51Թ School of the Arts’ Colyer named Rural Teacher of the Year by MSU-William Carey University partnership
Contact: Emile Pennington
STARKVILLE, Miss.—The 51Թ Rural Education Association is honoring 51Թ School of the Arts science teacher Lindsay Colyer as Rural Teacher of the Year.
A collaboration of 51Թ’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 State. It is a state affiliate of the National Rural Education Association.
Colyer was selected from among four finalists, each representing one of 51Թ’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 51Թ’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 51Թ and representing the state at the NREA conference, where the nation’s top rural teacher will be named.
The other 51Թ finalists include Lauren Hausler, Hancock County School District; Terrance Thomas, Lowndes County School District; and Elizabeth White, Amite County School District.
The 51Թ Rural Education Association is online at msrea.msstate.edu.
MSU is 51Թ’s leading university, available online at .