JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) announced the finalists for the 2026 Mississippi Administrator of the Year and the 2026 Mississippi Teacher of the Year.
The Mississippi Administrator of the Year program honors an administrator who demonstrates superior ability to inspire teachers, employs exemplary leadership practices and participates as an active member of the community. The recipient will receive a $5,000 stipend and will share expertise through various presentations, professional development, and activities for the improvement of education in the state.
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The Mississippi Teacher of the Year program recognizes exemplary teachers in the state. The award recipient will be asked to share expertise through various presentations, professional development, and activities for the improvement of education. The recipient also will receive a $5,000 stipend and will represent Mississippi in the National Teacher of the Year competition.
The recipients will be announced during a program set for 11:00 a.m. on April 17, 2026, at the Jackson Convention Complex in Jackson.
2026 Mississippi Administrator of the Year Finalists
- Congressional District 1: April Hobson, Principal
- New Albany Middle School, New Albany School District
- Congressional District 2: Dr. Matthew Fulton, Principal
- Sumner Hill Junior High School, Clinton Public School District
- Congressional District 3: Stephanie Shirley, Principal
- Clarkdale High School, Lauderdale County School District
- Congressional District 4: Patrick Bennett, Principal
- Long Beach Career and Technical, Long Beach School District
2026 Mississippi Teacher of the Year Finalists
- Congressional District 1: Lauren Zarandona, Teacher
- Mississippi School for Math and Science
- 11th – 12th grades Mathematics
- Congressional District 2: Lauren Saxton, Teacher
- Yazoo County High School, Yazoo County School District
- Ninth grade Algebra 1
- Congressional District 3: Lori Street, Teacher
- West Marion High School, Marion County School District
- 9th – 10th grades Algebra 1
- Congressional District 4: Cody Eadie, Teacher
- Harrison Central High School, Harrison County School District
- 10th – 12th grades English
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