MSREA Celebration Honors Mississippi Rural Teachers of the Year Finalists

On February 28th, 2025, RSC Executive Director, Taylor McCabe-Juhnke, was grateful to attend a rural education awards ceremony in Hattiesburg, MS, hosted by the Mississippi Program for Research and Evaluation for Public Schools (PREPS) at William Carey University campus.

RSC's Mississippi Hub partners at MSREA (co-led by William Carey University and the Mississippi State University) joined together to launch the MS Rural Teacher of the Year Award, and came together for the in-person celebration to honor all 4 finalists and the overall winner.

This year, Dr. Lindsay Colyer of MS Congressional District 3 won the title of MS Rural Teacher of the Year! This year’s finalists were Terrance Thomas (District 1), Elizabeth White (District 2), and Lauren Haslauer (District 4).

Dr. Lindsay Colyer (District 3) - MS Rural Teacher of the Year

Dr. Lindsay Colyer is a science educator at the Mississippi School of the Arts (MSA). As a dedicated teacher of 11th and 12th-grade science classes, including Chemistry, Botany, Zoology 1, Human Anatomy and Physiology, and Earth and Space Science, Dr. Colyer’s classroom is truly where "the learning happens."

Dr. Colyer’s passion for science was sparked in childhood, nurtured by her parents, and fueled by a deep fascination with whales. These early experiences shaped her love for scientific discovery and set her on a path toward teaching and mentorship. In her classroom, Dr. Colyer uses innovative, hands-on learning strategies—game-based learning, scavenger hunts, discussions, and reflective journaling—that engage students and foster critical thinking. Her signature reflection journal prompts, like "Would you rather be a proton, neutron, or electron, and why?" challenge students to dive deep into scientific concepts and explain their reasoning, making learning both fun and personally relevant.

When asked what she would share with someone considering a teaching career in rural Mississippi, Dr. Colyer highlights the profound impact teachers can have: "If you are passionate about your subject or field and you love mentoring, then chances are you will love teaching. My experience teaching at the college level showed me that many students were struggling with basic skills like writing, note-taking, planning, and overcoming testing anxiety.”

Teaching in rural areas does come with challenges—limited resources, technology gaps, geographic isolation, and staffing shortages—but Dr. Colyer believes the rewards far outweigh the obstacles. She explains: "Rural communities deserve passionate, talented teachers who can inspire the next generation of leaders. Students light up when you engage with them—they’re eager for knowledge, ready to learn, and deserve every opportunity for success. Supporting rural education means strengthening the entire community because without these vital communities, our country would be greatly impacted.”

Terrance Thomas (District 1) - MS Rural Teacher of the Year Finalist

Terrance Thomas is an educator at Caledonia Elementary School in the Lowndes County School District. As a 5th grade science and social studies teacher, Terrance brings an unmatched energy and passion to his classroom, transforming learning into an exciting, meaningful, and deeply personal experience for his students.

Terrance believes that authentic teaching begins with passion and personality. His classroom is a space where humor, creativity, and real-world connections come together to ignite curiosity and inspire motivation. By tying lessons to everyday experiences—whether it’s explaining weather patterns through familiar activities like farming, hunting, or outdoor adventures, or connecting government policy to the decisions that impact local schools and families—Terrance ensures that every lesson feels relevant and impactful.

Beyond academics, Terrance takes the time to truly know his students, incorporating their interests into his teaching. From using sports analogies to explain scientific concepts to integrating artistic projects for creatively inclined learners, he creates an environment where every student feels seen, valued, and motivated to engage with the material. Summarizing his philosophy, Terrance describes that “teaching is not just about delivering lessons—it's about inspiring students to believe in themselves, even when the odds are against them. Every day is an opportunity to make a difference, to spark curiosity, and to help young minds realize their true potential.”

Elizabeth White (District 2) - MS Rural Teacher of the Year Finalist

Elizabeth White is a 3rd grade English Language Arts and Social Studies teacher at Amite County Elementary School within the Amite County School District.

Elizabeth’s passion for education goes beyond the classroom. She is a strong advocate for equitable education funding in Mississippi, driven by the belief that every student, regardless of where they live, deserves access to the resources needed for success. Her commitment is rooted in the challenges she has witnessed firsthand—especially the hurdles posed by limited broadband access, which often requires her to adapt lessons so students can complete assignments during school hours.

What sets Elizabeth apart is not just her dedication to academic excellence but also her deep connection to the community. Teaching in a rural area means more than delivering lessons—it means becoming part of a close-knit extended family. This, of course, extends beyond school hours and the classroom wall: Elizabeth delights in participating in homecoming festivities, after school activities, and even conducting impromptu parent-teacher conferences in the most unexpected places—like the grocery store checkout line. She encourages future educators to embrace patience, lean into their love for children, and seek out the wisdom of veteran mentors.

Lauren Haslauer (District 4) - MS Rural Teacher of the Year Finalist

Lauren Hausler is a passionate and innovative third-grade math teacher at West Hancock Elementary. As the sole third-grade math teacher at her school, Lauren carries the unique responsibility of teaching every third-grade student—a role she embraces with dedication and heart. Her mission is clear: to make math engaging, exciting, and meaningful for every child she teaches.

Beyond her classroom walls, Lauren is a dynamic leader who lives by the belief that “To be a teacher, you must be a leader.” She works tirelessly to foster collaboration and communication among her colleagues, ensuring that teachers work together to support every student’s growth. By strengthening relationships within her team and encouraging open communication with families, Lauren promotes a united effort toward student achievement and well-being.

Lauren’s commitment to enriching the educational experience extends far beyond traditional teaching methods. She has been instrumental in establishing a 4-H club in partnership with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, providing students with hands-on learning experiences focused on agriculture and animal sciences—subjects deeply relevant to her rural community. Additionally, Lauren has cultivated a meaningful partnership with Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) through the TBRI (Trust-Based Relational Intervention) program. This collaboration offers critical emotional and behavioral support, helping students overcome challenges and fostering a supportive environment for academic and personal growth.

Each of these educators exemplify what it means to be a rural teacher, going above and beyond to support their students and their communities. In the words of Lauren, “Rural communities deserve passionate, talented teachers who can inspire and engage students,” and these four MS Rural Teachers of the Year are doing just that!

Thank you to our Mississippi Regional Hub partners for connecting us with the MS Rural Teachers of the year and helping us tell their stories! We are honored to celebrate the achievements of these exceptional rural MS teachers, whose commitment to their students and communities makes a lasting impact. Congratulations to each awardee on this well-deserved recognition!