Gadd Named as 2019 Mississippi Teacher of the Year Finalist

By Talbert Toole
Lifestyles Editor
talbert.toole@hottytoddy.com

The Mississippi Department of Education announced last Tuesday the finalists for the 2019 Teach of the Year which included Lafayette County School District’s Hannah Gadd.

Gadd was announced as the district’s Teacher of the Year in early January in addition to her recognization as the Lafayette High School’s representative.

She follows in the footsteps of fellow teacher Whitney Drewery, who currently represents the state as Mississippi’s Teacher of the Year.

The awarded teachers wrote a one-page paper explaining the significance of this honor that they submitted anonymously, Pugh said. Each paper was then ranked from 1 to 4, 1 being the most outstanding paper.

Gadd garnered three 1’s on her paper, which landed her the second award to represent the entire district.

Gadd told Hottytoddy.com in January that she was shocked when she found out the board had awarded her with the honor of representing the district as Teacher of the Year.

“To be named the Lafayette County School District Teacher of the Year is so humbling,” Gadd said. “I’ve been blessed with amazing teachers who invested their hearts and time into me as a student from elementary school through graduate school.”

She also said she has found support from the administrators and colleagues within the Lafayette School District.

“My students are my pride and joy,” Gadd said. “They never say no to my crazy ideas, and they constantly amaze me with their positivity and love for learning.”

The Mississippi Teacher of the Year program recognizes exemplary teachers in the state, according to the MDE.

If Gadd is recognized as the 2019 recipient, she will be asked to share expertise through various presentations, professional development, and activities for the improvement of education.

In addition, Gadd has the opportunity to also receive a $5,000 stipend and adance to represent Mississippi in the National Teacher of the Year competition.

The recipients will be announced March 29, 2019 beginning at 11 a.m., Jackson Convention Complex in Jackson.