JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) announced the 2026 Mississippi Administrator of the Year is Dr. Matthew Fulton, principal at Sumner Hill Junior High School in the Clinton Public School District, and the 2026 Mississippi Teacher of the Year is Lauren Zarandona, a teacher at Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science (MSMS).
The winners were announced at a program led by MDE’s Office of Teaching and Leading at the Jackson Convention Complex on April 17, 2026.
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The annual 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 annual Mississippi Teacher of the Year program recognizes an exemplary teacher in the state who inspires students, demonstrates leadership both inside and outside the classroom and serves as an active member of the community. The award recipient also receives a $5,000 stipend and will share expertise through various presentations and activities. Zarandona will represent Mississippi in the National Teacher of the Year competition.
The alternate 2026 Mississippi Administrator of the Year is Stephanie Shirley, principal at Clarkdale High School in the Lauderdale County School District; and the alternate 2026 Mississippi Teacher of the Year is Cody Eadie, a teacher at Harrison Central High School in the Harrison County School District.
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