Mississippi Rural Education Association Honors 2025-26 Rural Teachers of the Year

Each year, RSC's Mississippi Hub partners at the Mississippi Rural Education Association (MSREA; co-led by PREPS at William Carey University and the Social Science Research Center at Mississippi State University) award the Mississippi Rural Teacher of the Year Award, honoring four teachers from each of the state’s congressional districts. Per the MSREA, districts nominate educators who demonstrate exceptional teaching practices that contribute to student success, innovative and creative approaches to engage students in the learning process, leadership within the school and community, fostering positive relationships, and dedication to addressing the unique challenges and opportunities in rural education. 

This year, the four winners were Carrie Guntharp (District 1), Gloria Rodgers-McDuffy (District 3), Devon Sellers (District 4), and overall winner Melanie Davis-Hardy (District 2). Melanie Davis-Hardy is also a 2025-26 Grants in Place recipient, leading her students on a project to explore their stretch of the Mississippi River and share their findings with their local community. Each district winner shared with RSC about why they teach in a rural setting, what they are proud of in their teaching, and more:

Melanie notes that many in her region struggle economically, which has informed both her pedagogy and curriculum. She shares that “I intentionally design learning experiences that are rigorous, relevant, and rooted in both local issues and global connections. I want students to recognize that they have the power to address challenges in their own community while also seeing themselves as contributors to a much larger world. At the same time, I believe place-based learning is essential. By helping students explore the significance of their own community—its environment, culture, and challenges—they develop pride in where they come from and a sense of responsibility for where they can lead. My goal is to inspire students not only to change the world, but also to understand the importance of making a difference in the community in which they live.” 

After a lifetime in education – she now teaches many children of former students– Melanie reflects that “Receiving this prestigious award was a profound honor because it represents a lifelong calling… For the past 31 years, I have had the privilege of living out that passion, and each year deepens my commitment to this work. To be recognized in this way is both humbling and affirming—not only for me, but for the students, colleagues, and community who have shaped my journey.”

Devon Sellers 

Devon Sellers, who teaches at the Jones County Career Technical Center (CTE) in southern Mississippi, has been in education for over 20 years. While she teaches CTE, she notes that “In a rural setting, you don’t just teach a subject—you help shape futures, often for students you’ve known most of their lives. That kind of connection is why I’m here, and it’s why I stay… I see hope in the student who works a job after school but still shows up ready to learn. I see inspiration in the ones who are the first in their family to pursue a career or college. And I see endless possibilities when students realize they don’t have to leave their roots behind to build a successful future—they can grow right where they’re planted.” 

As a CTE teacher, Devon is able to help students build confidence in skills that will help them secure jobs within their community and plant rural roots, just like she did. “My teaching is rooted in real-world experiences that reflect our community. In a rural area, practicality matters. I focus on hands-on learning, work-based opportunities, and skills that students can immediately apply—whether that’s entering the workforce, supporting local industries, or continuing their education. I also work to connect students with local businesses, mentors, and opportunities so they can see a future for themselves right here. My goal is to make learning relevant, meaningful, and directly tied to the lives they’re living now and the futures they’re building.” 

As Devon reflects on this award, she feels it is a shared honor that belongs to her whole community: “This award is an incredible honor, but it’s not just mine—it belongs to my students, my colleagues, and my community. I’m surrounded by educators who pour their hearts into what they do every day, and I’m grateful to be part of that team at Jones County Career Technical Center… This recognition reminds me why I do this work. Rural education matters. Our students matter. And I’ll continue to show up every day ready to give them my best.” 

Carrie Guntharp

Carrie Guntharp, like many rural teachers, holds multiple job titles: fifth and sixth grade Science teacher and K-6 Computer Science, at Fairview Attendance Center in the Itawamba County School District in northeastern Mississippi, a place steeped in family history. “I teach in a rural setting because it is home—where my roots run deep and my story began long before I ever stepped into a classroom as a teacher… . My great-grandmother, Ivy Wood, taught at Fairview School—now Fairview Attendance Center—for over thirty years, and in many ways, I am continuing what she started. My family has lived in this part of Itawamba County for more than a century, and teaching here allows me to give back to the same community that shaped me.” 

Carrie has pushed her teaching beyond the proverbial four walls, writing grants that have opened doors for a food program: “I take pride in providing real-world learning experiences for my students. Several years ago, I wrote a grant through the Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation to establish a greenhouse and culinary program. Today, students actively engage in planting vegetables and flowers, experimenting with propagation methods, and exploring creative ways to grow food.”

As for the award, Carrie sees it as a two-way street between her and her community: “These recognitions reflect the students, families, colleagues, and community who have shaped me just as much as I have tried to serve them. They affirm my commitment to hands-on, meaningful instruction that prepares students for life beyond the classroom while also helping them build confidence, character, and a strong work ethic. More than anything, they reinforce my belief that rural schools are filled with strength, resilience, and opportunity.” 

Gloria Rodgers-McDuffy

Gloria Rodgers-McDuffy, who teaches at the Mississippi School for the Deaf and Blind (MSDB) in Jackson, is a lifelong Mississippian who has spent her life and career supporting students. She reflects that “I see hope and inspiration every day in the eyes and spirits of my students. They remind me daily that this is the best career in the world. When students begin working before I even give directions, I see initiative and potential. When former students’ parents stop me in the grocery store to share their children’s accomplishments, I feel immense pride in what we achieved together. Those moments affirm the lasting impact of education.” 

After becoming a teacher at the MSDB, Gloria began learning braille and American Sign Language to connect with and better support her students, reflecting an attitude of innovation and the pursuit of excellence in education: “My colleagues and I are relentless in our pursuit of growth and innovation. We don’t just think outside the box—we remove the box entirely. We create opportunities for students to engage with the broader community through field trips, college fairs, and enrichment activities, while also equipping them with essential life skills for independence.”

After a lifetime in education, Gloria is both humbled to receive the award, and proud of what it represents for the story of education in Mississippi. “I am honored to represent Mississippi’s rural teachers. My experiences—growing up in a rural community and teaching students with diverse needs—allow me to connect deeply with those I serve. I am committed to high expectations, lifelong learning, and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive… I am most proud of the relationships I build—with students, families, colleagues, and the community. I am humbled by the knowledge that my words and actions can shape someone’s future.”