The Lakeland School System (LSS) has announced selections for Teacher of the Year at both campuses.
- Alison Garland, ESL (English as Second Language) teacher was selected for LMPS (Lakeland Middle Preparatory School which serves grades 5-8.
- Robin Phillips, librarian, was chosen at LES (Lakeland Elementary School) which serves students in grades PK-4.
Both teachers advance to competition at the Southwest region for selection of a state teacher of the year. Link to the competition dates: https://www.tn.gov/education/teaching-in-tennessee/educational-recognition/teacher-of-the-year.html
Mrs. Garland – LMPS
She is the ESL teacher for grades 5-8 and is in her 10th year of teaching. She graduated from Lipscomb University in 2009 with a BA in elementary education K-6 and a Masters of Arts in teaching English Language Learners K-12 in 2010.
She has been at LMPS since the school opened in August 2017 and taught in Shelby County Schools and Nashville, TN prior to coming to LMPS.
She is the Drama Club sponsor and co-director for Willy Wonka, Jr., this year’s play and co-director for Peter Pan in 2018. She is also the International Club Sponsor and helps to coordinate International Family Night, which is planned for its second year next month.
Her husband Drew is an air traffic controller. They have two children: Maddie, four-years-old, and Brooks, two-years-old.
From Principal Matt Adler at LMPS
“LMPS is blessed to have an educator like Alison Garland. She strives to maximize achievement in all her students, helps families acclimate to the school, and supports student clubs such as the International Club and Drama Club. Alison Garland is deserving of this honor and will represent LMPS for the regional level selection process.”
Ms. Phillips – LES
She came to LES in the fall of 2010 to be the school librarian. She had been a 3rd – 4th grade teacher at Barret’s Chapel for 15 years. She also taught four years in Texas before coming to the Memphis area.
Ms. Phillips, affectionately known as Ms. P, oversees Lakeland’s Little Library, a special mailbox in front of the school for families in the community to borrow books at their leisure. She enlists student helpers to keep the book selection current for the community.
She also manages a group of student Library Helpers who help her with the circulation of books and materials.
She is the faculty sponsor for the Battle of the Books team. She organizes two annual events for Lakeland Elementary. Every fall, with the help of parent volunteers, she hosts the Scholastic Book Fair, and each spring she hosts a Visiting Author who speaks to the student body about his/her career in writing books.
She is a member of the Lakeland Elementary LEAD (Leadership, Education and Development) team this year and next year. In that role, she has hosted Sip ‘n See Professional Development sessions for teachers to sample resources available in the library. She also organizes the annual Read Across America celebration in honor of Dr. Seuss’s birthday with special guest readers for our students.
From Principal Joretha. Lockhart at LES
Ms. Phillips has a teacher’s heart. She is not just our librarian, but a lover of books. Ms. Phillips uses animation, puppets, and creativity to engage her students in every lesson. You may walk in the library and see Pippi Longstocking, Dr. Seuss, or one of the Three Little Pigs. “Miss P” brings books to life and enjoys teaching her students about the many genres, plethora of characters, and the difference between an author and illustrator. No book is too small or too big for Ms. Phillips to conquer. Not only do the students love her, but her colleagues do as well. LES is proud of our Teacher of the Year!!!! Congratulations Ms. P.
Lakeland high school students attend Arlington High School through an interlocal between the two cities until a high school is built in Lakeland.
