NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: March 29, 2019
JACKSON, Miss. – The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) and the Office of Teaching and Leading today announced that, Dr. Lee Pambianchi, principal of Northshore Elementary in the Rankin County School District, has been selected as the 2019 Mississippi Administrator of the Year (MAOY), and Hannah Gadd, 6th – 12th grade choir director and music appreciation teacher at Lafayette High School in the Lafayette School District, has been selected as the 2019 Mississippi Teacher of the Year (MTOY).
“I congratulate these outstanding educators on their achievements. The level of commitment to their students and their professions are worthy of distinction, and they are shining examples of the exceptional educators we have throughout the state,” said Dr. Carey Wright, state superintendent of education.
Weeks before today’s announcement, each school district selected a District Teacher of the Year and District Administrator of the Year. Following an intensive selection process, four congressional district winners were chosen from district award recipients. Finally, one teacher earned the MTOY recognition and one administrator earned the MAOY recognition following an interview with finalists.
The Mississippi Administrator of the Year program honors an administrator who demonstrates superior ability to inspire teachers, to employ exemplary leadership practices and to participate as an active member of the community. The recipient receives a $5,000 stipend and shares expertise through various presentations and activities for the improvement of education in the state.
The Mississippi Teacher of the Year program recognizes exemplary teachers in the state. The award recipient also receives a $5,000 stipend and will share expertise through various presentations and activities. Gadd will represent Mississippi in the National Teacher of the Year competition. In addition, she will travel to Washington, D.C., to meet the President and First Lady and will participate in a Rose Garden recognition ceremony at the White House.
2019 Mississippi Administrator of the Year
Dr. Lee Pambianchi, Principal
Northshore Elementary, Rankin County School District
Personal Philosophy Snapshot: Dr. Pambianchi believes that “a love of learning must be instilled in our students.”
2019 Mississippi Teacher of the Year
Hannah Gadd, Teacher (6th – 12th grade Choir Director and Music Appreciation)
Lafayette High School, Lafayette School District
Personal Philosophy Snapshot: Ms. Gadd believes that “M.U.S.I.C. can be used as a tool to help Motivate, Understand, and Sculpt Independent Citizens in and out of the classroom by providing opportunities for collaborative growth while fostering a joy for learning about music and the world around them.”
Media Contact:
Patrice Guilfoyle, APR
Director of Communications
601-359-3706
Jean Cook, APR
Director of Public Relations
601-359-3519