s
Teacher
spotlight
OF THE YEAR
Austin Forges Personal, Global Connections With Students Amanda Gronewold
T
he Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) selected Petal High School (PHS)
freshman and sophomore social stud-
ies teacher Ben Austin as the state’s Teacher of the Year for 2020. Austin, who was nominated for the statewide award after he was named PHS Teacher of the Year by his fellow educators, said having a positive impact on students’ lives is one of the most important aspects of his job. “The most rewarding thing about teaching is relationships with students — the opportunity that I have to make a difference,” he said. PHS Principal Rob Knight vouched for Austin’s passion for connecting with his students and said, “That’s what he does the best.”
Ben Austin, a freshman and sophomore social studies teacher at Petal High School, was selected as the state's Teacher of the Year for 2020 by the Mississippi Department of Education. perspective with his students from the
inviting guest speakers and showing
moment they walk in his classroom.
letters from area soldiers.
“I let them know that we’re not
Dr. Carey Wright, Mississippi’s
just in Mr. Austin’s classroom. It’s not
superintendent of education, con-
just Room 113 — you’re walking into
gratulated Austin for his award and
a global classroom,” he said. “We take
the other finalists for their impact on
virtual tours. Say we’re talking about
students.
“He makes you feel better about
Tsar Nicholas the Second — we take
yourself when you are around him,”
“I join with their school communi-
a tour of the Winter Palace in Russia.”
ties in congratulating them on their
Austin, who is currently in his
achievements,” she said. “All of the
fifth year of teaching, also provides
finalists showed outstanding leader-
Knight said. “That is why our students and staff love him so much. He takes a genuine interest in each person.”
hands-on, global experiences by bring-
ship and dedication throughout their
Austin grew up overseas, graduat-
ing relics, such as pieces of the Berlin
careers, and the students benefit
ing from high school in Lima, Peru,
Wall, to class. He also connects his
greatly from having these profession-
and prioritizes sharing his global
classroom to the local community by
als working on their behalf.”
School Focus
20
Winter 2021
