Merri (Wyn) Pratt teaches music to students ages three through sixth grade at Porter’s Chapel Academy.

Pratt 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.   

Pratt earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education, with a minor in piano, from Millsaps College, as well as a Master of Education degree in elementary education from Mississippi College. 

Pratt said she loves it when she sees a student begin to really grasp a concept in class.

“I love to teach, but more importantly, I love to watch the lightbulbs switch on in the children while they are having fun,” she said. “One lesson that comes to mind is on note value. Because I get to teach each grade level one time per week, I am able to teach, reinforce then expand on this lesson throughout the year.”

Pratt said people should never underestimate how much music can aid in a student’s academic performance.

“I have been both a classroom teacher and a music teacher in my career,” she said. “One of my favorite things about music education is that I can reach those kids who struggle academically through music. I love to find ways to make every child learn at their level, yet be on the same page, accomplishing the same goal. We are learning math with rhythms and reading skills with syllable reading and left to right practice.”

Aside from academic development, Pratt said music also helps students better handle real-world situations. 

“Music is everywhere,” she said. “It is playing in the car, through airpods, on the television, in the movies, on TikTok videos, commercial jingles, in the background while you shop in retail, in worship, at concerts and on your phone. My job is to create enough interest in the music from my classroom that my students recognize it wherever they go.”

Pratt said being able to follow her students’ growth over the years is also a rewarding part of her job.

“I do not measure success with letter grades in music, but I do measure student achievement on specific skills,” she said. “I also have the luxury of teaching the same students year after year and tracking their growth process through my curriculum. You don’t fail music class in the elementary school; you succeed when each student achieves to their level of potential.”

 

Why does Pratt work so hard in all areas for her students?

 

“I love it and I want to make a difference,” she said.