaching experience, with 27 years in Mississippi.

Carolyn Beasley is the physical education teacher and reading tutor at Carver Elementary School in Tupelo.She has 22 years of teaching experience with 21 years of experience in Mississippi.

Dr. Scott Curtis teaches English, history and philosophy at MSMS. He has 30 years of teaching experience, with 28 years in Mississippi.

Dr. William Odom teaches biology, chemistry and physics at MSMS. He has 18 years of experience teaching, with 18 years in Mississippi.

Itaska Rosamond teaches fourth and fifth grades at Ward Stewart Elementary School in Starkville. She has 22 years of teaching experience, with 11 years in Mississippi.

Marrion Winders is the media center specialist at Rankin Elementary School in Tupelo.She has also taught math, science and social studies in the elementary school. She has 19 years of teaching experience, all in Mississippi.

Dr. Jeanne Forrester will provide the keynote address at the induction ceremony and luncheon scheduled for 11:30 a.m. in the Pope Banquet Room. A veteran educator, Dr. Forrester has experience as a district administrator, professor, middle grades teacher and educational consultant. She has served as a Governor’s Education Policy Advisor as well as past president of both the Mississippi and New Mexico Middle School Associations and founding member of the New Mexico Middle Level Education Association.

The Mississippi Hall of Master Teachers ceremony also will be held in conjunction with the New Teacher Institute, which was initiated in 1993 to advise and encourage beginning teachers. Participants will attend sessions on a variety of topics related to the specific needs of new teachers. Morning and afternoon sessions will be held from 9:30 a.m. until 2:30 in the Education & Human Sciences Building.