Last week, the Lakeland School System announced their Teachers of the Year. The recipients are Mrs. Jessica Bailey, Resource teacher at LES and Mrs. Candace McGuire, 8th grade math teacher at LPS.
The Teacher of the Year Program, sponsored by the Tennessee Department of Education, is for recognizing and honoring outstanding teachers. Mr. Matt Adler, Lakeland Preparatory School Principal, stated, “The selection process begins with teachers nominating their colleagues. After nominations are received, the school administration discusses each nominee and uses the above criteria to make the final selection. The name of the selected teacher of the year is submitted to the state and the nominee then submits Part I of the application for the state competition by February 28th.” Information about the program, including criteria for selection, can be found here.
Mrs. Jessica Bailey
Mrs. Bailey is in her eighth year of teaching. Since graduating with a Bachelors degree in Teaching All Learners (K-6 and SPED K-12), she has taught second and third grades at Double Tree Elementary before landing at LES where she taught fourth grade for five years before starting her new journey as a Resource teacher for 2nd-4th grades for the 20-21 school year. She states, “Teaching is the most challenging, emotional draining and fulfilling career that anyone could ever be blessed to have.” She continued, “I don’t think people ever decide to be teachers- that’s a decision that is made for us before we are ever born by God.”
Mrs. Lockhart, LES Principal, had this to say about Mrs. Bailey, “POSITIVE, ENCOURAGING, LOVING, INSPIRING, and FUN (all with a contagious smile)! These words describe LES’ Teacher of the Year! Mrs. Bailey doesn’t just teach, but she facilitates the learning in her classroom. She dives deep into the curriculum to bring out the best in her students. Mrs. Bailey also loves to learn along with her students. She is constantly researching best practices to implement as well as the best way to help her students grow and succeed.”
Mrs. Candace McGuire
Mrs. McGuire is in her 12th year of teaching, nine of which have been in Middle School math, her self proclaimed passion. She received a BS in Elementary Education from Oklahoma State University and an MS in Education from Arkansas State University. Her husband’s military career led them to stints of time in Hawaii, Millington, and California before returning to Tennessee, where she began teaching at LPS when it opened in 2016. She holds professional teaching licenses in Oklahoma, California and Tennessee and also coaches girls basketball and softball for the school.
About teaching middle schoolers, Mrs. McGuire says, “I know middle school can often be a challenging time for kids but I feel it is the most rewarding to be a part of such a pivotal time in a student’s life. My goal is for every student who passes through my classroom to leave with greater self-confidence & growth mindset after proving they can persevere through any challenges that arise, while learning some math along the way.”
Principal Adler commented, “It is an honor and privilege to recognize an amazing educator who is dedicated to our school. Candice McGuire promotes academic excellence and supports our students within the classroom, on the basketball court, and has agreed to be the first coach of Lakeland Prep’s first softball team. Mrs. McGuire embodies excellence and wants what is best for all students. We are most certainly proud to have her in our Lions family.”
When asked about his thoughts on these honors, Superintendent Ted Horrell had this to say, “LSS is so fortunate to have amazing teachers in both of our buildings. We are proud to have outstanding teachers like Ms. McGuire and Ms. Bailey who represent our district every day, but will also represent us in this statewide competition.”
