By Staff
TEACHER HONORED Regina Richardson (right) receives the Professional Development Award from MSU-Meridian education faculty, Dr. Gary Benton (middle) and Dr. JoAnn Belk. Submitted photo
By Kelly Quackenbush/The Meridian Star
March 15, 2001
Regina Richardson of Lake has achieved a lot in her first decade as a teacher.
Having entered the profession a few years earlier than most of her peers, the Newton Elementary School teacher has continued to build on her education since receiving her bachelor degree from Mississippi State University-Clinton.
Richardson has earned her master's degree in education and plans to complete a specialist degree in early childhood education at Mississippi State University-Meridian in May. She also is taking a statistics course.
In November, she reached another career milestone by passing the national board certification, thus achieving master teacher status.
The first-grade teacher recently achieved state recognition for her hard work as the recipient of the Mississippi Post-baccalaureate Professional Development Award from the Southeastern Regional Association of Teacher Educators (SRATE).
Dr. JoAnn Belk, associate professor of education for MSU-Meridian, nominated Richardson for the award. Belk is one of Richardson's professors and felt she deserved the award for her excellent academic record, her teaching credentials and her professionalism. Belk said Richardson is a dedicated teacher who feels inclined to better serve her students.
In presenting the award at the recent 47th Annual Conference, Dr. Ronald E. Diss, chairman of the SRATE awards committee, said, "The committee congratulates Mississippi State University and those responsible for Regina's excellent teacher preparation; she is a credit to the teaching profession."
Each university in the state was given the opportunity to nominate candidates for the award.
Richardson educational pursuits are far from over. After earning her specialist degree, she plans to obtain her doctorate degree in early childhood. There is also a possibility of education leadership in her future.
Kelly Quackenbush is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. E-mail her at kquackenbush@themeridianstar.com.