Part of an ongoing series featuring the teachers nominated for Vicksburg-Warren County Chamber of Commerce’s Teacher of the Year honors.

Jennifer Marbley says “no one forgets a teacher, be it good or bad.”

The eighth grade science teacher at Warren Central Junior High School wants to make sure her students and peers remember her for excellence in the teaching profession.

She began her teaching career at Port Gibson High School in 2010 and taught three years at Port Gibson Middle School before becoming a teacher at WCJHS in 2014.

Marbley decided to become a teacher because she wanted to make a positive impact in the lives of children

“I decided to become an educator because it’s my passion to help children learn and progress in their future endeavors,” the Alcorn State University graduate said. “In addition to that, having a student look back and say, ‘Yeah Ms. Marbley taught me that,’ is something to cherish.”

She said watching a student finally get it is something she enjoys most about teaching.

“One of the things I enjoy most about teaching is those ‘aha’ moments when a student finally grasps an objective or concept being taught in class,” Marbley said. “The fact that they thought they couldn’t interpret an area, and to finally focus and challenge those high order critical thinking skills simply amazes me. I love it!”

Being recognized by her peers at WCJHS is humbling for Marbley.

“My reaction to being selected WCJHS Teacher of the Year, was nothing less than humbled and appreciative because I simply love what I do,” Marbley said. “Having co-workers who notice and to have thought enough of me to select me makes what I do just that much more critical and important and I’m truly grateful.”

The Vicksburg-Warren County Chamber of Commerce will choose one elementary and one secondary teacher of the year at the chamber luncheon Feb. 20. The winner of each award will receive $1,000 from Ameristar Casino and the runner-up for each award will receive $500 from Mutual Credit Union.

Marbley said she if she is selected as the top educator, it would motivate her even more as a teacher.

“Having already been selected by my peers at WCJHS, if I was selected overall, honestly I wouldn’t change a thing,” Marbley said. “I’d just continue to increase my drive to help children excel and lead by example.”