Senate Concurrent Resolution 554

(As Adopted by Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING MILLICENT GUNTER OF BAYOU VIEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN GULFPORT FOR RECEIVING MISSISSIPPI'S 2020 PRESIDENTIAL AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE TEACHING, WHICH IS THE HIGHEST SUCH AWARD FROM THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT.

WHEREAS, Millicent Gunter is one of two Mississippi teachers who earned national recognition as recipients of the 2020 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). Millicent is a Math Teacher at Bayou View Elementary in the Gulfport School District; and

WHEREAS, established in 1983, PAEMST is the highest award kindergarten through 12th-grade mathematics and science, including computer science, teachers can receive from the U.S. government. Each year, the award criteria alternates years between kindergarten through sixth-grade and seventh through 12th-grade teachers. This year, kindergarten through sixth-grade teachers received the awards. Award recipients over the years represent schools and organizations from all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, Department of Defense Education Activity schools, and the U.S. territories; and

WHEREAS, nominees complete a rigorous application process that allows them to demonstrate deep content knowledge and their ability to adapt to a broad range of learners and teaching environments. A panel of distinguished mathematicians, scientists and educators at the state and national levels assesses the applications before recommending nominees to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Teachers are selected based on their distinction in the classroom and dedication to improving STEM education; and

WHEREAS, Millicent Gunter has been an educator for more than 30 years and has spent the last 18 years teaching in the Gulfport School District. She is currently teaching all subjects in third grade at Bayou View Elementary School. She previously taught at Westminster Academy for 10 years and Diamondhead Academy for the first two years of her teaching career; and

WHEREAS, in her classroom, Millicent challenges students to explore problem-based mathematics, motivates students to become problem solvers, incorporates real-world scenarios, and implements mathematical discourse to promote deeper student thinking. Her classroom is an active learning environment where technology is incorporated into her daily lessons; and

WHEREAS, in addition to teaching third grade, Millicent also serves as the K-5 Mathematics Coach. As a lead teacher, she facilitates professional development for teachers, continues to build a site-level collaborative mathematics team, mentors student teachers, monitors site-level mathematics programs, plans activities to celebrate student success, and orchestrates family Math Night. Millicent has served on several district and state committees. She has attended numerous national conferences, including NCTM, Model Schools, the Ron Clark Academy, and Staff Development for Educators. She has been able to implement programs and enhance curriculum from the knowledge gained from the conferences; and

WHEREAS, Millicent stated, "Being named a finalist for the Presidential Award has been a truly humbling experience. I am extremely grateful for teachers and colleagues who have mentored and encouraged me throughout my journey of teaching. This award recognizes my commitment to providing the best mathematics instruction I can for my students, and it is rewarding to know that I have had an impact on their success. This award inspires me to continue to search for best practices in education and implement them with intention":

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Millicent Gunter of Bayou View Elementary School in Gulfport, Mississippi, for receiving Mississippi's 2020 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, which is the highest such award from the United States government, and extend to Millicent and the Gulfport School District our best wishes for continued excellence in education.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Millicent Gunter, forwarded to the Gulfport School Board, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.