Laura Stewart is the newest addition to this year’s MSMS English Department faculty, replacing long-time teacher Thomas Easterling.
Stewart was hired this summer after Easterling was promoted to MSMS’s director of academic affairs. After an extensive application process, Stewart was selected over four other candidates.
“I was thrilled and humbled and honored … to be entrusted with guiding these brilliant students,” Stewart said of her hire.
Stewart has a diverse background in education, with experience spanning from New England to Mississippi. After graduating from Mississippi State University with a degree in communication, she completed a teacher training program at the University of Richmond.
Stewart said she was drawn to teaching very early on.
“I realized as soon as I stepped into my first class that [teaching] was what I was supposed to do,” Stewart said. “The foundation I got at the University of Richmond has been useful everywhere I’ve gone.”
Stewart began her career at Columbus High School, an experience she says was necessary to become the teacher she is now.
“It was a good first experience. I learned a lot,” Stewart said. “I feel like if I survived that busy, huge-volume pace, I can handle pretty much whatever situation that’s thrown at me.”
Stewart later taught at Oak Hill Academy in West Point before pursuing her Ph.D. at the University of Alabama.
Executive Director Ginger Tedder said Stewart’s teaching background made her application appealing.
“Ms. Stewart is a seasoned educator with years of experience in teaching at the high school and college levels. The committee knew she would be an asset to the MSMS community,” Tedder said. “All applicants were required to complete a model lesson with a group of students, an interview with a panel of students and an interview with the search committee.”
Tedder said Stewart is a team player who desires to impact her community positively.
“She is innovative and passionate about English and truly cares about her students,” Tedder said. “She looks at things with a growth mindset I know will positively impact MSMS.”
In her brief time at MSMS, Stewart has created good relationships with her students. Junior Jayden Wagner said she is a dedicated caring teacher and appreciates her teaching methods.
“She will work with people to find what is off about their essay, and what they can change about it. She’ll actually explain what’s going on instead of expecting you to know,” Wagner said. “She gives us freedom on how to structure and talk in our essays. It’s more about the content than the format.”
Junior John Broome said he would love to see Stewart involved in extracurricular activities with the student body.
“She’s extremely passionate about English and the arts in general. I know she would be a good addition to English outreach and drama club,” Broome said.
Tedder said she is very grateful Stewart has joined MSMS.
“MSMS is blessed to have Mrs. Stewart as part of our faculty. [She] has quickly found her place, and I know she will continue to grow and inspire students throughout the year,” Tedder said.
