White Hall School District is celebrating two educators who are making a big impact in their schools and beyond. Typically the district Teachers of the Year are recognized at the back to school professional development for staff. This year, the district moved up its usual Teacher of the Year recognition timeline so its selected teachers could meet the Arkansas' Spring deadline to be honored at the state level. On Tuesday March 17, administrators surprised teachers in their classrooms to present them with the award.
This year’s Teachers of the Year represent both experience and fresh energy in the classroom. Melissa Vernor, a kindergarten teacher at Moody Elementary, is in her 30th year of teaching. She is known for her team-first mindset, often sharing that she is “only as good as my team,” and her influence is felt not only by her students but by her entire campus. Her kindergarten class cheered and ran to her with hugs when she was presented with the award.
At White Hall High School, Anna Claire Pullman is being recognized in just her second year of teaching. She is already making a name for herself, recently being cited in a publication by the Information on the Research Council on Mathematics Learning for her work in the field. In true fashion, Mrs. Pullman was not found in her classroom, but was outside with her students working equations with sidewalk chalk. This represents just one way Mrs. Pullman goes the extra mile to reinforce the content she is teaching.
Congratulations to these two educators who continue to make a difference for students across White Hall School District.