Mississippi School of the Arts’ Colyer named Rural Teacher of the Year by MSU-William Carey University partnership

STARKVILLE, Miss.—The Mississippi Rural Education Association is honoring Mississippi School of the Arts science teacher Lindsay Colyer as Rural Teacher of the Year.

Lindsay Colyer, third from left, poses with, Chuck Beningo, left, William Carey University Program of Research and Evaluation for Public Schools executive director; Pattie Permenter, Mississippi Rural Education Association co-coordinator; and Bradley Long, MREA co-coordinator. Colyer, who teaches science at the Mississippi School of the Arts, was named Rural Teacher of the Year by the MREA, a collaboration between Mississippi ��APP’s Social Science Research Center and PREPS. (Photo submitted)

A collaboration of ��APP’s Social Science Research Center and William Carey University’s Program of Research and Evaluation for Public Schools, the MREA serves as a professional organization for rural education leaders and advocates in the Magnolia ��APP. It is a state affiliate of the National Rural Education Association.

Colyer was selected from among four finalists, each representing one of Mississippi’s congressional districts. The award recognizes and honors outstanding teachers who have significantly contributed to statewide rural education.

“Each of the finalists has a palpable passion for their students and the communities they serve. The finalists represent the strength of Mississippi’s rural schools,” said Bradley Long, co-director of the MREA and SSRC project manager.

In her Brookhaven classroom, Colyer implements active learning strategies, including game-based learning, discussions, reflections, scavenger hunts and other hands-on activities while teaching various science courses like chemistry and botany. She combines technology with traditional methods, such as handouts and notebooks.

“Through hands-on activities and experiences in my classroom, students learn more about science and the world around them,” she said. “Learning precedes innovation, and innovation aims to bring about new ideas, methods, products, services or solutions that have a significant positive impact and value.”

Colyer will serve as an ambassador for rural education, representing the excellence and commitment of educators in Mississippi and representing the state at the NREA conference, where the nation’s top rural teacher will be named.

The other Mississippi finalists include Lauren Hausler, Hancock County School District; Terrance Thomas, Lowndes County School District; and Elizabeth White, Amite County School District.

The Mississippi Rural Education Association is online at msrea.msstate.edu.

MSU is Mississippi’s leading university, available online at .

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