Weakley County Schools is proud to announce Riley Padgett and Jamie Babb as the “Feature Teachers” for April 2024. Introduced in February 2024, the Feature Teacher initiative aims to recognize outstanding educators who exemplify the district's fundamental values of purpose, connection, and growth through their dedicated efforts in shaping students' futures daily.
Gleason School's 4th-grade teacher Riley Padgett was selected for grades Pre-K through 5, while Dresden Middle's Instructional Coach Jamie Babb was chosen for grades 6-12. Their tireless work and commitment to their students have earned them this well-deserved recognition. As part of the recognition, chosen teachers are met with enthusiastic applause and given the privilege of holding the towering 6-foot "Feature Teacher" trophy in their classroom for one month. Inspired by the tradition of championship belts in sports, this concept represents the exceptional contributions of teachers to education as they pass on the honor to the next deserving recipient.
Under the "Feature Teacher" initiative, teachers who embody the district's core values of purpose, connection, and growth are nominated by their school principals each month based on their outstanding work in support of students. Nominations are then carefully reviewed, and teachers are selected from two grade bands - one from the Pre-K through 5th-grade band and another from the 6th through 12th-grade band. This program serves as an additional avenue for showing appreciation for the hard work of our amazing teachers.
Gleason Principal Lee Lawrence and Riley Padgett and Asst. Principal Monica Rollins
Riley Padgett - Gleason - April 2024 Feature Teacher for Grades PreK-5
Gleason Principal Lee Lawrence praised 4th-grade teacher Riley Padgett's exemplary performance in her first year at Gleason. “Riley Padgett is doing a phenomenal job. She exhibits purpose and connections daily in her classroom. She is well-planned and strives to meet students where they are in the learning process. She makes necessary accommodations to make students feel valued and successful in her classroom. Riley welcomes feedback on her daily practices and enjoys the evaluation process, and she’s always eager to learn new things and consistently strives to improve her practices for the benefit of students,” said Lawrence.
Jamie Babb - DMS - April 2024 Feature Teacher for Grades 6-12
Dresden Middle School Principal David Lewellen commended Jamie Babb’s hard work, saying, “Jamie Babb is a great asset for our teachers and staff. She is willing to go above and beyond to help teachers be successful. Before becoming our instructional coach, she taught everything from 5th-grade ELA to 7th and 8th-grade Social Studies. She has been our After School Scholars Director and Summer Scholars Director since we began those programs and helps give the teachers the tools they need to be successful. We are so thankful for her dedication to our students and staff,” Lewellen acknowledged.
Jamie Babb and DMS Principal David Lewellen
The teachers will be featured in stories within the district and on social media platforms. These genuine tributes will showcase their inspiring work and serve as a source of connecting educators across the district.
Director of Schools Jeff Cupples is enthusiastic about honoring more exceptional teachers.
“Honoring teachers such as Riley Padgett and Jamie Babb goes beyond simply recognizing their dedication. It's about commemorating the significant, positive impact they have in the lives of students and fellow faculty and staff. As educators, they embody commitment, a passion for learning, and dedication to making Weakley County Schools the best district to receive an education,” said Director Cupples.
Weakley County Schools is proud to champion outstanding educators.