JMCSS announces Teacher of the Year

Angelina Halstead was named the Jackson-Madison County Schools 2023 Teacher of the Year, Friday, May 26. She is a fifth grade science and social studies teacher at Andrew Jackson Elementary School. 

“It's a little bit surreal,” Halstead said at the awards ceremony, “It's one of those things you think, ‘Wait a minute, are you sure?’ But I take it on as one of those moments to just kind of lead the charge for all teachers and say, ‘Okay, I'm gonna represent them all and do the best I can because teachers work so hard.’”

Halstead has worked at several school systems across the West Tennessee region, but has found her home at Jackson-Madison County Schools. 

“I just love the school system. I love the kids I'm working with. I love my community,” Halstead said. 

She said her students this year have worked diligently on kindness and leadership skills this year, later combining those skills to create the “kindness squad” at Andrew Jackson Elementary School. 

“I like to be creative,” Halstead said, “I also challenge my kids to be critical thinkers. So sometimes I stretch them and extend them in ways that they weren't expecting. And so that challenge is a big part of it. And they always find a way to rise to the challenge. I'm tough on them sometimes. But it's that tough love sometimes and then they realize more than anything, I care deeply for them and I want to see them be the best versions of themselves.”

The following teachers were named “Teacher of the Year” at their respective schools: 

Jennifer Horner, Alexander Elementary School;

Angelina Halstead, Andrew Jackson Elementary School;

Tamara Fortner, Arlington Elementary School;

Lily Courtner, Community Montessori School; 

Belinda Murchinson, Denmark Elementary School; 

Jessica McClure, East Elementary School; 

Devona Hollis, Isaac Lane Elementary School; 

Nicole Whitt, Jackson Academic STEAM Academy;

Shelley Billings, Jackson Central-Merry Early College High School;

Tekia Buntyn, Jackson Central-Merry Middle School;

Jessica Plunk, Jackson Central-Merry High School;

Michelle Maclin, Jackson Careers Technology School;

Albert Riney, Liberty High School;

Tranequa Harrell, Lincoln Elementary School;

Tiffany Soriano, Madison Academic High School;

Katie Spain, North Parkway Middle School;

Kathryn Harper, Northeast Middle School;

Alyssa Pearman, North Side High School;

Dr. Jezel Ross, Nova Early Learning Center;

Sam Davis, Parkview Prep Academy;

Tonya Rogers, Pope Elementary School;

Tara Brooks, Rose Hill School;

Mary Emison, South Elementary School;

Stephanie Jones, South Side High School.

Julia Ewoldt, julia@jacksonpost.news