Recently, the Louisville Municipal School District celebrated its teachers of year and district teacher and district administrator of the year at their monthly meeting held on January 14.
Those honored were Linda Ball, Jodie Duran, Kerri Rogers, Julie Childs, Bridget Taylor, Linda Ball and Shuni Coffey.
Sarah Webb, principal of Fair Elementary earned the recognition of District Administrator and Jimmy Rushing, a teacher at Winston-Louisville Career and Technical Center earned the title of District Teacher of the Year.
Webb currently works as a principal at Fair Elementary. Webb came to Fair from Noxapater Attendance Center where she worked as an assistant principal. Before moving into the administration side in the Louisville Municipal School District, Webb worked as a English teacher at Eiland Middle School. Webb has also worked as a 21st Century Grant Director and Literacy Coach.
“Over her seventeen years in the field, she has grown into a committed educational leader who believes in fostering growth and unlocking the potential of every child. Her philosophy of education emphasizes the importance of preparing students for a lifetime of opportunities. Sarah is dedicated to educating the whole child-supporting academic, social, and emotional growth to ensure success in both school and life. She believes that an equitable and supportive learning environment empowers children to overcome challenges, build resilience, and develop the skills needed to thrive in an ever-changing world.”
Rushing currently works as a welding instructor at Winston-Louisville Career and Technical Center and is also an ELITE Welding instructor at the Winston-Choctaw Regional Correctional Facility. Rushing holds a an Associate’s degree from East Central, Bachelor’s degree in Poultry Science with a minor in Business and Animal Science from Mississippi State University, CCOL, Propulse, and NCCER Certifications.
“My decision to become a teacher did not begin like one who chooses a typical profession. I grew up with the love of animals and agriculture which led me to seek a career in veterinary medication. Little did I know that when my plans were altered beyond my control, I would find myself in the place I was truly meant to be. I actually applied for a position as a teacher because I was told I would never be able to get it. Those who doubted me only made my determination stronger. Upon receiving this position, I realized quickly that my path to this career, though unexpected was no mistake.”
Other teachers honored:
Linda Ball, Fair Elementary School- Ball has been in education for quite some time, beginning as a teacher for Mississippi Action for Progress, Inc. Head Start from 1993 until 2013. In 2013, she began as a teacher assistant at Fair Elementary. Before coming to Fair, Ball earned an associates degree and a Bachelor’s degree from Tougaloo College in Early Childhood Education and Child Development. While at Fair, she went back to school and obtained her Masters of Education in Middle School Education and Elementary Education.
She currently works as a first grade math teacher at Fair Elementary.
“Starting my career at Head Start showed me the importance of bridging early educational gaps and inspired my commitment to helping each child develop essential skills. Transitioning to the public school system, I continued this dedication, aiming to make a meaningful impact by nurturing every student's potential. One of my greatest joys is helping students believe in themselves and achieve milestones they might not have thought possible,” Ball said.
Jodie Duran, Noxapater Attendance Center- Duran has worked in the Louisville Municipal School District for 30 years as a math teacher and a softball coach. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics education.
“One of my most fulfilling accomplishments has been helping students succeed in Algebra I, a subject that often challenges young learners. Over the years, my students have consistently achieved outstanding test scores and pass rates, reflecting their hard work and the supportive, engaging learning environment I strive to create. Seeing their confidence grow as they master complex concepts is immensely rewarding, and I am honored to play a role in their academic
success.”
Bridget Taylor, Louisville Elementary School- Taylor is currently a fourth grade English teacher at Louisville Elementary and is in her second year. Taylor came to the district from Northwest Rankin where she taught from 1997 until 2022. Taylor said that her dream was to go into Marketing and Finance, but after losing her babysitter to cystic fibrosis, she had to pivot. That led her to teaching at Pinelake Church, and later led her to Northwest Rankin. Taylor holds an Associates of Arts from East Central, a Bachelor’s of Business Administration from Mississippi State University and a Master’s of Education from Mississippi College.
“My goal is for my students to feel that learning
is fun and that school is a place that they want to be. I hope that my students feel that they have the opportunity to express their thoughts and opinions on a daily basis while learning new strategies to help them develop into productive citizens
Julie Childs, Nanih Waiya Attendance Center- Childs is currently a third and second grade teacher at Nanih Waiya Attendance Center. Childs has been in the district since 1998. Childs holds a degree in Elementary Education from the University of Eastern Illinois and a Master’s degree from Mississippi State University.
“While working on my Masters Degree, I read a sobering study. The study found that 50% of students who had been retained once, later dropped out of school. 75% of students who were retained twice dropped out. As a Teacher Support Team (TST) member, I can do my part in decreasing this problem. The TST works together to plan academic interventions and find needed support for students. These supports can decrease retention and drop-out rates and help our students cross the finish line with a high school diploma. I have been my schools TST Chairperson since 2009. This important responsibility requires no small amount of unpaid work.”
Kerri Rogers, Eiland Middle School- Rogers has moved around the district since 2007 when she began as a teacher in the district at Fair Elementary after coming from Earl Nash Elementary. She taught at Fair for seven years before moving to Louisville Elementary. Rogers then taught at Louisville Elementary for eight years before moving to Eiland in 2021 where she currently teaches.“I have wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember. I played teacher growing up with my sisters and cousins all through my childhood. I have always been a
"different teacher" not like the rest because I wanted to teach the child as a whole, not just reading and writing”
Shuni Coffey, Louisville High School- Coming to the district from Weir Elementary, Coffey has taught at Louisville High School for five years as an English teacher. Coffey holds a Bachelor’s degree from Ole Miss and has taught for 22 years, with her longest tenure in the Choctaw County School District.
“My grandfather was the first African American to serve on the school board and that was also a factor that helped me choose to become an educator. I worked at daycare when I was in high school and I saw the difference I was making in their lives. Watching the children light up after learning something I taught them, warmed my heart; that let me know then this is what I wanted to do. Change lives, be a light in the community, and enlighten the future are what drives me on a daily basis to be greater than I was the day before. “
