Harris County’s Teacher of the Year graduated from the district and Columbus State

The Harris County School District’s Teacher of the Year is a deeply-rooted product of local education.

Mallory Naugher, a fourth-grade English language arts and social studies teacher at Mulberry Creek Elementary School, was part of the school’s inaugural fifth-grade graduating class in 1999, graduated from Harris County High School, did her student-teaching at Mulberry Creek and graduated from Columbus State University with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction.

“To represent a district full of dedicated and talented educators is an honor I was not expecting but I am so happy and gracious to have received,” Naugher said in the district’s news release. “I grew up in Harris County and I am a product of this school system, which makes this merit even more special. My students, past and present, inspire me to bring my very best to the classroom every day. I strive to provide quality instruction, create an environment where students feel safe, build confidence, and foster a love for lifelong learning.”

All of Naugher’s eight years as a teacher have been at Mulberry Creek, where her leadership roles have included grade-level chairwoman for second grade and fourth grade, yearbook coordinator, school improvement team member and leadership team member.

Among the ways Naugher engages with her students, she uses project-based learning across the curriculum and she gives them slips of paper titled “I Wish My Teacher Knew” so they can share private thoughts with her.

“Ms. Naugher is a team player and dedicated teacher,” Mulberry Creek principal Beverly Weaver said in the news release. “Her creativity and talents have enabled her to modify her classroom so that students feel they can learn best. Her classroom management is done in a way that is firm but consistent and effective. Her students love and respect her.”

Naugher volunteers for extracurricular activities, such as the Sunshine Club, designed to focus on the school’s morale.

Justin Finney, HCSD’s assistant superintendent of business services and technology and former Mulberry Creek principal, said in the news release, “All I can say about Mallory is that we knew she was a gifted teacher when we first saw her teach as a student teacher at MCE. It has been amazing to see her develop as a professional teacher over the years. Her care for students is unmatched. She is respected and revered by students, parents, and colleagues.”

Mark Rice, 706-576-6272, @MarkRiceLE.