17th Issue No images? Click here Teach Plus Mississippi HeadlinesTeach Plus Mississippi Gears Up for 2024January marks the start of a new year and the beginning of a new legislative session in Jackson. It also marks the moment when our teacher leaders begin using their policy research and advocacy skills to take action! Executive Director Sanford Johnson met with current and former Policy Fellows on January 6th to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities facing schools in the Delta. Joining Sanford are Robbie Williams and Hertayshia Thomas (Clarksdale), along with Kolby Reinke (Sunflower Co.), and Jack Fredericks (West Tallahatchie). Mississippi Program UpdatesDue to the winter weather that swept through the state in mid-January, our Mid-Year Retreat was switched to a virtual event on the 20th. Teach Plus VP of Communications Anya Grottel-Brown joined us to conduct a media training module. Our Policy Fellows received tips about messaging and participating in media interviews. The teacher leaders also worked on refining their policy goals and developing their advocacy plans. In the coming weeks, each of our Fellows will be conducting teacher surveys, writing policy recommendations, and preparing to meet with state policymakers. Be on the lookout for updates as we work on policies related to school funding, mental health, the science of reading, and college/career readiness. Meet Our 2022-23 Policy FellowsNichole Harris-Rosebud, West Tallahatchie School District Nichole Harris Rosebud is a high school science instructor at West Tallahatchie High School in Webb, Mississippi. She focuses on teaching children in the areas of upper-level science including advanced placement science courses. Nichole was the science department chair at West Tallahatchie High School for the years of 2009-2018. Nichole is the current Mayor of Tutwiler, Mississippi, and has served her community as the chief executive officer since 2013. She earned her BS in Biology and a Master of Arts and Teaching from Mississippi Valley State University, Itta Bena. She also earned a Specialist in Education with an emphasis in Educational leadership, Principalship from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Beth Jordan, Scott County School District Beth Jordan is an 8th-grade teacher at Lake Middle School in Lake, Mississippi. The 2023 School and District Teacher of the Year also serves as her school's Librarian, Testing Coordinator, and Events Coordinator. Beth has served in multiple leadership positions throughout her tenure at Lake Middle School, including mentoring new teachers, district advisory committees, and serving her campus as a technology liaison and teacher instructor. Beth earned both her Bachelor's in Secondary Education and a Master's degree in Instruction Technology from Mississippi State University. Teacher VoicesJack Fredericks was one of three teachers from the West Tallahatchie School District featured in a Mississippi Today article about the district’s teacher mentorship program. Jack led the effort to establish the program last year as a 2022-23 Policy Fellow. Click here to read ‘I actually feel quite valued’: Mentorship program works to retain new teachers Upcoming Events & OpportunitiesTake Action: Help our Neighbors in the Arkansas Delta Residents of Helena-West Helena, Arkansas, an Arkansas Delta town right across the river from us, have been without water for the past 12 days. It may take up to three weeks for the city’s water mains to be repaired and water restored. Many residents have very limited access to safe water for drinking, cooking, bathrooms, and laundry. Together for Hope Arkansas is raising money to provide bottled water for community residents impacted by the water crisis. You can donate by clicking the link below. About Teach PlusThe mission of Teach Plus is to empower excellent, experienced, and diverse teachers to take leadership over key policy and practice issues that advance equity, opportunity, and student success. Since 2009, Teach Plus has developed thousands of teacher leaders across the country to shape education policy and improve teaching and learning, to create an education system driven by access and excellence for all. Want to be involved? Join Our Network or Nominate Teachers to join by visiting our website at teachplus.org/MS or click below: For more information about the Policy Fellowship, please email Teach Plus Mississippi Executive Director Sanford Johnson at sjohnson@teachplus.org. Monthly |