Sarah Wansley was nominated by one of her students.
"As a teacher, it is easy to teach unaffectionately. It is easy to teach without purpose, to teach as a duty instead of passion. It is easy to teach in a way that passes muster, but leaves your class the same. Ms. Wansley not only teaches her classes exceptionally well, but loves every student who is placed under her tutelage. Although my mind has been branded by her unsurpassed pedagogy, my heart has been branded by her love. The intellectual effects of Ms. Wansley’s teaching will undoubtedly be with me in college and beyond, but the heart that she has for her students will always be with me," said the student.
Ms. Wansley
The one thing that stand’s out to me, is that every morning when the kid’s came in the building she spoke to everyone one of them that she could. If they looked like they were having a bad morning she would check on them. When you are a teacher, teaching goes further than teaching it is also loving what you do and caring for others. She had been an inspiration to me without her knowing it. Some days I would be having a rough start, and I would see the joy in her to those kids, and it lifted my heart. I pray for God’s guidance over her, and her kid’s, and for loving, and kindness to others.
Ms. Wansley is the person I think of when I hear "strong". Not only am I talking about her physical strength, but also her mental power and will to do anything for her students. She helped me overcome hard times, and (although I wasn't willing to listen as much at the time) I look back on everything she has done and pray that I can be even half of the woman she is. Ms. Wansley genuinely made me want to learn. English has always been my best subject, but she made it my favorite.
Ms. Wansley plays a huge role in our school. She teaches a wide range of English classes (AP Lang, Dual Credit, and English 3) and makes a positive impact on her students. Ms. Wansley's love for this school and the students is evident by the number of students who want her as their teacher. She is a team player and doesn't mind going beyond the call of duty in order to help improve our school. I'm thankful to be able to work alongside her.
I was only in elementary school when I would come home every day to hear my older sisters speak of how much they loved their English teacher. It was in fourth grade I discovered my love for reading, and from hearing their stories, I have long awaited to be in Mrs. Wansley's class, and after years of excitement, I am. She changed my sisters' life, and she has changed mine, more than she will ever know. As a child I would see her around, she would always chat with me about books, inspiring me well before I stepped foot in her classroom. Now, I receive that inspiration every day. I walk into her classroom on good days, and bad days, ready to learn, ready to be elevated to a higher level of education. I come home every day, telling my family just as my sisters did, of how much I learned in Mrs. Wansley's class, how enlightened I feel when I leave her classroom. Even with her training, it is hard to put into words how amazing of a person and teacher she truly is. I accredit Mrs. Wansley with the majority of my grammar and reading comprehension skills. However, her ability to expertly educate is only a fragment of how she has affected me as a person. Mrs. Wansley upholds a high level of candor, treats all people with the utmost respect, and influences and inspires all people to be the best person they can be. There are not many people like her, and it is an honor to have had the opportunity to learn from her. I will have only been under her guidance for a short time, but I will remember Mrs. Wansley forever, for she is a life-changer.
Words are simply not enough to describe the passion and love Mrs. Wansley has shown all of us as her students. I have never had a teacher quite like her before; she is beyond extraordinary! She’s already taught me so much about not just what’s in her lesson plans, but about the world around me. She’s done that truly for all of us. I know she’s changed so many students lives for the better, just as she’s already done mine. Thank you, Mrs. Wansley!
She’s an amazing teacher and there if you need her. Also very funny you can crack jokes and talk about anything to her
Ms wansley is a great teacher and a very kind and helpful person
"Teachers can change lives with just the right mix of chalk and challenges. – Joyce Meyer
Mrs. Wansley definitely does that by thinking outside of the box as she prepares her students on a daily basis. From her unique lessons and projects to having them read diverse literature that allows them to think, question, and see a world that is different from their own, while teaching them to be compassionate, empathetic, lifelong learners,. She has definitely impacted her students' learning and changed their lives.
I have had the privilege of sitting in Ms. Wansley's classroom as a student and working down the hall way as a fellow teacher. She had such a positive impact on me as a student and now as a teacher. The passion she shows for her subject area and her desire to reach each and every student is inspiring.
To be honest, it is hard for me to find the words to describe everything Ms. Sarah Wansley has been to me. She has been one of the most constant and extraordinary people in my life. I can say with confidence, there is no one more deserving of this beautiful honor.
