The Mississippi Department of Education announced this week the finalists for the 2025 Mississippi Administrator of the Year and the 2025 Mississippi Teacher of the Year. A Brookhaven teacher is included — Tobie Lambert, English and literature teacher at Mississippi School of the Arts.

The Mississippi Administrator of the Year program honors an administrator who demonstrates superior ability to inspire teachers, employs exemplary leadership practices and participates as an active member of the community. The recipient will receive a $5,000 stipend and will share expertise through various presentations, professional development, and activities for the improvement of education in the state.

The Mississippi Teacher of the Year program recognizes exemplary teachers in the state. The award recipient will be asked to share expertise through various presentations, professional development, and activities for the improvement of education. The recipient also will receive a $5,000 stipend and will represent Mississippi in the National Teacher of the Year competition.

The recipients will be announced during a program set for 11 a.m. April 25, at the Jackson Convention Complex in Jackson.

2025 Mississippi Teacher of the Year Finalists

Congressional District 1: Mrs. Lori Warnick, Teacher, Mooreville High School, Lee County School District, Ninth – 12th grades Math

Congressional District 2: Mrs. Kristie Montesi, Teacher, Lockard Elementary School, Sunflower County Consolidated School District, Third-grade All Subjects, Self-Contained

Congressional District 3: Ms. Tobie Lambert, Teacher, Mississippi School of the Arts, 11th and 12th grades English III, AP Literature and Composition, Dual English Composition I and II

Personal Philosophy Snapshot: Lambert believes, “Education is not always about achievement or scores, but it is eternally about growth. How that looks is different for each student. My priorities are to provide a differentiated, flexible approach; exemplify and instill compassion, leadership, and community service; and establish a student-centered, approachable presence that encourages the confidence to question and explore.”

Congressional District 4: Ms. Ashley Barefoot, Teacher, Longleaf Elementary School, Lamar County School District, 4th – 5th grades Gifted Education

2025 Mississippi Administrator of the Year Finalists

Congressional District 1: Zane Thomas, Principal, Houston High School, Chickasaw County School District

Congressional District 2: Dr. Shemeka McClung, Principal, Callaway High School, Jackson Public School District

Congressional District 3: Dr. Marsha Peoples, Principal, East Flora Elementary School, Madison County School District

Congressional District 4: Mrs. Sandra Danzey, Principal, Stone Elementary School, Stone County School District