Part of an ongoing series featuring the teachers nominated for Vicksburg-Warren County Chamber of Commerce’s Teacher of the Year honors.

Jennifer Williams’ goal for the children she teaches is for them to “learn, feel success, and most importantly feel loved when they leave my class.”

“The learning takes place when an atmosphere promotes success and celebrates every child no matter how big or small the milestone they achieve,” Williams, a South Park Elementary kindergarten teacher, said.

Williams spent three and a half years as a sixth grade teacher at Vicksburg Intermediate School. She’s been at South Park the past 11 years and this is her first year as a kindergarten teacher at the school.

A pastor’s wife and youth leader at Wayside Baptist Church, Williams spent eight years as a stay-at-home Mom before returning to the classroom  — a place she truly loves.

“I chose to become a teacher because I have a heart and love for children,” Williams said. “God already had my path planned and opened the doors for me to walk through. It has always been my mission and passion as a teacher to show each of my students love. I want my students to come through my doors feeling that love, which I hope will ignite a passion in them to learn.”

The Belhaven College graduate said teaching allows her to make a positive impact on the community.

“Teaching is a calling,” Williams said. “It is something that ignites a passion within your soul. It allows you to not only teach but love, guide, and inspire in many different ways. I truly enjoy knowing that I am serving God through making a positive impact in the lives of children.”

Being honored by her peers at South Park was humbling

“South Park is a wonderful school with many amazing teachers who truly deserve this honor as well,” Williams said.

The Vicksburg-Warren County Chamber of Commerce will choose one elementary and one secondary teacher of the year at the chamber luncheon Feb. 20. The winner of each award will receive $1,000 from Ameristar Casino and the runner-up for each award will receive $500 from Mutual Credit Union.

Williams said if she is selected as the top educator, she would try to inspire other teachers and continue to make positive change in the community through education.

“I would use this opportunity to promote the positive influence of education in our community, and all the wonderful things the district has to offer,” Williams said.