MSU alumna named Mississippi History Teacher of the Year, national top 10 finalist
Contact: Bethany Shipp
STARKVILLE, Miss.鈥擟atherine McGowin, a three-time graduate of MSU-Meridian鈥檚 Division of Education, is the 2026 Mississippi History Teacher of the Year and a national top 10 finalist.
Given annually by the since 2004, the award honors excellence in teaching K-12 history. State winners are selected from thousands of nominations across the country and given $1,000 in addition to being entered into the national competition.
The Meridian native has taught history for five years at her alma mater, Southeast Lauderdale High School.
鈥淚t is an absolute honor to receive this award,鈥 McGowin said. 鈥淚 share this success with everybody I work with, my family and, of course, my students because they make coming to work so much fun every single day. My goal as a teacher is to make sure my students understand why history is important and relevant. They make me fall in love with history all over again each day by their curiosity and excitement.鈥
McGowin holds bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degrees in elementary education as well as an educational specialist degree in education with a concentration in school administration. She said the MSU professors and program staff members went above and beyond to help prepare her for a career in education.
鈥淚t鈥檚 almost, in a sense, that we were overprepared, and I鈥檓 thankful for that because I came into the teaching profession with everything I needed,鈥 McGowin said. 鈥淎nd that鈥檚 thanks to my professors, who I am still in very close contact with today.鈥
MSU College of Education Dean Teresa Jayroe said, 鈥淲e are incredibly proud of Catherine and this well-deserved recognition. Her success reflects not only her dedication to her students but also the quality of our teacher preparation programs at MSU-Meridian. Our faculty are deeply committed to preparing educators who make a difference in their classrooms and communities. Catherine is a wonderful example of that commitment, and we are delighted to celebrate her accomplishments.鈥
惭厂鲍鈥檚听,聽home of MSU-Meridian鈥檚 Division of Education, also includes five academic departments, one research unit and numerous service units.
亚洲色吧视频聽is taking care of what matters.