JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
The passion, hard work and dedication that one Jackson Public School teacher exhibits in her school has placed her at the top of her class.
During an ordinary day at school, McWillie Elementary school teacher Hope Pearson received an unordinary surprise from interim JPS Superintendent Jayne Sargent. Pearson is the 2011-2012 JPS Teacher of the Year. She says the recognition came as a complete shock.
"I had no idea no idea I am truly surprised," said Pearson.
Pearson has had a love for teaching since she was a child. In 2007, her dreams came true when she started working at McWillie Elementary School with children in the Exceptional Education Department.
"Those are children who have some type of challenge and she integrates them into the regular program and she gives them the added help they need," said Dr. Sargent.
Pearson says she's not just concerned about the children that come through her classroom.
"I love working with all of the students in our school not just mine, I consider every child that walks through the doors of McWillie one of my students," said Pearson.
Pearson was chosen for the honor from about 2,000 teachers from within the Jackson Public School District.
She said, "I am so honored I am as close to speechless as I could ever come."
Pearson says her goal isn't just to educate her students, but to give them hope and encourage them to become life-long learners who strive to learn something new every day.
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