Shaun Mitchell, a fourth grade teacher at Beach Elementary School in Pascagoula, has been named Beach Elementary Teacher of the Year.
Mitchell has been teaching for 21 years with the Pascagoula-Gautier School District and has been at Beach for five years. He teaches all subjects – reading/language, math, science, and social studies.
He was nominated by the teachers and staff at Beach who wrote up a short summary of why he should be considered for Teacher of the Year, and then they voted. Upon his win, Beach Elementary recognized him using social media and the school district will have a reception for all the schools’ Teachers of the Year in November.
Mitchell has previously been named Teacher of the Year before – another time at Beach, once at Eastlawn Elementary, and once at Arlington Elementary. For his wins in the past, he received a stipend to use in purchasing things for his students, classroom, and school. He used that money to purchase a popcorn machine for the school to use for rewards/parties.
Even though Mitchell has been named Teacher of the Year before, he’s still humbled by it.
“It is a great honor to be recognized as Teacher of the Year among my peers at Beach because they see the effort that goes into teaching on a daily basis. All of our teachers are worthy of this honor. Everyone works hard daily to support and teach our students. It is an honor we all deserve,” Mitchell said.
Mitchell became a teacher because he wanted to make a difference.
“I was the first family member to go to college. I knew I could help students learn and grow academically and socially,” he said.
His favorite part about teaching is the daily interaction with students.
“Every day is a new day. We start out daily with a fresh start. Helping students overcome struggles in their learning and to finally see the growth and improvement is what keeps me going daily,” he said.
Mitchell has been married to his wife, Natalie, for 17 years. They met as coworkers when he began teaching in the district. Natalie currently works at Jackson Elementary. They have three children, a stepson, CJ, who is currently going through the New Orleans Police Academy, and two daughters, Brianna (junior in high school) and Kelsey (sixth grade).
Mitchell is appreciative of the support he and the school receive.
“I would like to thank all the parents and families at our school for their full support and participation in their child’s academic success,” he said. “I would also like to thank our teachers, assistant teachers, tutors, principal, and staff that come to Beach and help our students reach their full potential. It is a team effort that brings success and I’m glad to see Beach Elementary recognized.”
