Teacher of the Year: Austin Forges Personal, Global Connections With Students

Amanda Gronewold

The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) selected Petal High School (PHS) freshman and sophomore social studies 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.”

“He makes you feel better about yourself when you are around him,” Knight said. “That is why our students and staff love him so much. He takes a genuine interest in each person.”

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.

Austin grew up overseas, graduating from high school in Lima, Peru, and prioritizes sharing his global 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 just in Mr. Austin's classroom. It's not just room 113 — you're walking into a global classroom," he said. "We take virtual tours. Say we're talking about Tsar Nicholas the Second — we take a tour of the Winter Palace in Russia."

Austin, who is currently in his fifth year of teaching, also provides hands-on, global experiences by bringing relics, such as pieces of the Berlin Wall, to class. He also connects his classroom to the local community by inviting guest speakers and showing letters from area soldiers.

Dr. Carey Wright, Mississippi's superintendent of education, congratulated Austin for his award and the other finalists for their impact on students.

“I join with their school communities in congratulating them on their achievements," she said. "All of the finalists showed outstanding leadership and dedication throughout their careers, and the students benefit greatly from having these professionals working on their behalf."

The annual Mississippi Teacher of the Year program awards the winner a $5,000 stipend and encourages the recipient to share expertise through various presentations and activities. Austin said he plans to use the stipend to aid him in furthering his education by pursuing a specialist degree in educational leadership from William Carey University.

Austin said he hopes to inspire his fellow teachers, especially through the challenges presented by COVID-19.

“I want to … rekindle the fire and the flame of every teacher, to help them know that they can make a difference — that they have the power to change lives,” he said. “They still have a goal in mind, and 2020 shouldn’t hinder that. It should challenge us to become better teachers.”

Austin (standing) instructs his 10th grade World History class during the fall semester. Pictured are students (from left to right) Amari Butler, Cincere Clems and Lleyton Coleman/