Warrenton Elementary teacher Myra Grey has more than 20 years of experience in the classroom and said she believes teachers who focus lessons around the students’ abilities have the best chance to make a significant impact.

“A lesson that defines me as a teacher is when I taught the water cycle in summer school,” Grey explained. “(The students’) objective was to understand the stages of the water cycle. The class consisted of different students at different grade levels. I engaged all students in learning by hands-on activities, cooperative learning, differentiated instruction and technology. The learning influenced my students by a deeper understanding of the lesson, students taking ownership of learning and being excited and engaged. My beliefs about teaching are demonstrated in a student-centered approach, technology and interactive learning that motivates and keeps students engaged.”

Grey is a finalist for the Vicksburg-Warren County Chamber of Commerce’s Educator of the Year award. One elementary and one secondary teacher of the year will be announced at the Chamber Luncheon in February. The winner of each award will receive $1,000 from Ameristar Casino and the runner-ups for each award will receive $500 from Mutual Credit Union.  

Grey, who has taught for 23 years, earned her bachelor’s degree in business economics from Southern University, her master’s degree in agricultural economics from the University of Arkansas and her Ed.S. in educational leadership from William Carey University.

She said she has learned over the years that students learn best when they can interact with the lessons themselves.

“I ensure students are connected to the world by using project-based learning, field trips, virtual tours and a classroom store, to name a few,” Grey said. “I organize projects where my students can solve real-world problems.”

Grey said she also uses differentiated instruction, formative assessments, cooperative learning and positive reinforcement in order to improve student achievement.

“This allows me to provide immediate feedback and clear up misunderstandings,” she said. “I also incorporate learning strategies like ‘Think-Pair-Share’ small peer groupings to enhance engagement and problem-solving skills. This allows students to learn from each other and encourage social and academic skills.”

Despite employing a variety of strategies in her classroom, Grey said, at the end of the day, the desire to reach students and inspire them to be the best they can be is the product of just one thing.

“It is a calling,” she said.