They are the true heroes in our nation's effort to enrich the lives of all our citizens through education. I want to pay special tribute to a Mississippi teacher today. She is Mississippi Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Tina Fisher Scholtes, of Sudduth Elementary School in Starkville, Mississippi. Tina has been an elementary school teacher for sixteen years. She has spent the past 14 years teaching first grade in Starkville.
First grade lays the foundation for formal education.
Every parent hopes their child will begin school with an excellent teacher, and Tina Scholtes is without a doubt an excellent teacher. Being an excellent teacher requires hard work, along with respect for children and an understanding of the learning process. Tina has those attributes and more. She also cares about outcomes. She wants all her students to succeed.