Each month, Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) Department of Human Resources recognizes instructional and non-instructional employees who go above and beyond to ensure our students are prepared for the global workforce. 

MSCS Superheroes exemplify our five shared organizational values:

• Compassion
• Accountability 
• Respect
• Exquisite Execution
• Servant Leadership

In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, see the exceptional teachers that have been nominated by their peers. 

Meghan Wilson – Berclair Elementary – Kindergarten Teacher 

Berclair ES kindergarten teacher Megan Wilson is known as a mentor, a servant leader, and “THE” teacher.

“She goes above and beyond to make sure her past Memphis Teacher Residents (MTR) and her student teacher are prepared and confident teachers to step into the classroom on their own when they start teaching.”

Mrs. Wilson’s nominator says she is a welcoming and compassionate part of Berclair.

“I look up to her as a co-worker, teacher and friend. Many can learn something from her not just as a teacher but a person.”

Nathan White -  Chimneyrock Elementary – 4th grade Teacher 

Chimneyrock ES teacher Nathan White has been impacting his colleagues and students with his wealth of math knowledge.

"Teachers wear a lot of different hats. They have many roles to play. They have a lot of things on their plate. Mr. White does all of it without hesitation.”

Kim Warnette – Rozelle – Art teacher

Mrs. Kim Warnette helps set the stage for LIFE for her students and fellow teachers at Rozelle Creative and Performing Arts Elementary School! 

“She is a part of the Tenacious Teachers Group who helps teachers to be the best that they can be for the students of MSCS. Her servant leadership qualities speak for themselves.”

She has had students earn scholarships to Memphis Arts Academy and is the only elementary art teacher to have a student art show at the University of Memphis.

Melykeva Duncan – Hamilton High School - Teacher

Hamilton High School teacher (and cheerleading coach) Melykeva Duncan is making waves in and out of the classroom! Students have written about her impact, and her colleagues are highlighting her creative alternatives that support learning and her willingness to provide resources to help her students thrive outside of the classroom.

“She's very passionate in creating alternatives that will support the student's with learning and understands the importance of meeting students needs culturally and morally without labeling them in a certain category.” 

Sola Adeoye - Balmoral-Ridgeway Elementary - Digital Learning Ambassador

Balmoral-Ridgeway Elementary's Sola Adeoye's has a passion for math and science, but her passion for learning is what makes her a super teacher!

 "I am a firm believer in REPRESENTATION, and I personally feel that it is extremely powerful for young black and brown girls to see someone who looks like them, thriving in the field of Math and Science."

Ms. Adoye also serves as the Digital Learning Ambassador at Balmoral-Ridgeway, and her students are proficient in many online platforms! Her colleagues say her ability to 'bridge the (learning) gap' will ensure that her students score well on the TCAP.

Keith House – Lowrance Elementary – 5th Grade Teacher

Mr. Keith House, a 5th grade teacher at Lowrance Elementary School, is being nominated as a respectful teacher who builds an atmosphere of positivity and comfort for all students in his classroom.  

“If respect was a house, he would be it's foundation and within those walls, people of strong character are created.”

He excels in teaching science, but still displays his best effort to respect all students with diverse backgrounds. He follows the "Supreme Golden Rule" of treating others better than he wants to be treated, creating a sense of community and strong character.

Abigail Kong – Covington Pike Head Start – Pre-K Teacher 

Abigail Kong is a first-year preschool teacher at Covington Pike Headstart who has been dedicated to helping her students learn new skills each day. Her nominator says she has worked tirelessly with her student to set up specific routines and structure, and has made a 100% turnaround due to her patience, love, and compassion. 

Ms. Kong is “...jovial and creates a learning environment that is welcoming and fosters creativity. She is an extraordinary educator who goes beyond what is expected of her to ensure her students have what they need.”

Dr. Dena Vaughan – Overton High School - Music Teacher

Overton High School's Dr. Dena Vaughan has dedicated her life to education and choral studies, serving as chair of the All Southwest Tennessee Honor Choir, creating a Praxis study workshop to help teachers pass their Music Praxis, and creating the Memphis Area Honor Choir to provide an honor choir experience for students grades 6-9 who did not qualify for the All-Southwest Tennessee Honor Choir.  

“I see the joy in (my daughter's) eyes and hear the excitement in (her) voice when she talks about Dr. Vaughan. She exhibits what it means to show HEARTwork within our communities among our youth, parents, and families.”

Her nominator says she is deserving of recognition for her time of service, commitment to children, and dedication to the craft and talent of Choral Music in Public Education.

Sparkle Burchett – Mitchell High School – Math Teacher 

Mrs. Sparkle Burchett of Mitchell High School is being recognized as a "shining example of the 'heart work' that the District encourages" the staff to be! 

“She fights just as hard for the for the withdrawn and timid as she does for the extroverted go getter. She is unbiased in every effort to see students meet the necessary expectation for a successful high school year.”

Mrs. Burchett is a motivator and an exceptional educator!