Ms. Jennifer Pratt, M.Ed. - Houston, MS

“Grow where you are planted” is a phrase that Jennifer Pratt lives by. This simple motto has shaped her 36-year journey as an educator in rural Mississippi. From her very first day in the classroom to her latest projects, Jennifer has planted roots in her rural community, blooming where others might see limitations. That philosophy has guided everything from her classroom practices to her award-winning garden project—and it continues to define the legacy she’s building at Houston Alternative School.

She was raised in a close-knit Mississippi community where school and family were the center of life. By the time she graduated high school in 1986 as class valedictorian, she had earned full academic scholarships to multiple universities. She ultimately chose Jackson State University, following the path of her aunts and other family members. Her first job out of college was as a rural teacher. As Jennifer recalls, this was a conscious decision rooted in her own educational experiences: “I recognized the unique challenges and opportunities in rural communities, where I could make a significant impact.”

After walking into her first classroom, Jennifer never looked back. She began in 1991 as a general education teacher. “I enjoyed nurturing young minds and fostering a love for learning,” she said. For nearly a decade, Jennifer worked in traditional school settings. But, she began to feel drawn toward students who didn’t fit within the traditional mold—those who were often left behind or misunderstood by the school system. In 2000, she transitioned to a nontraditional school setting at Houston Alternative School, a decision that would shape the rest of her career. “This shift allowed me to support students who faced unique challenges and often struggled in traditional educational settings,” she said.

Over the years, Jennifer’s classroom has evolved into a space of healing, innovation, and growth. She integrates social-emotional learning, leverages community partnerships, and adapts lessons to meet the diverse needs of her students. Every day, she seeks to remind her students of their worth. “Over the years, I've witnessed remarkable transformations as students gained confidence and skills… Each day, I remain dedicated to empowering students, helping them navigate their journeys, and inspiring them to achieve their full potential,” she says.

In 2024, Jennifer’s commitment to creative, community-connected education was nationally recognized when she was selected as a National Signature Project Award recipient through Rural Schools Collaborative and the National Rural Education Association. The $2,500 grant funded the Sow and Grow Sensory Garden Project, an innovative place-based learning initiative that transformed an unused area of the school grounds into a living classroom. The garden includes raised beds filled with herbs, vegetables, and flowering plants—each chosen for its sensory properties. Students engage with different textures, smells, and colors, all while learning about biology, nutrition, and sustainability. The Sow and Grow Sensory Garden is a versatile space designed not only for academic growth but also to nurture students’ physical and mental well-being.

The impact of the garden has extended well beyond the classroom. Parents and community members have taken interest, and Jennifer has even begun planning events to bring families into the space. “Together, these projects represent a commitment to empowering our students and enriching the broader community,” she says. “This project exemplifies what rural schools and communities can achieve when they harness local resources and foster collaboration.” As part of the award, Jennifer traveled to the 2024 National Forum to Advance Rural Education (NFARE) in Savannah, Georgia, where she connected with fellow educators and shared insights about the project. This fall, she’ll be traveling to Salt Lake City to present about the Sow and Grow Sensory Garden Project at NFARE 2025. Her presentation will showcase how Place-Based Education and social-emotional learning can intersect to support alternative education students.

Jennifer is already planning what comes next. She recently submitted a grant proposal titled “Empowerment Through Connection” to build an outdoor classroom expansion adjacent to the garden. The new space will focus on social-emotional learning, peer connection, and family involvement. “The outdoor classroom will provide students with a unique space to connect with each other, educators, and nature, promoting meaningful relationships that are crucial for personal growth,” she says. This project would help expand the work of the Sow and Grow Sensory Garden by opening it up to the community for workshops and events. The expansion would serve as a therapeutic space where students can not only work in nature but also develop important life skills, including stress management, resilience, and teamwork.

These place-based initiatives are just one part of Jennifer’s larger belief in the power of rural schools. She believes “the school holds immense importance within the community, serving as a hub for learning and social interaction. It brings people together, creating a sense of belonging and shared purpose.” She participates in local events, attends community meetings, and advocates for students beyond the walls of her classroom. Her advice for new rural teachers naturally stems from these experiences: embrace the community, stay connected to your purpose, and don’t be afraid to reach beyond your immediate surroundings. She says, “Remember, the connections you foster with students and the community are as important as the curriculum you deliver.”

With each garden bed and each outdoor lesson, she is cultivating something far more enduring than a classroom activity—she is nurturing confidence, connection, and a sense of possibility in students who need it most. By planting herself firmly in her rural Mississippi community, Jennifer Pratt has become a testament to what it means to “grow where you are planted” —and how far those roots can reach.

We are grateful to the National Rural Education Association and the leadership at Houston Alternative School for their support in celebrating Jennifer’s work and uplifting rural education stories. Thank you to Jennifer Pratt for sharing her rural teacher story with Rural Schools Collaborative. Want to share your story as a rural educator? Fill out our online submission form here.

Check out more on the National Signature Project in partnership with The National Rural Education Association, here.