Educator of the Year nominee: Kelvin Carter has worn many hats as teacher, coach

Published 7:59 am Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Kelvin Carter has held a variety of teaching assignments over his 20 years in education, including physical education teacher, coach, physical science teacher and his current role as a driver’s education instructor at Vicksburg High School.

Carter is a finalist for the Vicksburg-Warren County Chamber of Commerce’s Educator of the Year award. One elementary and one secondary teacher of the year will be announced at the Chamber Luncheon in February. The winner of each award will receive $1,000 from Ameristar Casino and the runners-up for each award will receive $500 from Mutual Credit Union.   

Carter earned an Associate of Arts degree in general studies and a Bachelor of Science degree in health, wellness and physical education, both from the University of Arkansas at Monticello, as well as a Master of Science degree in secondary education from Alcorn State University.

Email newsletter signup

Sign up for The Vicksburg Post's free newsletters

Check which newsletters you would like to receive
  • Vicksburg News: Sent daily at 5 am
  • Vicksburg Sports: Sent daily at 10 am
  • Vicksburg Living: Sent on 15th of each month

Carter said teaching students how to correctly operate a motor vehicle is both an important and rewarding task.

“I first show each student a series of videos that basically walk them through the process,” Carter said. “This learning motivates each student and has them eager to get behind the wheel. I believe that by seeing other students drive, my students gain instant confidence that they will be able to as well.”

Carter said teaching a real-world skill like driving allows him to see the practical application of his instruction.

“My students are connected to the world around them by simply engaging in everyday activities,” he said. “For example, we drive to areas that we all go to in our everyday lives (like) grocery stores, gas stations (and) banks. Hands-on activities include the driving tasks and various scenarios that could take place when students are behind the wheel.”

Carter said, whether in the classroom or in athletics, seeing his students succeed is more than rewarding. It is also moving.

“I once had a student that had no confidence and very low self esteem,” he said. “He was a basketball player that was not that good early on, but eventually, through hard work and dedication, he became a pretty good player. He ended up signing several basketball scholarships and obtaining several degrees. Now he’s a proud family man with a great family and career. This is why we teach.”