The top principal and teacher in Mississippi work in this Coast school district
A Pascagoula-Gautier School District principal and teacher were named as the best in the state for 2023 by the Mississippi Department of Education.
Dr. Caterria Payton, a principal at Pascagoula High School, is the Mississippi Administrator of the Year. Louise Smith, a teacher at Gautier Middle School, is the Mississippi Teacher of the Year.
MDE announced the winners Friday in Jackson.
“Congratulations to all winners and finalists of this year’s awards,” said Mike Kent, interim state superintendent of education. “These educators have made impacts in their communities and deserve accolades for demonstrating quality leadership and helping students achieve greater outcomes.”
Payton and Smith each received $5,000 stipends, according to MDE.
“It is our job as administrators to be champions for our teachers by giving to them what we expect them to give our students,” Payton said. “When teachers feel that they are seen, heard and valued, they are more emotionally sound and confident and are more likely to be effective champions for all students.”
Smith, who teaches music to 7th and 8th graders, said “The complex work of education is the great equalizer for our society, and teachers are the people who stand in the gap as bridges for students and their future.”
This story was originally published April 28, 2023 at 2:30 PM.
