MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1998 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Hall, Horhn

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING JEAN C. PRATHER UPON HER RETIREMENT AS THE COORDINATOR OF GIFTED PROGRAMS FOR JACKSON PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 

WHEREAS, a prime mover in the development of gifted education programs for Mississippi students, Jean C. Prather has announced her retirement in 1998 as the Coordinator of Gifted Programs for Jackson Public Schools; and

WHEREAS, Jean C. Prather began her teaching career in 1953 as an elementary school teacher in Shelby County, Tennessee, and later taught in Yazoo City, Mississippi (1970-1971), Union City, Tennessee (1971-1972), and Jackson, Mississippi (1972-1998); and

WHEREAS, Jean C. Prather has worked in the Jackson Public Schools since 1972, beginning as an elementary teacher from 1972 until 1975, then as a teacher of gifted students from 1975 until 1986, and as the Coordinator of Gifted Programs from 1986 until 1998; and

WHEREAS, Jean C. Prather was most instrumental in working to secure passage of the 1989 legislation mandating gifted education in the State of Mississippi, which was signed into law by Governor Ray Mabus; and

WHEREAS, in addition to her duties as the Coordinator of Gifted Programs for Jackson Public Schools, Jean C. Prather developed and directed the Summer Challenge Program for the Gifted at Mississippi College for 6 years and was State Director for the Odyssey of the Mind Program for 7 years; and

WHEREAS, her other professional activities include Special Consultant for the State Department of Education; Conference Leader and Keynote Speaker for Mississippi Association of Gifted and Talented; Member of the Partners in Education Board; Past President of Mississippi Association for Gifted Children; Past President of Jackson Association of Gifted and Talented; Member of the Governor's School-Evaluation Team; and Special Consultant for the Mississippi Baptist Convention Board; and

WHEREAS, Jean C. Prather has won many honors throughout her teaching career, including Outstanding Teacher of the Year in Gifted Education (1984); Star Teacher (1988, 1986); Who's Who Among America's Teachers (1998, 1995, 1994, 1990, 1988); and

WHEREAS, Jean C. Prather holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Mississippi College (1970); a Master's Degree from Mississippi College (1975-Summa Cum Laude); and an Education Specialist Degree from Mississippi State (1981-Magna Cum Laude); and

WHEREAS, Jean C. Prather was married to the late Eddie Prather and has two children, Pamela Martin and Philip Prather, and 6 grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to commend excellence, especially when evidenced by an outstanding educator such as Jean C. Prather, who humbly dedicated so many years of her life to furthering the education of the youth of this state:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend Jean C. Prather upon her retirement as Coordinator of Gifted Programs for Jackson Public Schools and wish her continued success in her future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED That copies of this resolution be furnished to Jean C. Prather and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.