Weakley County Schools is proud to announce that Jennifer Mull and Katie West are the “Feature Teachers” for March 2024. Launched last month, the Feature Teacher initiative is aimed at honoring exceptional teachers who embody the district's core values of purpose, connection, and growth in their work preparing students every day.
Greenfield School teacher Jennifer Mull was selected for grades Pre-K through 5, while Dresden Middle teacher Katie West was chosen for grades 6-12. Their tireless work and commitment to their students earned them this well-deserved recognition. As part of their recognition, selected teachers are surprised with resounding applause and granted the honor of temporarily holding the towering 6-foot "Feature Teacher" trophy for one month. Mirroring the tradition of championship belts in sports, the concept symbolizes teachers’ exceptional contributions to education as they pass the torch 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.
Greenfield School Principal Jamie Doster commended Jennifer Mull’s dedication, saying, “This year is Mrs. Mull's first year working with Weakley County Schools, but her skills show that she is a veteran teacher. Her students are thriving in her classroom environment. Based on her aimsweb scores, 75% of her students have shown a full year’s growth. The bar is set high in her classroom, and students are showing they are achievers,” said Doster.
Dresden Middle School Principal David Lewellen said 7th grade teacher Katie West is a role model to her students as well as her peers.
“Mrs. Katie West learned valuable skills from both her parents who were career educators. She shows compassion and empathy, and she makes connections with her colleagues and students. Truly, Mrs. West believes in her students, helps them feel safe and supported, and prepares her students. Katie West is the true definition of an educator,” said Lewellen.
The honored teachers will enjoy well-deserved bragging rights and be prominently featured in stories within the district and on social media platforms. These heartfelt tributes will showcase their inspiring work and serve as a source of connection for educators across Weakley County.
Betsi Foster, Assistant Director of Schools, shared her sentiments, "Recognizing teachers like Jennifer Mull and Katie West is not just about acknowledging their hard work. It’s also about celebrating their profound positive influence on the lives of our students. As educators, they embody compassion, dedication, and a genuine commitment to building a supportive learning environment. We are always inspired by our district’s teachers,” Foster said.
Weakley County Schools is proud to be a champion in support of outstanding educators. Look for the next “Feature Teacher” in April.