Connie Henderson, who was recently selected Teacher of the Year in the Kosciusko School District, said she feels fortunate to have a part in shaping the minds of young students as they establish a foundation for life.
Henderson, kindergarten teacher at Kosciusko Lower Elementary School, was recently recognized for the honor at the Kosciusko Foundation for Excellence in Education (KFEE) banquet, and is among nominees for the state Teacher of the Year title.
She is completing her 24th year of teaching.
A Teacher of the Year is selected by the principal of each of the Kosciusko schools on the basis of performance, leadership, attitude and community involvement. A letter of recommendation is written by the principal to accompany the submission of the nominees to Superintendent Billy Ellzey.
A panel then evaluates each of the nominees and makes the final selection of the district Teacher of the Year.
Henderson believes that every student can be successful.
“All students can learn, and there are no children in the world that are incapable of learning,” she said of her educational philosophy. “With a caring and positive teacher, every child can succeed in life.”
With that belief as her foundation, Henderson said she strives to be demonstrate a positive attitude and to provide each student with what he or she needs in order to be successful.
As a kindergarten teacher, many of her students are having their first experience in a structured environment. She said her job involves making that experience fun for the children so that they develop a love of learning.
“When engaging my students in active learning, I encourage them to participate in group discussions. I want them to feel personally connected to what they are being taught and understand how they can apply these skills to real life,” said Henderson.
Henderson began her teaching career at Kosciusko Upper Elementary, where she taught for four years before joining the classroom staff at Kosciusko Lower Elementary.
She is a graduate of East Holmes Academy, Holmes Community College and Mississippi State University, where she received her undergraduate and Master’s degrees. She is married to Ricky Henderson and the couple have two daughters, Sarah Caroline, a senior at Kosciusko High School, and Mary Patton, an eighth-grader at Kosciusko Junior High School.
As the mother of two teenagers, Henderson is involved in their activities as well as the community. At First Baptist Church, she serves on the Youth committee and participates in Vacation Bible School as well as other activities and events.
