Clinton Public School District

Two Clinton educators received classroom grants from the Mississippi Professional Educators in efforts to enhance instructional offerings and educational experiences for students in the Clinton Public School District. 

Laura Jo Ferguson, a second and third grade behavioral specialist at Northside Elementary, and Hannah Rachel Smith, a tenth grade English II teacher at Clinton High School, were recently awarded the grants from MPE. 

Ferguson, a National Board Certified Teacher, submitted an application to fund a project she entitled “Character Trait Study.” This project will utilize read alouds, discussion questions and monthly activities to equip students with the necessary tools to understand and express their emotions. 

Smith aims to use her grant funding for a project entitled “Lit Lounge: Screen-Free Experiences in the English II Classroom.” Smith’s goal is to establish a technology-free space where students can cultivate independence from their phones while enhancing their reading and writing skills. 

Founded in 1979, MPE is a statewide professional association with approximately 12,000 teachers, administrators and non-certified staff from kindergarten to graduate school level. The top priority of MPE is the education and achievement of students. MPE awards up to $40,000 in classroom grants to MPE members annually.