I want to thank you Ms. Sarah Wansley. Thank you for being my teacher, my colleague, and my dear friend. I hope you know how much you will always mean to me.
My mama’s classroom walls are full of evidence to prove she loves school. She has Star Teacher awards, National Board certificates, teacher of the year recognitions, a handful of degrees, and a pennant from Harvard that she placed there after choosing to celebrate her 40th birthday taking a poetry class from there. There’s also a picture of her teaching her baby brother when she was only five years old. My mamaw tells me that when Mama was a little girl, she didn’t play with dolls and kitchens like other kids. Mama played teacher, and it never ended. Other kids wanted to go to a toy store but Mama begged to go to teacher supply stores. Now that I’m not just her daughter but a student in her class, I see just how much she loves her job. She loves it so much that next year when I graduate from high school, she’ll be graduating with her doctorate at the same time. I’m so proud of her for all her hard work, and I am lucky to have her not only as my AP English teacher but my role model and I know I will always be successful with her support.
Sarah Wansley is the epitome of success when balancing intellectual and emotional development. Her students feel seen and heard when they are in her class and the growth they make academically is substantial. She understands the importance of her higher calling and upholds the highest standards for herself. Words are insufficient to express the amazing impact she has made for South Jones.
Ms. Wansley deserves this recognition for her exceptional job as an English teacher. She brights up our spirits with her smile and constant positive attitude here at South Jones.
I have had the unique opportunity to see Sarah from two sides. I have taught with Sarah for a number of years and her passion for teaching is only outweighed by her passion for her students. Both of my children had the opportunity to sit in Sarah's classroom as students. My oldest was a gifted student who loved school and the challenge that Sarah brought to her English classes. My youngest is a dyslexic athlete who struggles with organization and grammar. Sarah beautifully impacted both their lives and seemlessly taught in a way that they both were highly successful.
Sarah Wansley is not only a fantastic educator, she is an amazing woman! She loves her student's & her colleagues.
Sarah Wansley is amazing! She genuinely loves her students and has a true passion to teach. She is constantly striving to learn and apply new innovative ways of teaching. She is so deserving of this award!
Where many teachers fail to build a personal relationship with their students, Mrs. Wansley exceeds. Like me, many people learn more from people they respect and relate to - People who actively invest in them. Mrs. Wansley very clearly does this with every student she teaches and the effects show. No teacher has ever boosted as many ACT scores, while also having a lasting impact - educational and personal - on every single student. I love you.
Mrs. Wansley is the best English teacher that I’ve ever had. She is very deserving of this award. Without her I would still be lost on everything relating to English.
I am definitely a better student and person since being in Ms. Wansley's class. I have seen so much growth in myself and my peers simply from just experiencing her teaching. I am honored to be able to listen to what she has to say, to learn from her, and I am so honored to be her student.
Before Ms. Wansley was my teacher, fellow students spoke very highly of her. I heard that she was not only a great teacher, but is a very enjoyable person. She jokes around with her students, gives meaningful advice, and is simply a joy to be around. When I became her student, I experienced everything first hand and I can say everything I heard about her was true. She loves her students individually and creates a special bond with them. Throughout my high school career, Ms. Wansley is hands down the best student I've ever had. I appreciate her so much. She gives me the motivation and willingness to succeed in my future career and how to carry myself as a person.
Ms. Wansley truly is a one of a kind teacher. It is clear she cares about her students, not only on a normal teacher-student level but also on a personal level, more than most other teachers. She puts in the necessary time and effort to make herself a better teacher so that she can teach her students the best she possibly can.
Ms. Wansley is the most influential English teacher I’ve ever had. Going to her class makes school bearable, and she helped boost my ACT score a considerable amount. She deserves this award more than anyone, and I’m happy to have been her student!
I have had the pleasure of being one of Mrs. Wansleys students for two years now, and she has easily became on of my most valued teachers. See, Mrs Wansley is not only a phenomenal teacher, but she is also such a strong role model for all her students. Her kindness and care continue to surprise me every day. She teaches her students how to be better people, something that all of us need to be a little better at! She is without a doubt one of the smartest people I know, and never fails to share her knowledge with us. She pours so much learning into us, and it never goes without notice. She is simply the smartest and most caring person I know. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity of having Mrs. Sarah Wansley be my teacher! You deserve it all!!
