Oxford Superintendent Says the District’s 2016 Employee of the Year Is a “Teacher in the Truest Sense of the Word”
Stephanie Stallings Recognized for Daily Dedication in Helping Oxford School District Students and Teachers Reach Their Full Potential
Oxford, Mississippi (June 3, 2016)—While Oxford school teachers are busy educating students, a handful of district employees work behind the scenes to provide guidance and support so that teachers can make the most of their instructional time in the classroom. One of these hard-working employees is Oxford School District Instructional Technology Coach Stephanie Stallings, the 2016 Oxford School District Employee of the Year.
Stallings says her role is to help teachers develop lessons that incorporate digital devices—for example, the Apple laptops used in the district’s One to One Digital Learning Initiative—to help prepare students for college and career readiness.
“She is a teacher in the truest sense of the word,” said Brian Harvey, superintendent of the Oxford School District. “It does not matter if she is working with students or adults: she is a tremendous asset to our district, and her selection as our district’s Employee of the Year is well deserved.”
As part of her job on the district’s Instructional Support Team, Stallings leads professional development training for teachers. On any given day, she can be found in classrooms working one-on-one with teachers, showing them how they can effectively use technology as educational tools. Teachers can then create a learning environment that meets the individual educational needs of their students.
“The school district’s overall vision is for students to receive a first-class education,” said Harvey, “one in which they will be prepared for college or career experiences, confidently knowing the 21st century world is theirs. Stephanie is a part of this overall goal because, as a technology coach, she shares tools and resources for teachers to improve their instructional time, which has a direct impact on how well our students learn.”
Stallings has been with the Oxford School District since 2008 and says that after reflecting on where she has been professionally, she gives the district a large portion of the credit.
“The Oxford School District has given me the experience and encouragement to grow in various areas,” said Stallings. “All of my administrators and colleagues have pushed me to strive for my best and rise for excellence. Additionally, my family is my greatest encouragement. My family supports me in all that I do, and I will always be grateful for their support and strength.”
She added, "I am deeply honored and humbled to have been selected as the Employee of the Year and to join past recipients who I have long admired and respected.”
Stallings says her future plans are to continue raising the bar and continue to do her part in making sure every Oxford school student reaches his or her full potential.
“Looking ahead, I will do my part to grow and continually improve the Oxford School District,” she said.