FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 30, 2006
Contact: Anika Mitchell Perkins
(662) 329-7124

MUW to host Hall of Master Teachers and institute for first-year educators
   
COLUMBUS, Miss. – Mississippi University for Women will host about 200 educators as part of its Mississippi Hall of Master Teachers induction ceremony and Institute for First-Year Teachers on Friday, Dec. 1.
      
Since 1991, the Mississippi Hall of Master Teacher has recognized and honored outstanding educators for their consistent excellence and long-term dedication to the art of teaching grades K-12.
   
Guy Doud, 1986 National Teacher of the Year and motivational speaker, will be the featured speaker for the luncheon and induction ceremony at 12:15 p.m. in the Pope Banquet Room.
   
Doud’s message deals with those things that are basic about life: love, family, relationships, success and dreaming dreams. He has published five award-winning books, including the best seller, “Molder of Dreams,” along with videos “Teacher of the Year” and “Classroom of the Heart.”
   
He received an honorary doctor of humane letters from Judson College and resides in Baxter, Minn.
      
In conjunction with the ceremony, the Institute for First-Year Teachers, initiated in 1993, will open with registration and a continental breakfast at 8 a.m. in Cochran Hall Ballroom.
   
Dwight Luckett, who currently serves as superintendent of Canton Public Schools, will be the speaker for the opening general session at 8:45 a.m. in Cochran.
   
His career in education in Mississippi includes experiences as a secondary classroom teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal and district level administrator.
   
Luckett is a graduate of Saint Edwards University in Austin, Texas, and Delta State University. In addition to his leadership within the school district, he serves in varying community leadership roles and has provided professional development opportunities for many Mississippi educators.   
   
Members of the Mississippi Hall of Master Teachers, university professors and other respected professionals in the educational community will lead other workshops.
   
The Kelly Gene Cook Sr. Charitable Foundation is sponsoring the entire event.