She truly is the best English teacher I’ve ever had. She always makes sure everyone understands every aspect of the lesson. She’s the best!
Sarah is a difference maker in the lives of her students. She is passionate about teaching them skills they need to achieve the highest levels academically and personally. She’s a wonderful example of what a true educator should be.
Sarah is one of the finest educators I have worked with in 30 years. She is creative, passionate, motivated, and caring. Her students leave her room better than they entered!
Sarah Wansley is a rockstar! Mrs.Wansley builds relationships with her students that last a lifetime. She changes the lives of her students and fellow teachers. She and I have been colleagues for six years and during this time I have become a more creative and effective teacher because Sarah.
Excellence Profound describes Sarah Wansley as one of the best of the best teachers located in the Southern half of Mississippi. Sarah not only teaches in the classroom but outside as well. She has been a pillar of knowledge and direction for my children while enrolled in Jones School District and during their college tenure. Not once have I ever known her to turn away from or avoid any topics that maybe uncomfortable to approach in the classroom setting—while reading books that could be considered CONTROVERSIAL. Kudos to you Sarah—Thank you for challenging the FUTURES MINDS of FUTURE LEADERS.
I cannot think of anyone more deserving than this. You have been such an inspiration to my son, Davis. He has told me multiple of times about new ideas, life lessons etc... that you have taught him. I love and appreciate you so much. Julie Brown
Ms. Wansley has played a huge part into who I am and where I am in life. She is dedicated to not only her job, but also her students. She was often a safe place when school- or life- became overwhelming. Ms. Wansley is the most deserving teacher of the highest recognition.
Lifechanger — I couldn't invent a word that more accurately describes Sarah Wansley. She challenged me to be a better version of myself and push myself further than I knew was possible. On top of that, she helped me through one of the most emotionally challenging periods of my life. I couldn't think of anyone more deserving of this honor.
Ms. Wansley is one of my favorite teachers from my time at South Jones High School. She always goes above and beyond to make sure her students are taken care of, that they understand her teaching, and most importantly, that they know their voice is heard. I had her as a student in the 2019-2020 school year, so not too long ago, but her impact on my life will stay with me forever. Thank you for considering her for this honor.
My daughter has taken classes under Ms. Wansley for a few years now. She doesn’t need anymore English credits, Emily just takes her classes because she absolutely loves learning from Ms. Wansley. Ms. Wansley loves each of her students and teaches in such a way that makes her students love learning. Ms.Wansley is an exceptional role model for students and instills a passion for life long learning and literature into each one. I am certain she has changed more lives than just my daughter’s. There is no better candidate for “life changer of the year”.
Ms. Wansley is the best teacher I have ever had, and I am privileged to have her as my former teacher! Her influence and teaching still impacts me greatly in college. She is the most deserving of this recognition!
I was lucky enough to be taught by Mrs. Wansley twice when I was in high school! She is the best English teacher out there! Kind hearted, quick witted, and wise beyond anyone I know.
Congrats Sarah! This is a very well deserved recognition. I had the pleasure to have her as a teacher for our children and now as a co-worker. I admire the way she teaches and enables her students. It is a gift that she goes above and beyond to share. She is much more than just an English teacher to each of her students. She is their biggest cheerleader. confidant, challenger, and South Jones is blessed to have her as a teacher.
One of the greatest blessings I received was entering Sarah Wansley’s classroom for AP English and Comp. She teaches with true passion and embodies what every teacher should. She has guided so many including myself to be who they are today. I could not be more thankful for someone. If anyone deserves this, it is her.
Congratulations! You are so deserving of this prestigious honor.
Being a teacher in a small rural town is not easy. Sarah is making a difference in her small school every day and makes it look easy! I am giving her my support because not many teachers from Mississippi get the recognition they deserve.
Thank you Ms. Sarah for everything you do!
This does not surprise me at all!! Sarah was raised in a home by a mother identical to her! I am sure Sarah is an inspiration, nurturing and giving all to reach her students and make them feel confident in every way. I am so proud of Sarah!!!! Her level of caring and compassion is 200%
Sarah is an outstanding teacher. She is well deserving of this prestigious honor.
Met her as my teacher in 2002-2003 and I still reach out to her for guidance in 2021.
