Education
Theresa Bell named Teacher of the Year at Warren Central High School
Theresa Bell once thought that computer science was the perfect career path for her. But after working several jobs, she decided to deviate from that path and join another: teaching.
Since 2000, Bell has taught English at Warren Central High School.
“Teaching was not my first calling,” she said. “I often tell my students that teaching was not predestined in my path because I initially wanted to do computer science; however, after getting my bachelor’s degree in computer science, I was with Allstate Insurance company, and they relocated out of Jackson, Miss. After they left, there weren’t any jobs available in my major. So a family member suggested that I go into teaching. I went the alternate route by taking the test and just went from there.”
During her 19 years as a teacher, Bell has touched the hearts of many students and inspired them to pursue a professional career in language arts.
“Teaching is something that I do that makes me feel meaningful,” she said. “When I have students that come back and say, ‘Mrs. Bell, I remember when we did this, and I appreciate you talking to me about that’—most of the time it’s not about a specific lesson, but it’s about just giving a kind word of advice. I just feel that I’m in the right place at the right time.”Â
This year Bell was recognized as the Teacher of the Year at Warren Central High School by her peers at the school.
“We all work hard with our students and with each other,” she said. “To be named Teacher of the Year by my peers—it, too, is another sign from God that I am where I’m supposed to be.”
Bell believes that the award represents all of the dedicated instructors at the school.
“Receiving the Teacher of the Year award at Warren Central High School is such a humbling honor, especially with all of the intelligence and talent that we have there,” she said. “So many people who have never gone to Warren Central don’t know the talents that we have at Warren Central. We have really hard working teachers here who are here early in the morning to late in the evening, not just to teach but to model and mold the students who are there.”
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