The Jefferson Davis County School District has announced the 2024-2025 Teachers of the Year.

Receiving the prestigious awards are Trashunta Durr of J. E. Johnson Elementary, Hannah Hathorn of G. W. Carver Elementary, Tracy Catchings-Walker of Jefferson Davis County Middle School and Tarshall Strickland of Jefferson Davis County High School. Tracy Catchings-Walker was awarded the JDC District Teacher of the Year.

Trashunta Durr is a Science teacher at J.E. Johnson Elementary School in Prentiss. She grew up in Lawrence County where she attended New Hebron Attendance Center and Lawrence County High School.  She attended and completed her undergraduate education in 2011 at Alcorn State University receiving a bachelor’s degree in biology.  She later expanded her education at William Carey University receiving a Master of Art in Education in August of 2022.  Durr has been an educator in JDCSD for six years.  She believes in meeting the students where they are academically and grooming them into where she needs them to be. She also believes a teacher’s effectiveness is all about doing and being an example that the students would want to follow.  Her passion is molding the minds of youth in an innovative and engaging way.

Hannah Hathorn has been an educator for five years, beginning her career after earning a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2019. She continued my education and earned a master’s degree in special education from William Carey University in 2021. At G. W. Carver, she has taught Kindergarten and Special Education and is currently teaching fourth and fifth grade math. Throughout her career, she has been passionate about providing high-quality, engaging instruction tailored to meet the needs of every student, regardless of their abilities.

She believes the key to student success lies in differentiated instruction that incorporates hands-on activities to spark curiosity and make learning enjoyable.

While academic achievements like test scores are important, the most rewarding part of teaching to Hannah is witnessing students independently apply the strategies she has taught them to solve problems with confidence.

Tracy Catchings Walker is a seventh and eighth grade mathematics teacher at Jefferson Davis County Middle School in Prentiss. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Alcorn State University, a master’s degree from Belhaven University in elementary education and curriculum and instruction, a specialist degree in instructional leadership from William Carey University and a second specialist degree from William Carey in in educational leadership. Walker is certified in reading, mathematics, elementary education and also has her administrator’s license. She has received numerous achievements over the years, including MACTE Student Teacher of the Year for ASU in 2012, Warren Central Intermediate School’s Teacher of the Year 2015-16, J. E. Johnson Elementary School’s Teacher of the Year 2019-20 and the Jefferson Davis County School District Teacher of the Year 2019-20. Walker is currently in her 13th year in education.

She is inspired by her students and believes that all students can learn when given the right tools and putting forth their best effort. She loves it when students’ lightbulbs begin to brighten in math, and they grow to love math like she does.

Tarshall Thompson-Strickland, a dedicated and passionate high school teacher and has been inspiring students for four years through her commitment to education and excellence. With a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Education, Strickland combines strong organizational skills with innovative teaching strategies to create dynamic learning experiences.

Currently, Strickland teaches English II, English IV and ACT Prep, focusing on building students’ confidence in reading, writing, and critical thinking. She is especially passionate about preparing students for their futures, whether by helping them improve their ACT scores or equipping seniors with the skills they need for college and career success.

Known for her student-centered approach, she is committed to helping each learner reach their full potential. Her dedication to her students and profession is evident in all she does, making her a valued and respected member of the Jefferson Davis County High School team.