VICENZA, ITALY – The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) - Europe South District proudly announces that Marla Echols, a third-grade teacher at Rota Elementary School in Rota, Spain and a Columbia native, has been selected as the 2024 Europe South District Teacher of the Year.
“Mrs. Echols is a dedicated and caring educator who embodies the heart of teaching. Her passion for teaching and guiding all children to do and be their very best is evident not only in her classroom, but also as she collaborates with her colleagues and partners with parents and community members,” said Europe South District Superintendent, Jeff Arrington.
Echols has more than 17 years of teaching experience, and since 2009, her DoDEA teaching assignments include Okinawa, Japan, Fort Knox, Kentucky and, of course, Rota, Spain.
An undergraduate Elementary Education major with an emphasis in remedial reading at Tougaloo College, Echols later earned a Master of Education in Elementary Education from Mississippi College.
Echols believes educating students must go beyond academics; social emotional wellness is essential for students to thrive both academically and personally. She affirms every learner through the motto: “I BELIEVE I can. I KNOW I will…SUCCEED,” which she fervently imparts to her learners at the start of each school year.
“Upon entering the Learning N.E.S.T. (Nurtured Enthusiastic Successful Teaching), students feel valued, loved and encouraged to tap into the authentic version of themselves,” said Echols.
The DoDEA Teacher of the Year Program recognizes and honors exemplary Pre-K through high school teachers. The process begins at the nomination level where teachers may be nominated by peers, administrators, parents, students or community members. Each District Teacher of the Year is selected by a district panel using specified criteria to review District Teacher of the Year applications. Eight teachers will be named District Teacher of the Year for 2024. Each District Teacher of the Year is invited to apply for the DoDEA Teacher of the Year.
