MELANEY NAMED TEACHER OF THE YEAR

October 1, 2013 - Biloxi, MS

Mrs. Debra Melaney, a mathematics, science, and social studies teacher at Popp’s Ferry Elementary in Biloxi, is the 2013 winner of the Rotary Club of Biloxi’s Beverly Briscoe Award.

Mrs. Melaney is a National Board Certified Teacher and a member of the 2013-2014 Fifth Grade Common Core Leadership team. She has authored district term tests and written test practice sets shared with her colleagues throughout the district.

Her creative and personalized teaching style includes taking several learning style and interest surveys of her students at the beginning of the school year. She then adapts her instructional methods to meet the diverse needs of each student. She also asks parents to complete a “Parents are Partners” survey to include what motivates their child,Image what upsets them, and what social skills they would like to see developed.

The award, which carries a $1,000 cash stipend, is named for the late Beverly Briscoe, an outstanding and dedicated member of the Rotary Club of Biloxi who personified the club’s belief that the profession of teaching is indeed noble and that academic and professional accomplishments should be recognized and rewarded.

The Rotary Club of Biloxi meets at noon each Tuesday (except Mardi Gras and holidays) at Mary Mahoney’s Restaurant in Biloxi, MS.