The Columbia School District is recognizing Tameka Mallard from Jefferson Middle as the District Teacher of the Year and Columbia High Principal Sheila Burbridge as Administrator of the Year.
The School Board and Superintendent Jason Harris honored them and other winners from each school Jan. 11 as a large crowd of families and friends packed the boardroom.
Harris proposed a change in venue for future meetings to accommodate such accolades, moving the meetings across the street to the larger multi-purpose room at Columbia High and only holding the summer meetings in the conference room at the District offices.
Mallard spoke about her award after telling the Board and those gathered that she wanted to cry.
“I want to thank God because without him this would not be possible,” she said. “He gave me the compassion to be a teacher. Then I want to say thanks to my amazing administrators for allowing me when I came in to be me and not restricting me. We don’t want our children to be taught the same way, so we should not expect our teachers to all teach the same way. They allow me to be me and do my job. I thank God for that. It’s amazing to have administrators who go the extra mile and let you do what need to do, and that is to teach your kids and love your kids.”
Teachers of the Year at the other schools included:
• Ashley Haddox, Columbia High
• Melissa Herring, Columbia Elementary
• Greg Arnold, Columbia Primary
Harris said the awards show the determination and character that teachers have.
“Many times our profession is put down, and it needs to be elevated. It’s obvious that when you are being recognized by your peers that you are appreciated,” he said. “Teachers are where the rubber meets the road every day. It’s the most powerful thing that you can do. You impact somebody’s life every day. It’s like Larry Bell says, in some days, you are one student’s only hope.”
Burbridge was given the administrator award as Harris read the plaque.
“It says with deepest appreciation for outstanding contributions to your students, faculty and your community, you are given this award,” he said. “Congratulations.”
Board Vice President Rene Dungan congratulated the honorees.
“As I was watching it all, a word came to mind, and that is compassion,” she said. “We know that to be a good teacher or administrator, you have to have compassion and your have to love what you do. You have to love every single child that comes in that classroom and we know that’s hard. On behalf of the Board, we thank you for your dedication, compassion and your love. You’re shaping our future. You in this room are what is going to carry on in America, in Mississippi and our community.”
The Board also voted to change the date of the February meeting to Tuesday, Feb. 6 in the multi-purpose room.
Prior to the 5:30 meeting time, at 4:30 p.m. that day, the District will host a dedication of the renovated Crystelle Ford Auditorium and the new Wildcat sculpture at Columbia High.
Pictured Above: Columbia School District Teacher of the Year Tameka Mallard is given her award by Superintendent Jason Harris last week. | Photo by Mark Rogers
