Senate Resolution 112

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING Casey Watts of Laurel magnet school of arts in laurel, Mississippi, FOR BEING NAMED AN "EXTRAORDINARY EDUCATOR FOR 2024" BY CURRICULUM ASSOCIATES.

WHEREAS, Curriculum Associates created the Extraordinary Educators program to celebrate and connect "Best-in-Class" teachers from across the nation; and

WHEREAS, the "2024 Class of Extraordinary Educators" includes an elite group of 32 K-8 educators from across the country who illustrate growth and achievement via formal assessments, demonstrate classroom innovation and engagement practices for students, are evangelists for high standards and student achievement, and exhibit best-in-class use of i-Ready and/or Ready instructional resources designed by Curriculum Associates in their classroom; and

WHEREAS, Casey Watts was named as an inductee of the "2024 Class of Extraordinary Educators," as she personifies the ideals that Curriculum Associates sets forth with the program; and

WHEREAS, Casey Watts, who teaches at Laurel Magnet School of Arts, says effective instruction is not about how well she teaches, but how well her students learn, and data helps her know if students have grasped the concepts and informs her how to proceed with her instruction throughout the year; and

WHEREAS, Casey Watts says that she believes in a "better together" mentality, and that as an "Extraordinary Educator," she is excited to learn new strategies and hopes the collaboration benefits her classroom, her school, her district, and her state; and

WHEREAS, as being inducted into the "2024 Class of Extraordinary Educators," Casey Watts has received recognition locally and nationally. She has gained access to a network of peers from around the country, earned professional development opportunities, and will have the opportunity to attend the "Extraordinary Educators Leadership Summit" in Boston, Massachusetts; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize and commend excellence in the accomplishments and remarkable service of educators of Casey Watts's exceptional caliber, who have tirelessly and selflessly devoted their lives to imparting light and knowledge into the bright scholars of this state:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Casey Watts of Laurel Magnet School of Arts in Laurel, Mississippi, for being named as an inductee of the Curriculum Associates "2024 Class of Extraordinary Educators," and extend sincerest wishes for continued success in all of her future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Casey Watts, forwarded to the Principal and School Board of Laurel Magnet School of Arts, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.